All Those Who Rise, Fall

a fantasy au of Dabi

[definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist]

So hold tight, I hope you enjoy the show

You can call me Dabi. The name terrorising your useless little papers, warning of some dragon. That’s me.

I sold my heart, used it to help me. Some nice witch or something. Either way, now I am a local arsonist turned dragon shifter.

You should watch for the teeth. I bite. And burn. I’m just a tick away from ruining everything, so don’t bother getting close.

Alright?

If you hear rumours of some stupid little prince fleeing, it wasn’t anybody important. It definitely wasn’t me.

I don’t expect you to cross my path. No one wants to. No one even comes close to trying.

I’ll try not to cause too much trouble when I’m in town if you promise to not turn me in to that stupid family of arrogant pricks.

The nobles, that is.

Couldn’t have wished for a better life, eh?

Navigation

Ooc

Run by @jaskiers-mha-hideout

[harpy-hawk]

For such a distrustful person, you'd think Dabi would be smart enough to keep the windows locked. Sure, it overlooked the street and there was virtually no way of entry barring the front door, or maybe the window just didn't lock. And it was also the middle of the day. Either way, it was the principle of the thing.

Not that he was complaining. It made sneaking in all the more easy. He couldn't see Dabi in the room, so he must have stepped out. Which was a shame, he would have liked to see him so peaceful again. But it was fine, he supposed, he was here to interrupt that peace anyhow. Leaving the window ajar, he turns to observe the room.

The room in itself was almost pitiful. Paint chipping in places, spiderwebs in the corners, the floor no doubt incredibly creaky. The ceiling exposed the rafters and the shoddy shingles. A bucket sat at the end of the bed, which wasn't much of a bed and more like a mattress laid on top a dias. A desk sat infront of the window, a single candle holder and barely a candle left in it sat on it.

He perches himself over the doorway, out of the way unless Dabi chose to look directly up. Talons digging groves into the wood of the rafter, creaking ominously under his weight, but holds fast. After that, he hunkers down and waits.

@definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist

[definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist]

Dabi was hardly one to find himself spending evenings in a room, typically choosing to stay in the forests. Lying low was easy enough there. In the small settlements, it was risky, especially given how his record was.

While it wasn’t obvious to most he came across, his habits tended to bleed into his distrust of settlements. Already, humans feared an elf, especially one who seemed to have trouble following their every movement. Every town Dabi visited coincidentally became set ablaze by a dragon. That sort of thing hardly went unnoticed. He was a bad omen to towns.

At least this one seemed to accept his coin, giving him a few nights of boarding to at least rest in a half-decent bed. A bed he was somewhat excited about returning after stocking up on supplies.

Entering the room, Dabi was less suspicious than he should have been. He simply wanted to lie down, though he knew to at least pack everything he had bought away. His bag was big enough to carry everything, though it did grow tiresome to hold on long days on foot.

[harpy-hawk]

"You know," he drawls, as soon as the door is closed and Dabi infront of him. "you really should lock your windows. You never know who you might be inviting in."

He leans a little forward, hands anchored at his sides where bring red wings sprout, quite a bit longer than his arms, crimson red as the day they'd met. His hair was windswept, but in a weirdly artful way, shadowing molten gold pinpricks, slitted down the middle like an animal's. Lips curved into an amused smile.

[definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist]

The sudden words cause Dabi to whip around. His eyes are wide, and it’s like wisps of flames lick at his iris. His body is tense, ready to pick a fight with whatever being decided to enter his room.

The sight he was greeted with was not one he expected. It was odd to finally see the one who had been so carefully avoiding his gaze, staying hidden amongst the treetops. While he hadn’t fully anticipated to see the bird-brained fool in his very own room, he couldn’t say he was surprised to be followed.

Though, he did believe that he had been rather cautious in his travels.

[harpy-hawk]

Peeking down, leaned a little precariously forward, he tilts his head it's full rotation, truly just a 90° angle, and bares his teeth in a bright grin, fangs flashing in the light.

"Hello, Dabi." He cheeks, like the bird who got the mouse. "Missed me?" He asks, continuing without waiting for a response. "I certainly did! You've been rather busy I see."

[definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist]

“Not in the slightest.” Dabi snarled at the man, not a care for common courtesy. There was no purpose in the matter if Hawks was going to break into his room. While not impenetrable, it was still quite rude.

Where even did he go wrong? It was obvious enough that this man had reasons to track him. Perhaps Dabi should have been more cautious than he typically would be. Hawks had to be someone with a purpose to follow him. What grudges did the man hold?

[harpy-hawk]

"You know, I've been pretty busy myself. Fluttering around, doing this and that. You get it, don't you?" He starts, as if he hadn't spoken at all. Tone casual, unbothered, as if discussing the pleasant weather. He leans against the king post of the rafter, squinting up at the roof. "Anyways, I met a girl. And she told me some interesting things you've been up to."

Looking back down at him, he's no longer smiling. "Do you know what she told me?"

[definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist]

His eyes narrowed. He wanted to act like he had no clue what was being implied. That his crimes belonged to some dragon, not himself. After all, he did commit the crimes as a dragon. It would only be a half lie. “I don’t have a clue what she would have told you.”

He didn’t need to fight back just yet. He had no clue what some girl said about him. Perhaps it was nothing serious. That he had simply stolen some bread from her, and that was why she was going around telling people about him. Or perhaps it was one of the girls who had came onto him, despite his clear and expressed dislike of being flirted with by women.

[harpy-hawk]

"It was the strangest thing really," he says rather theatrically, making a show at tapping at his temple, as if incredibly confounded. "Tell me if any of this sounds familiar. What she tells me is that you've made some new friends since we last saw each other. A strange man donning a monochrome mask."

"My my Dabi you sure have been moving up haven't you?" He titters amusedly. "You've found yourself a mage friend! Just where did you discover this one, I wonder? With such power too."

It would explain the faint scent of magic he'd caught, atleast. Though something didn't quite line up right. Dark magic had the tendency to feel suitably foul and smell fouler. Then again, if it was only simple proximity, he wouldn't be able to sense it regardless. Just because Ms. Aster's captor was a practitioner of the dark arts did not necessarily mean he(?) was incapable of wielding other such magic either.

[definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist]

That didn’t sound accurate. Though, there were hundreds of people who he saw as he traveled. What did the person who gave him his power look like? That was something he didn’t recall. It had been quite some time since he met a mage. There were several people who he met in passing. Occasional meetings to discuss his family, or, rather, his father. People who promised to cause great harm to the evil man who ruled over the elves. All the faces blurred together after the years. It wasn’t like he needed their names.

“I can’t say I am aware of this meeting. I have come across my fair share of odd folk, but I believe I would know if I had befriended someone.” Especially a mage. People with power hardly wanted to befriend someone so destructive. Unless they wanted destruction themselves.

And if they wanted destruction, Dabi would decline. He worked for himself.

[harpy-hawk]

"Oh?" He perks up a little. This was getting increasingly interesting by the second. "Really? No other friendly faces to greet you? Except my own of course."

Tapping a taloned hand against the creaking wood, he tilts his head, slitted eyes meeting his with a strange sort of intensity. Subtly sniffing the air, he leans back against the king post in thought. He was fairly certain it was magic he smelled, but if not from this not-friend stranger to both of them apparently, then where did it come from?

Though it seemed to have lost it's potency some, or perhaps it was being purposefully disguised? Elves were rather known to be particularly magical beings too after all, he thinks to himself, finally spying the pointed ears. Hrm. It was entirely possible that Dabi was lying, of course, or that he was a mage too.

[definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist]

He shook his head. “Not a one. I could hardly say those that decide to chat are friendly.” The few people who chose to hold a conversation were often angry. They were not the type to be classified as friendly.

It was interesting to watch Hawks up close. This was the first time he actually got to see him, rather than fleeting glances as he flew away. The feathers were majestical, though Dabi would never admit that out loud. He wasn’t kind, and he definitely wouldn’t grow fond of a fucking bird. Even with the continued advances. Dabi didn’t even give into the women who often chose to bother him.

His mind was off track. Hawks wasn’t to be trusted, yet Dabi hardly fought the man. It was simply too hard to.

[harpy-hawk]

For such a distrustful person, you'd think Dabi would be smart enough to keep the windows locked. Sure, it overlooked the street and there was virtually no way of entry barring the front door, or maybe the window just didn't lock. And it was also the middle of the day. Either way, it was the principle of the thing.

Not that he was complaining. It made sneaking in all the more easy. He couldn't see Dabi in the room, so he must have stepped out. Which was a shame, he would have liked to see him so peaceful again. But it was fine, he supposed, he was here to interrupt that peace anyhow. Leaving the window ajar, he turns to observe the room.

The room in itself was almost pitiful. Paint chipping in places, spiderwebs in the corners, the floor no doubt incredibly creaky. The ceiling exposed the rafters and the shoddy shingles. A bucket sat at the end of the bed, which wasn't much of a bed and more like a mattress laid on top a dias. A desk sat infront of the window, a single candle holder and barely a candle left in it sat on it.

He perches himself over the doorway, out of the way unless Dabi chose to look directly up. Talons digging groves into the wood of the rafter, creaking ominously under his weight, but holds fast. After that, he hunkers down and waits.

@definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist

[definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist]

Dabi was hardly one to find himself spending evenings in a room, typically choosing to stay in the forests. Lying low was easy enough there. In the small settlements, it was risky, especially given how his record was.

While it wasn’t obvious to most he came across, his habits tended to bleed into his distrust of settlements. Already, humans feared an elf, especially one who seemed to have trouble following their every movement. Every town Dabi visited coincidentally became set ablaze by a dragon. That sort of thing hardly went unnoticed. He was a bad omen to towns.

At least this one seemed to accept his coin, giving him a few nights of boarding to at least rest in a half-decent bed. A bed he was somewhat excited about returning after stocking up on supplies.

Entering the room, Dabi was less suspicious than he should have been. He simply wanted to lie down, though he knew to at least pack everything he had bought away. His bag was big enough to carry everything, though it did grow tiresome to hold on long days on foot.

[harpy-hawk]

"You know," he drawls, as soon as the door is closed and Dabi infront of him. "you really should lock your windows. You never know who you might be inviting in."

He leans a little forward, hands anchored at his sides where bring red wings sprout, quite a bit longer than his arms, crimson red as the day they'd met. His hair was windswept, but in a weirdly artful way, shadowing molten gold pinpricks, slitted down the middle like an animal's. Lips curved into an amused smile.

[definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist]

The sudden words cause Dabi to whip around. His eyes are wide, and it’s like wisps of flames lick at his iris. His body is tense, ready to pick a fight with whatever being decided to enter his room.

The sight he was greeted with was not one he expected. It was odd to finally see the one who had been so carefully avoiding his gaze, staying hidden amongst the treetops. While he hadn’t fully anticipated to see the bird-brained fool in his very own room, he couldn’t say he was surprised to be followed.

Though, he did believe that he had been rather cautious in his travels.

[harpy-hawk]

Peeking down, leaned a little precariously forward, he tilts his head it's full rotation, truly just a 90° angle, and bares his teeth in a bright grin, fangs flashing in the light.

"Hello, Dabi." He cheeks, like the bird who got the mouse. "Missed me?" He asks, continuing without waiting for a response. "I certainly did! You've been rather busy I see."

[definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist]

“Not in the slightest.” Dabi snarled at the man, not a care for common courtesy. There was no purpose in the matter if Hawks was going to break into his room. While not impenetrable, it was still quite rude.

Where even did he go wrong? It was obvious enough that this man had reasons to track him. Perhaps Dabi should have been more cautious than he typically would be. Hawks had to be someone with a purpose to follow him. What grudges did the man hold?

[harpy-hawk]

"You know, I've been pretty busy myself. Fluttering around, doing this and that. You get it, don't you?" He starts, as if he hadn't spoken at all. Tone casual, unbothered, as if discussing the pleasant weather. He leans against the king post of the rafter, squinting up at the roof. "Anyways, I met a girl. And she told me some interesting things you've been up to."

Looking back down at him, he's no longer smiling. "Do you know what she told me?"

[definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist]

His eyes narrowed. He wanted to act like he had no clue what was being implied. That his crimes belonged to some dragon, not himself. After all, he did commit the crimes as a dragon. It would only be a half lie. “I don’t have a clue what she would have told you.”

He didn’t need to fight back just yet. He had no clue what some girl said about him. Perhaps it was nothing serious. That he had simply stolen some bread from her, and that was why she was going around telling people about him. Or perhaps it was one of the girls who had came onto him, despite his clear and expressed dislike of being flirted with by women.

[harpy-hawk]

"It was the strangest thing really," he says rather theatrically, making a show at tapping at his temple, as if incredibly confounded. "Tell me if any of this sounds familiar. What she tells me is that you've made some new friends since we last saw each other. A strange man donning a monochrome mask."

"My my Dabi you sure have been moving up haven't you?" He titters amusedly. "You've found yourself a mage friend! Just where did you discover this one, I wonder? With such power too."

It would explain the faint scent of magic he'd caught, atleast. Though something didn't quite line up right. Dark magic had the tendency to feel suitably foul and smell fouler. Then again, if it was only simple proximity, he wouldn't be able to sense it regardless. Just because Ms. Aster's captor was a practitioner of the dark arts did not necessarily mean he(?) was incapable of wielding other such magic either.

[definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist]

That didn’t sound accurate. Though, there were hundreds of people who he saw as he traveled. What did the person who gave him his power look like? That was something he didn’t recall. It had been quite some time since he met a mage. There were several people who he met in passing. Occasional meetings to discuss his family, or, rather, his father. People who promised to cause great harm to the evil man who ruled over the elves. All the faces blurred together after the years. It wasn’t like he needed their names.

“I can’t say I am aware of this meeting. I have come across my fair share of odd folk, but I believe I would know if I had befriended someone.” Especially a mage. People with power hardly wanted to befriend someone so destructive. Unless they wanted destruction themselves.

And if they wanted destruction, Dabi would decline. He worked for himself.

[harpy-hawk]

For such a distrustful person, you'd think Dabi would be smart enough to keep the windows locked. Sure, it overlooked the street and there was virtually no way of entry barring the front door, or maybe the window just didn't lock. And it was also the middle of the day. Either way, it was the principle of the thing.

Not that he was complaining. It made sneaking in all the more easy. He couldn't see Dabi in the room, so he must have stepped out. Which was a shame, he would have liked to see him so peaceful again. But it was fine, he supposed, he was here to interrupt that peace anyhow. Leaving the window ajar, he turns to observe the room.

The room in itself was almost pitiful. Paint chipping in places, spiderwebs in the corners, the floor no doubt incredibly creaky. The ceiling exposed the rafters and the shoddy shingles. A bucket sat at the end of the bed, which wasn't much of a bed and more like a mattress laid on top a dias. A desk sat infront of the window, a single candle holder and barely a candle left in it sat on it.

He perches himself over the doorway, out of the way unless Dabi chose to look directly up. Talons digging groves into the wood of the rafter, creaking ominously under his weight, but holds fast. After that, he hunkers down and waits.

@definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist

[definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist]

Dabi was hardly one to find himself spending evenings in a room, typically choosing to stay in the forests. Lying low was easy enough there. In the small settlements, it was risky, especially given how his record was.

While it wasn’t obvious to most he came across, his habits tended to bleed into his distrust of settlements. Already, humans feared an elf, especially one who seemed to have trouble following their every movement. Every town Dabi visited coincidentally became set ablaze by a dragon. That sort of thing hardly went unnoticed. He was a bad omen to towns.

At least this one seemed to accept his coin, giving him a few nights of boarding to at least rest in a half-decent bed. A bed he was somewhat excited about returning after stocking up on supplies.

Entering the room, Dabi was less suspicious than he should have been. He simply wanted to lie down, though he knew to at least pack everything he had bought away. His bag was big enough to carry everything, though it did grow tiresome to hold on long days on foot.

[harpy-hawk]

"You know," he drawls, as soon as the door is closed and Dabi infront of him. "you really should lock your windows. You never know who you might be inviting in."

He leans a little forward, hands anchored at his sides where bring red wings sprout, quite a bit longer than his arms, crimson red as the day they'd met. His hair was windswept, but in a weirdly artful way, shadowing molten gold pinpricks, slitted down the middle like an animal's. Lips curved into an amused smile.

[definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist]

The sudden words cause Dabi to whip around. His eyes are wide, and it’s like wisps of flames lick at his iris. His body is tense, ready to pick a fight with whatever being decided to enter his room.

The sight he was greeted with was not one he expected. It was odd to finally see the one who had been so carefully avoiding his gaze, staying hidden amongst the treetops. While he hadn’t fully anticipated to see the bird-brained fool in his very own room, he couldn’t say he was surprised to be followed.

Though, he did believe that he had been rather cautious in his travels.

[harpy-hawk]

Peeking down, leaned a little precariously forward, he tilts his head it's full rotation, truly just a 90° angle, and bares his teeth in a bright grin, fangs flashing in the light.

"Hello, Dabi." He cheeks, like the bird who got the mouse. "Missed me?" He asks, continuing without waiting for a response. "I certainly did! You've been rather busy I see."

[definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist]

“Not in the slightest.” Dabi snarled at the man, not a care for common courtesy. There was no purpose in the matter if Hawks was going to break into his room. While not impenetrable, it was still quite rude.

Where even did he go wrong? It was obvious enough that this man had reasons to track him. Perhaps Dabi should have been more cautious than he typically would be. Hawks had to be someone with a purpose to follow him. What grudges did the man hold?

[harpy-hawk]

"You know, I've been pretty busy myself. Fluttering around, doing this and that. You get it, don't you?" He starts, as if he hadn't spoken at all. Tone casual, unbothered, as if discussing the pleasant weather. He leans against the king post of the rafter, squinting up at the roof. "Anyways, I met a girl. And she told me some interesting things you've been up to."

Looking back down at him, he's no longer smiling. "Do you know what she told me?"

[definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist]

His eyes narrowed. He wanted to act like he had no clue what was being implied. That his crimes belonged to some dragon, not himself. After all, he did commit the crimes as a dragon. It would only be a half lie. “I don’t have a clue what she would have told you.”

He didn’t need to fight back just yet. He had no clue what some girl said about him. Perhaps it was nothing serious. That he had simply stolen some bread from her, and that was why she was going around telling people about him. Or perhaps it was one of the girls who had came onto him, despite his clear and expressed dislike of being flirted with by women.

[harpy-hawk]

For such a distrustful person, you'd think Dabi would be smart enough to keep the windows locked. Sure, it overlooked the street and there was virtually no way of entry barring the front door, or maybe the window just didn't lock. And it was also the middle of the day. Either way, it was the principle of the thing.

Not that he was complaining. It made sneaking in all the more easy. He couldn't see Dabi in the room, so he must have stepped out. Which was a shame, he would have liked to see him so peaceful again. But it was fine, he supposed, he was here to interrupt that peace anyhow. Leaving the window ajar, he turns to observe the room.

The room in itself was almost pitiful. Paint chipping in places, spiderwebs in the corners, the floor no doubt incredibly creaky. The ceiling exposed the rafters and the shoddy shingles. A bucket sat at the end of the bed, which wasn't much of a bed and more like a mattress laid on top a dias. A desk sat infront of the window, a single candle holder and barely a candle left in it sat on it.

He perches himself over the doorway, out of the way unless Dabi chose to look directly up. Talons digging groves into the wood of the rafter, creaking ominously under his weight, but holds fast. After that, he hunkers down and waits.

@definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist

[definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist]

Dabi was hardly one to find himself spending evenings in a room, typically choosing to stay in the forests. Lying low was easy enough there. In the small settlements, it was risky, especially given how his record was.

While it wasn’t obvious to most he came across, his habits tended to bleed into his distrust of settlements. Already, humans feared an elf, especially one who seemed to have trouble following their every movement. Every town Dabi visited coincidentally became set ablaze by a dragon. That sort of thing hardly went unnoticed. He was a bad omen to towns.

At least this one seemed to accept his coin, giving him a few nights of boarding to at least rest in a half-decent bed. A bed he was somewhat excited about returning after stocking up on supplies.

Entering the room, Dabi was less suspicious than he should have been. He simply wanted to lie down, though he knew to at least pack everything he had bought away. His bag was big enough to carry everything, though it did grow tiresome to hold on long days on foot.

[harpy-hawk]

"You know," he drawls, as soon as the door is closed and Dabi infront of him. "you really should lock your windows. You never know who you might be inviting in."

He leans a little forward, hands anchored at his sides where bring red wings sprout, quite a bit longer than his arms, crimson red as the day they'd met. His hair was windswept, but in a weirdly artful way, shadowing molten gold pinpricks, slitted down the middle like an animal's. Lips curved into an amused smile.

[definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist]

The sudden words cause Dabi to whip around. His eyes are wide, and it’s like wisps of flames lick at his iris. His body is tense, ready to pick a fight with whatever being decided to enter his room.

The sight he was greeted with was not one he expected. It was odd to finally see the one who had been so carefully avoiding his gaze, staying hidden amongst the treetops. While he hadn’t fully anticipated to see the bird-brained fool in his very own room, he couldn’t say he was surprised to be followed.

Though, he did believe that he had been rather cautious in his travels.

[harpy-hawk]

Peeking down, leaned a little precariously forward, he tilts his head it's full rotation, truly just a 90° angle, and bares his teeth in a bright grin, fangs flashing in the light.

"Hello, Dabi." He cheeks, like the bird who got the mouse. "Missed me?" He asks, continuing without waiting for a response. "I certainly did! You've been rather busy I see."

[definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist]

“Not in the slightest.” Dabi snarled at the man, not a care for common courtesy. There was no purpose in the matter if Hawks was going to break into his room. While not impenetrable, it was still quite rude.

Where even did he go wrong? It was obvious enough that this man had reasons to track him. Perhaps Dabi should have been more cautious than he typically would be. Hawks had to be someone with a purpose to follow him. What grudges did the man hold?

[harpy-hawk]

For such a distrustful person, you'd think Dabi would be smart enough to keep the windows locked. Sure, it overlooked the street and there was virtually no way of entry barring the front door, or maybe the window just didn't lock. And it was also the middle of the day. Either way, it was the principle of the thing.

Not that he was complaining. It made sneaking in all the more easy. He couldn't see Dabi in the room, so he must have stepped out. Which was a shame, he would have liked to see him so peaceful again. But it was fine, he supposed, he was here to interrupt that peace anyhow. Leaving the window ajar, he turns to observe the room.

The room in itself was almost pitiful. Paint chipping in places, spiderwebs in the corners, the floor no doubt incredibly creaky. The ceiling exposed the rafters and the shoddy shingles. A bucket sat at the end of the bed, which wasn't much of a bed and more like a mattress laid on top a dias. A desk sat infront of the window, a single candle holder and barely a candle left in it sat on it.

He perches himself over the doorway, out of the way unless Dabi chose to look directly up. Talons digging groves into the wood of the rafter, creaking ominously under his weight, but holds fast. After that, he hunkers down and waits.

@definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist

[definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist]

Dabi was hardly one to find himself spending evenings in a room, typically choosing to stay in the forests. Lying low was easy enough there. In the small settlements, it was risky, especially given how his record was.

While it wasn’t obvious to most he came across, his habits tended to bleed into his distrust of settlements. Already, humans feared an elf, especially one who seemed to have trouble following their every movement. Every town Dabi visited coincidentally became set ablaze by a dragon. That sort of thing hardly went unnoticed. He was a bad omen to towns.

At least this one seemed to accept his coin, giving him a few nights of boarding to at least rest in a half-decent bed. A bed he was somewhat excited about returning after stocking up on supplies.

Entering the room, Dabi was less suspicious than he should have been. He simply wanted to lie down, though he knew to at least pack everything he had bought away. His bag was big enough to carry everything, though it did grow tiresome to hold on long days on foot.

[harpy-hawk]

"You know," he drawls, as soon as the door is closed and Dabi infront of him. "you really should lock your windows. You never know who you might be inviting in."

He leans a little forward, hands anchored at his sides where bring red wings sprout, quite a bit longer than his arms, crimson red as the day they'd met. His hair was windswept, but in a weirdly artful way, shadowing molten gold pinpricks, slitted down the middle like an animal's. Lips curved into an amused smile.

[definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist]

The sudden words cause Dabi to whip around. His eyes are wide, and it’s like wisps of flames lick at his iris. His body is tense, ready to pick a fight with whatever being decided to enter his room.

The sight he was greeted with was not one he expected. It was odd to finally see the one who had been so carefully avoiding his gaze, staying hidden amongst the treetops. While he hadn’t fully anticipated to see the bird-brained fool in his very own room, he couldn’t say he was surprised to be followed.

Though, he did believe that he had been rather cautious in his travels.

[harpy-hawk]

For such a distrustful person, you'd think Dabi would be smart enough to keep the windows locked. Sure, it overlooked the street and there was virtually no way of entry barring the front door, or maybe the window just didn't lock. And it was also the middle of the day. Either way, it was the principle of the thing.

Not that he was complaining. It made sneaking in all the more easy. He couldn't see Dabi in the room, so he must have stepped out. Which was a shame, he would have liked to see him so peaceful again. But it was fine, he supposed, he was here to interrupt that peace anyhow. Leaving the window ajar, he turns to observe the room.

The room in itself was almost pitiful. Paint chipping in places, spiderwebs in the corners, the floor no doubt incredibly creaky. The ceiling exposed the rafters and the shoddy shingles. A bucket sat at the end of the bed, which wasn't much of a bed and more like a mattress laid on top a dias. A desk sat infront of the window, a single candle holder and barely a candle left in it sat on it.

He perches himself over the doorway, out of the way unless Dabi chose to look directly up. Talons digging groves into the wood of the rafter, creaking ominously under his weight, but holds fast. After that, he hunkers down and waits.

@definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist

[definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist]

Dabi was hardly one to find himself spending evenings in a room, typically choosing to stay in the forests. Lying low was easy enough there. In the small settlements, it was risky, especially given how his record was.

While it wasn’t obvious to most he came across, his habits tended to bleed into his distrust of settlements. Already, humans feared an elf, especially one who seemed to have trouble following their every movement. Every town Dabi visited coincidentally became set ablaze by a dragon. That sort of thing hardly went unnoticed. He was a bad omen to towns.

At least this one seemed to accept his coin, giving him a few nights of boarding to at least rest in a half-decent bed. A bed he was somewhat excited about returning after stocking up on supplies.

Entering the room, Dabi was less suspicious than he should have been. He simply wanted to lie down, though he knew to at least pack everything he had bought away. His bag was big enough to carry everything, though it did grow tiresome to hold on long days on foot.

[definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist]

🧨

Any mention of my fucking family. People don't get to ask about them, and I don't want to think about them.

I am as dead to them as they are dead to me.

[felimemesandthings-deactivated2]

✨ SEND A SYMBOL — MUSE EDITION ✨ Ask my muse anything, or throw them into emotional chaos. You know, for fun.

🕯️ – What’s a memory you wish you could forget, and why? 🥀 – Who’s someone you miss but would never admit it to? 🎯 – What’s something you want badly but don’t think you deserve? 🔗 – If you had to be stuck with one person forever, who would you pick? 🕳️ – What lie do you tell so often, it’s basically your personality now? ⚰️ – Who would you kill for without hesitation? 🫂 – What’s one thing you’ve never told your closest friend? 🎁 – What do you actually want people to give you, instead of what they think you want? 🧨 – What’s something that will instantly make you snap, no matter how calm you pretend to be? ⛓️ – What’s your most toxic trait and how do you justify it?

[mythshire]

˚₊‧⁺˙  𝐀𝐋𝐌𝐎𝐒𝐓 𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐒 ˙⁺‧₊˚ ··· a collection of right person wrong time, parallel lives, missed connections, sliding doors & almosts roleplay sentence starters. genre: longing, bittersweet, what-ifs, tender heartbreak.

• I keep thinking about what would've happened if I'd stayed. • You're here. You're actually here, and I don't know what to do with that. • I saw you across the room and my heart did that thing it used to do. • We're both different people now, aren't we? • I think about you more than I should. More than is probably healthy. • What if I told you I've never stopped wondering about us? • I heard you're doing well. I'm glad. I mean that. • Do you ever think about what we could have been? • I'm in town for the weekend. Coffee? Or is that a terrible idea? • Five years later and you still take my breath away. • I kept your number. Never had the courage to use it until now. • You look exactly the same. That's not fair. • I have a whole life now, but there's still this you-shaped space in it. • We were so close to something real, weren't we? • I thought I was over this. Over you. I was wrong. • Tell me you feel it too. This... whatever this is between us. • I'm engaged now. I thought you should hear it from me. • Why does this feel like a second chance we don't deserve? • I wanted to reach out so many times. I just never knew what to say. • You were always the one that got away. • I see glimpses of the person I used to be when I'm around you. • We had terrible timing, didn't we? • I'm not sure if running into you is fate or just cruel. • I dreamed about you last night. We were happy. • You have a life here. I have a life somewhere else. That's just how it is. • I should've fought harder for us back then. • Do you think there's a universe where we got it right? • I almost called you a thousand times. • You deserved better than the version of me you got. • I can't tell if seeing you again is closure or just reopening the wound. • We were kids. We didn't know what we had. • I followed your career. I'm so proud of you. • It's funny how some people never really leave you, even when they're gone. • I wish I could say this doesn't hurt. • We would've destroyed each other back then. You know that, right? • I loved you. Past tense. I need you to know that. • There's someone else now, isn't there? • I can see your whole life written on your face, and I'm not in it. • We're standing in the same place where it all started falling apart. • I think I needed to lose you to become who I am now. • Maybe in another life, we get our timing right. • I hate that I still know how you take your coffee. • You were my almost. My what-if. My biggest regret. • We're strangers now with a history no one else would understand. • I spent so long trying to find you in other people. • This feels like a goodbye we never got to say properly. • I hope you're happy. God, I hope you're so happy. • We were right for each other at the wrong time, and that's the tragedy of it. • I need you to tell me you don't feel this anymore so I can let go. • We're both here, right now, and I don't know if that means something or nothing.

[mythshire]

°✧*:·゚  𝐒𝐂𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐀𝐋 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐒𝐎𝐂𝐈𝐄𝐓𝐘 ··· a collection of regency drama, forbidden desire, reputation & ruin, propriety abandoned sentence starters. genre: historical romance, angst, scandal, duty versus heart.

You've been seen. We've been seen. Do you understand what that means?

I cannot marry you. My father has already promised me to someone else.

The ton is calling you ruined. What were you thinking, being alone with them?

You dance beautifully. Pity this will be the only waltz society allows us.

I saw you in the garden with Lord/Lady [Name]. Does your betrothed know?

Take off your gloves. Let me see your hands properly, just once.

The wedding banns have already been read. It's too late to change your mind now.

You've been compromised. I'm afraid I must insist on doing the honorable thing.

Mama says I'm not to speak with you anymore. She says you're a rake/ruined.

How dare you show your face here after what you did to my family's name.

I received your letter. I burned it, as I should have burned all the others.

The Queen has struck you from her list. You'll never receive a royal invitation again.

You think a country dance means I've forgiven you? How naive.

I don't care what the marriage contract says. I will never share your bed.

Your reputation precedes you. They say you've left a trail of broken hearts.

I saw the way you looked at them during the musicale. You're not as subtle as you think.

My dowry has been withdrawn. I bring nothing to this marriage now but scandal.

You were supposed to be my friend. Instead, you told everyone my secret.

The modiste sent your measurements to the wrong household. The entire club is laughing.

I cannot be seen arriving with you. Meet me by the rose garden in one hour.

Your brother challenged mine to a duel. Over me. What have we done?

I am with child. Unmarried. Do you comprehend the gravity of this?

They're calling me a fortune hunter in the scandal sheets.

You must marry someone suitable. I am neither titled nor wealthy enough for your family.

I heard the whispers. They think we're having an affair.

The settlement papers are drawn. Sign them and this farce of a betrothal ends.

You've had three seasons and not one acceptable proposal. Mama is beside herself.

I saw you leaving the library together. Was the door locked?

Your name is attached to mine in today's Whistledown. We're ruined.

I don't love you. I don't even particularly like you. But I need your name.

The Duke/Duchess has withdrawn their support of your debut. You're finished.

You kissed me in front of the entire garden party. What were you thinking?

I will not be your mistress, no matter how persuasive your arguments.

My chaperone fell asleep. We have perhaps ten minutes before she wakes.

You've been courting my sister while writing me poetry. Which of us do you actually want?

The marriage mart is closed to you now. No respectable family will receive you.

I found your love letters. Hidden in a book of sermons, of all places.

You're engaged to be married in a fortnight. Why are you in my chambers?

The scandal has reached the Queen. She's demanding an audience.

I cannot give you an heir. The physician confirmed it this morning.

Your gambling debts have bankrupted the estate. We've lost everything.

I saw you at that club. The one respectable gentlemen/ladies don't speak of.

You must choose—your family's approval or your heart's desire.

The wedding is tomorrow. Tell me now if you're going to flee.

I heard you refused three proposals this season. Are you waiting for someone?

Your mourning period isn't even over and already you're entertaining suitors.

The settlement requires an heir within two years. That's all this marriage is.

I found the annulment papers in your desk. You've been planning this all along.

They're saying you bought your title. That your wealth comes from trade.

I will not be paraded around ballrooms like a prized mare at auction.

[mythshire]

°✧*:·゚  𝐒𝐂𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐀𝐋 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐒𝐎𝐂𝐈𝐄𝐓𝐘 ··· a collection of regency drama, forbidden desire, reputation & ruin, propriety abandoned sentence starters. genre: historical romance, angst, scandal, duty versus heart.

You've been seen. We've been seen. Do you understand what that means?

I cannot marry you. My father has already promised me to someone else.

The ton is calling you ruined. What were you thinking, being alone with them?

You dance beautifully. Pity this will be the only waltz society allows us.

I saw you in the garden with Lord/Lady [Name]. Does your betrothed know?

Take off your gloves. Let me see your hands properly, just once.

The wedding banns have already been read. It's too late to change your mind now.

You've been compromised. I'm afraid I must insist on doing the honorable thing.

Mama says I'm not to speak with you anymore. She says you're a rake/ruined.

How dare you show your face here after what you did to my family's name.

I received your letter. I burned it, as I should have burned all the others.

The Queen has struck you from her list. You'll never receive a royal invitation again.

You think a country dance means I've forgiven you? How naive.

I don't care what the marriage contract says. I will never share your bed.

Your reputation precedes you. They say you've left a trail of broken hearts.

I saw the way you looked at them during the musicale. You're not as subtle as you think.

My dowry has been withdrawn. I bring nothing to this marriage now but scandal.

You were supposed to be my friend. Instead, you told everyone my secret.

The modiste sent your measurements to the wrong household. The entire club is laughing.

I cannot be seen arriving with you. Meet me by the rose garden in one hour.

Your brother challenged mine to a duel. Over me. What have we done?

I am with child. Unmarried. Do you comprehend the gravity of this?

They're calling me a fortune hunter in the scandal sheets.

You must marry someone suitable. I am neither titled nor wealthy enough for your family.

I heard the whispers. They think we're having an affair.

The settlement papers are drawn. Sign them and this farce of a betrothal ends.

You've had three seasons and not one acceptable proposal. Mama is beside herself.

I saw you leaving the library together. Was the door locked?

Your name is attached to mine in today's Whistledown. We're ruined.

I don't love you. I don't even particularly like you. But I need your name.

The Duke/Duchess has withdrawn their support of your debut. You're finished.

You kissed me in front of the entire garden party. What were you thinking?

I will not be your mistress, no matter how persuasive your arguments.

My chaperone fell asleep. We have perhaps ten minutes before she wakes.

You've been courting my sister while writing me poetry. Which of us do you actually want?

The marriage mart is closed to you now. No respectable family will receive you.

I found your love letters. Hidden in a book of sermons, of all places.

You're engaged to be married in a fortnight. Why are you in my chambers?

The scandal has reached the Queen. She's demanding an audience.

I cannot give you an heir. The physician confirmed it this morning.

Your gambling debts have bankrupted the estate. We've lost everything.

I saw you at that club. The one respectable gentlemen/ladies don't speak of.

You must choose—your family's approval or your heart's desire.

The wedding is tomorrow. Tell me now if you're going to flee.

I heard you refused three proposals this season. Are you waiting for someone?

Your mourning period isn't even over and already you're entertaining suitors.

The settlement requires an heir within two years. That's all this marriage is.

I found the annulment papers in your desk. You've been planning this all along.

They're saying you bought your title. That your wealth comes from trade.

I will not be paraded around ballrooms like a prized mare at auction.

[definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist]

Camp after camp slowly burned, with rumours of the dragon travelling further. Many thought the problem would be contained, with the dragon previously being heavily monitored. But the forests provided cover for travel, and that meant Dabi was left virtually unmonitored.

He let himself freely shift between forms, primarily sticking to being a dragon due to simplicity, and being able to travel much further. In his sleep, he shifted back, letting his body take up much less room. It was easier to hide.

That just happened to be what he was doing, taking a much longer nap than normal, hoping to regain his energy.

[harpy-hawk]

Once again, posted up high above, though admittedly not quite so high as last time, he spies with his sharp eyes a familiar shock of white among the greenery.

For someone as secretive as Dabi, you'd think he'd put more stock in not being found. It was remarkably easy, if he was being honest with himself. He should really invest in some sort of disguise. Not that it would help him invade Hawks for long, but it was the principle of the matter.

The rumours had reached him fast, of course it did, it always did. Not so quiet whispers of rancid smoke and hypnotic fire. He thinks he would not have known who to look for had he not lingered that day and seen the camp go ablaze himself. He could admit in the privacy of his own mind that there was something utterly bewitching about the dancing blaze and the man that caused it.

Settling on the branch, he crosses his taloned feet in an approximation of the way he has seen some courtiers do, and plucks an acorn from nearby and gently flicks it at his head.

[definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist]

Gentle rest was disrupted by a not-so-gentle projectile, leaving Dabi to startle upright, immediately on edge. Due to his habits of committing arson, he had his fair share of unwelcome awakenings, and he preferred getting odd meetings done on his terms. Those terms just so happened to mean that the man had to get up as quick as he could in order to bargain with the one who woke him up.

The shifter was surprised to not be met with any angry faces by his, and the short surveying he did showed him that he wasn’t immediately being stalked. It was always a possibility that there would be someone else, but they were likely hidden which would allow them to simply make it past his initial glance around the forest.

Given the fact that he saw no one, he spent a moment to get comfortable again. He was missing out on some precious sleep, and it was quite possible it was someone who didn’t even exist.

[harpy-hawk]

Briefly he considers the merits of simply letting him go back to sleep. It certainly looked like he needed it. He certainly wouldn't protest to more time to observe the enigma that was Dabi. Logically, it was the smarter option. Impulsively, he would rather be a thorn in the man's side instead.

"Up here!" He whistles cheekily from above, manipulating a feather to tickle at his temple. Steepling his fingers together, resting his chin on top, tilting it just so. "Good morrow, Dabi! Your sleep was restful, I gather?"

[definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist]

That voice. Dabi recognised that voice. So, it seemed his run-in with his feathered friend wasn’t his last, and that said individual decided to disrupt his sleep.“My sleep would have been more restful had you not interrupted it.”

The lack of use from his sleep lead to his voice coming out low. Groggy. Typically, he had time to wake before he was met with company, if he even had company. On days he travelled alone, he was the only one who would have to deal with his voice, leaving him to softly talk to himself until he was awake enough to function.

[harpy-hawk]

Admittedly, he has to strain a little to hear him properly. He thinks to himself it sounds rather gravelly. The low tenor a pleasant hum to his ears.

He doesn't quite recall a time he has heard the tired quality that he knows comes with early wakings, outside of himself. It was quite... nice. He never really bothered to stay around long enough during his rare nights of indulgences, always quick to steal away.

"Love what you did with the camps." He says instead, fishing a charred piece of cloth from his pocket- part of a tent, from the feel of it when he drops the bundled ball into Dabi's lap. "Quite the pilgrimage."

[definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist]

The cloth that landed in his lap surprised Dabi, given the fact that he was positive he wasn’t being tracked. If this birdbrain was following him, he likely had more issues coming his way.

He glared at the cloth, picking it up gently between his fingers to inspect it. “I’m not sure I know what you are trying to imply.” It was best to be cautious, in case this individual was going to do something about the fact that he had burned down quite the large number of camps.

The arsonist let his gaze linger up to the trees, watching where he heard the voice last time. For what it was worth, the person seemed to be closer this time. It wasn’t like he was hiding that much this time.

[harpy-hawk]

"It is like I said; you can find anything in these woods." He says, swirling a few feathers together mid air in a showy display, toying with a primary in his hands idly. "Burning it down only limits their places to hide. Rounds them up. Is that what you're doing, Dabi? Looking to make some new friends?"

Or perhaps to scope out the competition.

Rumours run rampant, after all. "A little birdie told me a dragon has been sighted around these parts. Are you hunting, Dabi?"

[definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist]

Well, it seemed that the trees must have had ears, or that there were eyes in the sky. Despite his best efforts to stay hidden, he was watched. That, unfortunately, meant his identity was likely compromised.

He glared up into the trees at the accusation, but otherwise let it slip. There was a far more pressing accusation to avoid. “Hunting the dragon?” If he pressed his own questions, maybe he’d get out of this predicament. All he needed to do was not mess up.

[harpy-hawk]

Silence follows his question for a long moment. Not a rustle of trees nor the flutter of feathers, aside from the ones drifting down idly like snowfall.

Finally, he speaks up again. "You look like a sharp guy, Dabi. What do you think?"

[definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist]

The silence left Dabi stunned, completely unexpected of the one who had decided to continue to hide in the trees. The feathered individual seemed to like talking, after all.

“I’m not hunting the dragon.” That was at least true. It was easier to be at least slightly honest on the situation rather than to lie outright. Having less room for error was always preferable for keeping his stories straight, or as straight as he could.

[harpy-hawk]

Even a deaf man could hear the grin in his voice. "You're an interesting man, Dabi." He all but trills, before allowing the persisting silence to lapse, filled only with the sounds of the forest. Seemingly content with the answers he's received.

Besides, a hunt was no fun when it ended quickly. He'd rather have to work for his rewards. It was always far more gratifying.

[definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist]

“So I’ve been told.” The pause he took was more so to get a grasp on what he wanted to say. There was still much room for him to potentially reveal things, and the more he interacted with Hawks, the more he realised was likely being hidden from him. “You are an interesting being yourself.”

Something about the one who had been watching him intrigued Dabi. He wanted to know more of what secrets he was likely hiding. No one purposely stalked after the arsonist unless there was some motive.

[harpy-hawk]

He barks out a laugh, loud and sudden. Weirdly amused.

"So I've been told." He parrots right back. That too was true enough. Courtiers tended to find his appearance.. exotic, before he begins the familiar song and dance of charming them into submission on the Commission's behalf.

"I can hear you thinking. Curious?" He prompts. He could practically feel the searching gaze scanning the trees.

[definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist]

“Yes. Quite so, actually. It is rare to encounter someone in these woods, nonetheless the same one twice.” The question was implied enough. Dabi wanted to know why the two had rin into each other more than once. It had to be more than mere coincidence.

It was quite possible that Dabi’s parents were sending out parties to search once more. Even if they liked to denounce the runaway prince, he knew well enough that they liked to try to find him. It just happened to be hard to after he had met the witch. He didn’t look the same, and they no longer were sure what they were looking for.

Whatever they were searching for, Dabi had grown out of the box of details they had.

[harpy-hawk]

He titters amusedly, tilting his head to the side, digesting the question. The slight dig was clear enough, but it's not like he planned on giving an answer that was in anyway useful regardless.

"Why, don't you believe in fate, Dabi?" He simpers, picking at the bark under his fingertips. "Perhaps it was simply luck, that I was lead right back to you."

He considers simply telling him the trail of smoke and ash was a dead giveaway to his location anyhow but decides against it. Like he said, Dabi was a smart man. He could figure out what hangs silently in the air. It wasn't like he had originally planned on following him. It just.. happened. it was hardly his fault the man left such an obvious trail of breadcrumbs to follow.

[definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist]

He scoffed. This wasn’t a case of fate. Most cases weren’t. It was obvious enough that Dabi was getting watched, oddly closely. Very few people would interact with him while they themselves remain neatly tucked in the trees.

“Fate doesn’t lead to meetings in peculiar places.” If it were up to fate, this meeting of sorts was likely of someone Dabi should be wary of. And while he much preferred to not have to be concerned of the circumstances of things, Hawks’s secretive habits made him all the more vigilant.

[harpy-hawk]

Such a cynic. He thinks amusedly. Though he supposed it was fair. Had it actually been fate, perhaps he'd be offended. As it is, he remains merely entertained. Not many dare to challenge his word, especially knowing what he represents.

Then again, he didn't know, did he? This spark of a man knew not even a name to refer to him by. It was oddly exhilarating. To be considered such a mysterious entity when all he's ever known is worldwide renown.

"Doesn't it?" He twitters. "See, Dabi, I think it is quite the contrary. I have only known fate to provide peculiar encounters in peculiar places. It has quite the funny sense of humour, if I do say so myself."

[definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist]

“Well, the fate I know tends to enjoy messing with me, and this does not seem like a moment where it is doing that.” Fate had a strange habit of putting people in the right spots, though the more he thought on it, the more likely it appeared that it could be fate.

His angle from the ground, as he was growing to realise, was inhibiting him from getting a better view into the trees. Getting up likely wouldn’t help him see the one who was hiding in the trees, however. The man was still much higher in the trees. At a maximum, he would make out a vague shape and some colours.

[harpy-hawk]

"Hm. Don't you find it strange, so utterly fascinating, that even the smallest difference in upbringing can change a person's perspective so radically?" He asks suddenly, sounding almost as if he was talking to himself. Though his voice carried down all the same. "I have met people who simply don't believe in fate at all! Not gods, not the fae, nothing. How silly."

He snickers a light laugh. "What a terribly boring life they must lead."

[definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist]

“You know nothing of my upbringing. That hell did not impact my thoughts on fate.” It was a lie. When he used to live with his family, he had grown to believe fate as a cruel joke. Something that only gave the worst.

His family taught him fate was all there was in life. That fate was both cruel and loving. As the now-arsonist grew into the household, he grew more and more aware that, if fate were to be loving, surely it would have been to him.

[harpy-hawk]

He makes an amused noise, somewhat entertained by his wording, noting it quietly and filling it away with the rest of the information he has on Dabi.

"I know it is hell, now." He cheeks.

"Is that why you burn?" He asks suddenly, as if the thought had only just occurred to him. "To recreate hell for those unfamiliar with the fire?"

[definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist]

He glowered up at Hawks, not exactly liking the comparison. The more the two talked, the more Dabi was revealing, and the more Hawks seemed to know. Everything about the person hiding in the trees was trying to click into place in his mind.

“I do not burn.” It was still best to feign ignorance on the subject of his burnings, lest Hawks decide to capture him to turn him in. He was sure there was a good bounty on him.

[harpy-hawk]

"Oh I'm sorry," he says in mock-apology. "I'd have thought you a man who took pride in his work."

It was somewhat admirable, Dabi's commitment to his story, despite likely knowing Hawks would find him out in the end. It was almost enough to make him doubt his own conclusions.

Flashes of the blue blaze flashed through his mind, and he finds the doubts dispelled. Briefly he wonders if Dabi would indulge him a show if he asked nicely.

[definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist]

“I have no work to take pride in. I don’t fucking burn.” Being this defensive on the matter was surely getting him nowhere, but he didn’t want to deal with having to change his identity. This one was already one he was comfortable with.

He took a breath, trying to calm himself. He needed to keep himself steady. If he got too upset, whatever control he had on staying unshifted might break.

Hawks didn’t know anything, but if Dabi kept being so adamant about how he didn’t burn, his feathered friend would start to grow suspicious. Typically, people who had nothing to worry about wouldn’t be so snippy on a matter such as this.

[harpy-hawk]

"Tsk, did I hit a sore?" He questions slowly. Had Dabi been able to see him, he'd have seen the way his eyes sharpened and expression darkened. "My sincerest apologies, Dabi. I meant no harm. Just curious, is all." He says humbly, sounding atleast vaguely apologetic.

He had only meant the camps, but it was noteworthy that the man would take it such to heart on a little (albeit easily misconstrued) question.

[definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist]

He let himself take a few breaths, breathing deeply. He shouldn’t have snapped so easily, and it was obvious that the damn fathered one hiding in the trees had noticed the quick change.

“You’re fine.” It wasn’t really fine, all things considered. The questions had grown to be a small annoyance, simply due to how much Dabi was revealing that he hadn’t meant to reveal. The man was supposed to keep things secret, but the one who was watching from high up was good at getting him to talk.

It was frustrating.

[harpy-hawk]

It was almost strange. The upset in Dabi's tone made something unpleasant churn in his stomach like bad meat. A distantly familiar sensation he's long forgotten the name of.

To the surprise of even himself, he finds himself offering: "you may ask me a question in return, if you wish."

[definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist]

It was odd, that this person was willing to answer one of Dabi’s questions, simply because the man had grown upset over the matter. Very few would willingly do so, as the world had become unforgiving of those who answered too many questions.

He pondered for a moment, silently debating what to ask. Having a name to go to the figure would be nice, but so would knowing what the man looked like. It was unlikely he would get an answer as to why the other was here, so he went with asking “What do they call you?”

[harpy-hawk]

Huh. "Not going to dig a little deeper?" He prods curiously. He certainly would have. Then again, perhaps Dabi has grown aware of his trickier tendencies. A name is a rather simple request on the surface, difficult to run rings around. "People know me as The Hawk." He says, simply because it is true. It was his title when introduced to representatives, but he found it to be rather lacking for the situation. "But you, you may call me Hawks."

No truer than the title he had offered, he was no fool. He would not have his name stolen from him again, but it was the closest he had to one. And admittedly, he'd become rather attached to this one. It was the truest answer he could offer.

[definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist]

“Hawks.” He tested the name, or whatever it was. He was going to need to remember the name. And the title. If Dabi were to find somewhere he would be able to investigate the name, he was sure he would be able to find out who this person was.

“I don’t believe digging deeper would be of any use. You don’t seem like one who would enjoy revealing secrets to me.” He had hidden in the trees for all of their interactions. If he had been willing to reveal as much, he’d at least come down.

[harpy-hawk]

"There we go." He says, sounding much too pleased with himself. "Now you can't call us strangers."

"Clever, clever." He acknowledges, relatively true. "Perhaps not my secrets, but I could be swayed to divulge others."

[definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist]

Dabi wouldn’t consider it clever. Most did not enjoy revealing things about themselves. The fact that Hawks was unwilling to do so made all too much sense. Anyone would be able to figure that much out.

“I’m curious as to what secrets you could reveal about others.” He knew he likely wouldn’t get another answer out of Hawks, so he didn’t bother framing it as a question.

[harpy-hawk]

"It's all about asking the right questions and knowing who to ask, Dabi. Ask the right questions, find the right person, and you will find most doors suddenly very open to you." He tells him vaguely, fangs peeking out in a grin that could only loosely be called such. "No secrets remains a secret when you know where to look."

And I know all the places to look. He doesn't need to say. Nowhere to hide.

[definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist]

“I suppose that is fair. Enough reading will also lead you to the places you want to find answers from.” It took him all too long to realise that revealing how he could read would likely be considered something of considerable importance. If he played it off, he hoped Hawks wouldn’t look into the matter.

It never really crossed his mind to be secret about it, as that was simply the way he found himself with the witch. A little reading took him out of the grasp of the royals and traveling along the road.

[harpy-hawk]

He blinks. "You can read?" He asks, genuinely surprised.

The literacy rate of the world was slowly improving, but most were still unable to sign their own names let alone read. Most could not afford lessons. So, Dabi was likely of noble descent then. Interesting.

He himself could read well enough, as was expected of a man of the courts. Writing was however, a different problem entirely. As it turns out, talons were not quite very conducive with common writing instruments. The Commission had found it an acceptable avenue to neglect, as to discourage potential paper trails. Which was why he had sprites do the writing for him, should there be a need for penning letters, save for his signature.

[definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist]

Of course Hawks caught onto the one slip up. Dabi couldn’t help but silently curse at his idiocy. Maybe the witch would be able to help him change his identity again.

“I was a curious child.” It was the best explanation he had as to why he could read. For what it was worth, that much was a true statement. He wanted to read, and started pushing himself to learn much quicker than was anticipated of him. It was one of the things he excelled in that his parents stayed proud of him for, even after the birth of his siblings.

[harpy-hawk]

"Hm," is all he says for a long moment, as if grasping for words that would not bloom on his tongue. An odd loss for words he hasn't felt in a decade. "I find you are a rather curious man, too." He settles on eventually.

Curious, curious man indeed, it seems. A man of noble descent, running around dangerous forests burning down innocent settlements for no knowable reason he has found thus far. Potentially with the company of a dragon (or perhaps...?).

[definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist]

“Not at all. I’m simply a man now.” There was nothing too curious about him, at least nothing he’d like Hawks to know. He already knew too much. The more he narrowed down about Dabi’s past, the easier it’d be to narrow down exactly who Dabi is. And if Hawks learned that much, he very well could go to the royals and inform them of what their son had been up to.

Dabi would rather not have that happened, so he was going to watch his words now.

[harpy-hawk]

"No." He corrects simply, as if the very thought was preposterous, impossible even. "Perhaps to yourself. Introspection can be quite hard, so I've heard."

He pauses briefly, for dramatic effect if nothing else. "But from the outside looking in; you are quite the bright sapphire to my eyes."

[definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist]

“Well, you barely know me. Once you get to know me, you’ll find I’m just like every other man.” Maybe not every one. There were quite a few truly terrible men. His father was a wonderful example of that, and Dabi was not his father. That man had somehow achieved being a much worse person than the arsonist.

[harpy-hawk]

He perks up almost audibly at the words. "Is that an invitation I hear, Dabi?" He crows down exuberantly, sounding rather pleased with the notion. Though whether it be simply to piss him off or genuine excitement was unclear.

[definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist]

“Hell no.” He scoffed at the idea. Knowing him, he’d try his best to avoid Hawks, given how much his guard was brought down by the man. If he wanted to keep his identity a secret, he needed to avoid Hawks.

[harpy-hawk]

Funny that he thought he had a choice. Hawks has never given up a pursuit even at the threat of death. This would be no different.

"Too late now~," he sings, puffing up his feathers. "Good luck getting rid of me now!"

[definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist]

Having this man following him around was going to ruin everything Dabi had planned. Dabi needed to shift, and if he was constantly being watched, doing so would be risky. Gone were the days of being able to be at least somewhat casual about his burnings. “You are a pain”

[harpy-hawk]

He only shrugs. "I've been called worse." He says flippantly. "Don't worry, Dabi. Unfortunately I am employed and kept rather busy. But fret not, I'll drop by every once in a while." He cooes, in an almost soothing tone. The grin he sported was basically audible in his voice though, which somewhat dampened the effects.

[definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist]

That was at least somewhat more hopeful for Dabi. The news that he wasn’t going to end up constantly being stalked by Hawks gave him at least some relief. He would still have to be cautious when burning things, but he would be able to work things out.

“Oh. What a joy…” He gave Hawks maybe a little too much sarcasm than deserved.

[harpy-hawk]

"Isn't it?" He sighs almost wistfully, totally definitely having far too much fun messing with the man than he should be. But really, who could blame him? There was a certain charm to his surly temperament.

But the world doesn't stop when you're having fun. "I'm afraid this is where we part for now. Rest assured I will find you again." He says, flourishing into something of a half bow despite knowing Dabi could not see him, hopping up properly on the branch to do so.

[definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist]

The reveal of Hawks needing to leave made Dabi realise that he still was going to have interactions with his feathered 'friend' again. And because he hardly knew the man, it would likely be at the worst moments.

"I suppose I have no choice in not seeing you in the future" was all he could muster to say. He truly needed to find a way to keep Hawks away.

[definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist]

Camp after camp slowly burned, with rumours of the dragon travelling further. Many thought the problem would be contained, with the dragon previously being heavily monitored. But the forests provided cover for travel, and that meant Dabi was left virtually unmonitored.

He let himself freely shift between forms, primarily sticking to being a dragon due to simplicity, and being able to travel much further. In his sleep, he shifted back, letting his body take up much less room. It was easier to hide.

That just happened to be what he was doing, taking a much longer nap than normal, hoping to regain his energy.

[harpy-hawk]

Once again, posted up high above, though admittedly not quite so high as last time, he spies with his sharp eyes a familiar shock of white among the greenery.

For someone as secretive as Dabi, you'd think he'd put more stock in not being found. It was remarkably easy, if he was being honest with himself. He should really invest in some sort of disguise. Not that it would help him invade Hawks for long, but it was the principle of the matter.

The rumours had reached him fast, of course it did, it always did. Not so quiet whispers of rancid smoke and hypnotic fire. He thinks he would not have known who to look for had he not lingered that day and seen the camp go ablaze himself. He could admit in the privacy of his own mind that there was something utterly bewitching about the dancing blaze and the man that caused it.

Settling on the branch, he crosses his taloned feet in an approximation of the way he has seen some courtiers do, and plucks an acorn from nearby and gently flicks it at his head.

[definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist]

Gentle rest was disrupted by a not-so-gentle projectile, leaving Dabi to startle upright, immediately on edge. Due to his habits of committing arson, he had his fair share of unwelcome awakenings, and he preferred getting odd meetings done on his terms. Those terms just so happened to mean that the man had to get up as quick as he could in order to bargain with the one who woke him up.

The shifter was surprised to not be met with any angry faces by his, and the short surveying he did showed him that he wasn’t immediately being stalked. It was always a possibility that there would be someone else, but they were likely hidden which would allow them to simply make it past his initial glance around the forest.

Given the fact that he saw no one, he spent a moment to get comfortable again. He was missing out on some precious sleep, and it was quite possible it was someone who didn’t even exist.

[harpy-hawk]

Briefly he considers the merits of simply letting him go back to sleep. It certainly looked like he needed it. He certainly wouldn't protest to more time to observe the enigma that was Dabi. Logically, it was the smarter option. Impulsively, he would rather be a thorn in the man's side instead.

"Up here!" He whistles cheekily from above, manipulating a feather to tickle at his temple. Steepling his fingers together, resting his chin on top, tilting it just so. "Good morrow, Dabi! Your sleep was restful, I gather?"

[definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist]

That voice. Dabi recognised that voice. So, it seemed his run-in with his feathered friend wasn’t his last, and that said individual decided to disrupt his sleep.“My sleep would have been more restful had you not interrupted it.”

The lack of use from his sleep lead to his voice coming out low. Groggy. Typically, he had time to wake before he was met with company, if he even had company. On days he travelled alone, he was the only one who would have to deal with his voice, leaving him to softly talk to himself until he was awake enough to function.

[harpy-hawk]

Admittedly, he has to strain a little to hear him properly. He thinks to himself it sounds rather gravelly. The low tenor a pleasant hum to his ears.

He doesn't quite recall a time he has heard the tired quality that he knows comes with early wakings, outside of himself. It was quite... nice. He never really bothered to stay around long enough during his rare nights of indulgences, always quick to steal away.

"Love what you did with the camps." He says instead, fishing a charred piece of cloth from his pocket- part of a tent, from the feel of it when he drops the bundled ball into Dabi's lap. "Quite the pilgrimage."

[definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist]

The cloth that landed in his lap surprised Dabi, given the fact that he was positive he wasn’t being tracked. If this birdbrain was following him, he likely had more issues coming his way.

He glared at the cloth, picking it up gently between his fingers to inspect it. “I’m not sure I know what you are trying to imply.” It was best to be cautious, in case this individual was going to do something about the fact that he had burned down quite the large number of camps.

The arsonist let his gaze linger up to the trees, watching where he heard the voice last time. For what it was worth, the person seemed to be closer this time. It wasn’t like he was hiding that much this time.

[harpy-hawk]

"It is like I said; you can find anything in these woods." He says, swirling a few feathers together mid air in a showy display, toying with a primary in his hands idly. "Burning it down only limits their places to hide. Rounds them up. Is that what you're doing, Dabi? Looking to make some new friends?"

Or perhaps to scope out the competition.

Rumours run rampant, after all. "A little birdie told me a dragon has been sighted around these parts. Are you hunting, Dabi?"

[definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist]

Well, it seemed that the trees must have had ears, or that there were eyes in the sky. Despite his best efforts to stay hidden, he was watched. That, unfortunately, meant his identity was likely compromised.

He glared up into the trees at the accusation, but otherwise let it slip. There was a far more pressing accusation to avoid. “Hunting the dragon?” If he pressed his own questions, maybe he’d get out of this predicament. All he needed to do was not mess up.

[harpy-hawk]

Silence follows his question for a long moment. Not a rustle of trees nor the flutter of feathers, aside from the ones drifting down idly like snowfall.

Finally, he speaks up again. "You look like a sharp guy, Dabi. What do you think?"

[definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist]

The silence left Dabi stunned, completely unexpected of the one who had decided to continue to hide in the trees. The feathered individual seemed to like talking, after all.

“I’m not hunting the dragon.” That was at least true. It was easier to be at least slightly honest on the situation rather than to lie outright. Having less room for error was always preferable for keeping his stories straight, or as straight as he could.

[harpy-hawk]

Even a deaf man could hear the grin in his voice. "You're an interesting man, Dabi." He all but trills, before allowing the persisting silence to lapse, filled only with the sounds of the forest. Seemingly content with the answers he's received.

Besides, a hunt was no fun when it ended quickly. He'd rather have to work for his rewards. It was always far more gratifying.

[definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist]

“So I’ve been told.” The pause he took was more so to get a grasp on what he wanted to say. There was still much room for him to potentially reveal things, and the more he interacted with Hawks, the more he realised was likely being hidden from him. “You are an interesting being yourself.”

Something about the one who had been watching him intrigued Dabi. He wanted to know more of what secrets he was likely hiding. No one purposely stalked after the arsonist unless there was some motive.

[harpy-hawk]

He barks out a laugh, loud and sudden. Weirdly amused.

"So I've been told." He parrots right back. That too was true enough. Courtiers tended to find his appearance.. exotic, before he begins the familiar song and dance of charming them into submission on the Commission's behalf.

"I can hear you thinking. Curious?" He prompts. He could practically feel the searching gaze scanning the trees.

[definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist]

“Yes. Quite so, actually. It is rare to encounter someone in these woods, nonetheless the same one twice.” The question was implied enough. Dabi wanted to know why the two had rin into each other more than once. It had to be more than mere coincidence.

It was quite possible that Dabi’s parents were sending out parties to search once more. Even if they liked to denounce the runaway prince, he knew well enough that they liked to try to find him. It just happened to be hard to after he had met the witch. He didn’t look the same, and they no longer were sure what they were looking for.

Whatever they were searching for, Dabi had grown out of the box of details they had.

[harpy-hawk]

He titters amusedly, tilting his head to the side, digesting the question. The slight dig was clear enough, but it's not like he planned on giving an answer that was in anyway useful regardless.

"Why, don't you believe in fate, Dabi?" He simpers, picking at the bark under his fingertips. "Perhaps it was simply luck, that I was lead right back to you."

He considers simply telling him the trail of smoke and ash was a dead giveaway to his location anyhow but decides against it. Like he said, Dabi was a smart man. He could figure out what hangs silently in the air. It wasn't like he had originally planned on following him. It just.. happened. it was hardly his fault the man left such an obvious trail of breadcrumbs to follow.

[definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist]

He scoffed. This wasn’t a case of fate. Most cases weren’t. It was obvious enough that Dabi was getting watched, oddly closely. Very few people would interact with him while they themselves remain neatly tucked in the trees.

“Fate doesn’t lead to meetings in peculiar places.” If it were up to fate, this meeting of sorts was likely of someone Dabi should be wary of. And while he much preferred to not have to be concerned of the circumstances of things, Hawks’s secretive habits made him all the more vigilant.

[harpy-hawk]

Such a cynic. He thinks amusedly. Though he supposed it was fair. Had it actually been fate, perhaps he'd be offended. As it is, he remains merely entertained. Not many dare to challenge his word, especially knowing what he represents.

Then again, he didn't know, did he? This spark of a man knew not even a name to refer to him by. It was oddly exhilarating. To be considered such a mysterious entity when all he's ever known is worldwide renown.

"Doesn't it?" He twitters. "See, Dabi, I think it is quite the contrary. I have only known fate to provide peculiar encounters in peculiar places. It has quite the funny sense of humour, if I do say so myself."

[definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist]

“Well, the fate I know tends to enjoy messing with me, and this does not seem like a moment where it is doing that.” Fate had a strange habit of putting people in the right spots, though the more he thought on it, the more likely it appeared that it could be fate.

His angle from the ground, as he was growing to realise, was inhibiting him from getting a better view into the trees. Getting up likely wouldn’t help him see the one who was hiding in the trees, however. The man was still much higher in the trees. At a maximum, he would make out a vague shape and some colours.

[harpy-hawk]

"Hm. Don't you find it strange, so utterly fascinating, that even the smallest difference in upbringing can change a person's perspective so radically?" He asks suddenly, sounding almost as if he was talking to himself. Though his voice carried down all the same. "I have met people who simply don't believe in fate at all! Not gods, not the fae, nothing. How silly."

He snickers a light laugh. "What a terribly boring life they must lead."

[definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist]

“You know nothing of my upbringing. That hell did not impact my thoughts on fate.” It was a lie. When he used to live with his family, he had grown to believe fate as a cruel joke. Something that only gave the worst.

His family taught him fate was all there was in life. That fate was both cruel and loving. As the now-arsonist grew into the household, he grew more and more aware that, if fate were to be loving, surely it would have been to him.

[harpy-hawk]

He makes an amused noise, somewhat entertained by his wording, noting it quietly and filling it away with the rest of the information he has on Dabi.

"I know it is hell, now." He cheeks.

"Is that why you burn?" He asks suddenly, as if the thought had only just occurred to him. "To recreate hell for those unfamiliar with the fire?"

[definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist]

He glowered up at Hawks, not exactly liking the comparison. The more the two talked, the more Dabi was revealing, and the more Hawks seemed to know. Everything about the person hiding in the trees was trying to click into place in his mind.

“I do not burn.” It was still best to feign ignorance on the subject of his burnings, lest Hawks decide to capture him to turn him in. He was sure there was a good bounty on him.

[harpy-hawk]

"Oh I'm sorry," he says in mock-apology. "I'd have thought you a man who took pride in his work."

It was somewhat admirable, Dabi's commitment to his story, despite likely knowing Hawks would find him out in the end. It was almost enough to make him doubt his own conclusions.

Flashes of the blue blaze flashed through his mind, and he finds the doubts dispelled. Briefly he wonders if Dabi would indulge him a show if he asked nicely.

[definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist]

“I have no work to take pride in. I don’t fucking burn.” Being this defensive on the matter was surely getting him nowhere, but he didn’t want to deal with having to change his identity. This one was already one he was comfortable with.

He took a breath, trying to calm himself. He needed to keep himself steady. If he got too upset, whatever control he had on staying unshifted might break.

Hawks didn’t know anything, but if Dabi kept being so adamant about how he didn’t burn, his feathered friend would start to grow suspicious. Typically, people who had nothing to worry about wouldn’t be so snippy on a matter such as this.

[harpy-hawk]

"Tsk, did I hit a sore?" He questions slowly. Had Dabi been able to see him, he'd have seen the way his eyes sharpened and expression darkened. "My sincerest apologies, Dabi. I meant no harm. Just curious, is all." He says humbly, sounding atleast vaguely apologetic.

He had only meant the camps, but it was noteworthy that the man would take it such to heart on a little (albeit easily misconstrued) question.

[definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist]

He let himself take a few breaths, breathing deeply. He shouldn’t have snapped so easily, and it was obvious that the damn fathered one hiding in the trees had noticed the quick change.

“You’re fine.” It wasn’t really fine, all things considered. The questions had grown to be a small annoyance, simply due to how much Dabi was revealing that he hadn’t meant to reveal. The man was supposed to keep things secret, but the one who was watching from high up was good at getting him to talk.

It was frustrating.

[harpy-hawk]

It was almost strange. The upset in Dabi's tone made something unpleasant churn in his stomach like bad meat. A distantly familiar sensation he's long forgotten the name of.

To the surprise of even himself, he finds himself offering: "you may ask me a question in return, if you wish."

[definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist]

It was odd, that this person was willing to answer one of Dabi’s questions, simply because the man had grown upset over the matter. Very few would willingly do so, as the world had become unforgiving of those who answered too many questions.

He pondered for a moment, silently debating what to ask. Having a name to go to the figure would be nice, but so would knowing what the man looked like. It was unlikely he would get an answer as to why the other was here, so he went with asking “What do they call you?”

[harpy-hawk]

Huh. "Not going to dig a little deeper?" He prods curiously. He certainly would have. Then again, perhaps Dabi has grown aware of his trickier tendencies. A name is a rather simple request on the surface, difficult to run rings around. "People know me as The Hawk." He says, simply because it is true. It was his title when introduced to representatives, but he found it to be rather lacking for the situation. "But you, you may call me Hawks."

No truer than the title he had offered, he was no fool. He would not have his name stolen from him again, but it was the closest he had to one. And admittedly, he'd become rather attached to this one. It was the truest answer he could offer.

[definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist]

“Hawks.” He tested the name, or whatever it was. He was going to need to remember the name. And the title. If Dabi were to find somewhere he would be able to investigate the name, he was sure he would be able to find out who this person was.

“I don’t believe digging deeper would be of any use. You don’t seem like one who would enjoy revealing secrets to me.” He had hidden in the trees for all of their interactions. If he had been willing to reveal as much, he’d at least come down.

[harpy-hawk]

"There we go." He says, sounding much too pleased with himself. "Now you can't call us strangers."

"Clever, clever." He acknowledges, relatively true. "Perhaps not my secrets, but I could be swayed to divulge others."

[definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist]

Dabi wouldn’t consider it clever. Most did not enjoy revealing things about themselves. The fact that Hawks was unwilling to do so made all too much sense. Anyone would be able to figure that much out.

“I’m curious as to what secrets you could reveal about others.” He knew he likely wouldn’t get another answer out of Hawks, so he didn’t bother framing it as a question.

[harpy-hawk]

"It's all about asking the right questions and knowing who to ask, Dabi. Ask the right questions, find the right person, and you will find most doors suddenly very open to you." He tells him vaguely, fangs peeking out in a grin that could only loosely be called such. "No secrets remains a secret when you know where to look."

And I know all the places to look. He doesn't need to say. Nowhere to hide.

[definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist]

“I suppose that is fair. Enough reading will also lead you to the places you want to find answers from.” It took him all too long to realise that revealing how he could read would likely be considered something of considerable importance. If he played it off, he hoped Hawks wouldn’t look into the matter.

It never really crossed his mind to be secret about it, as that was simply the way he found himself with the witch. A little reading took him out of the grasp of the royals and traveling along the road.

[harpy-hawk]

He blinks. "You can read?" He asks, genuinely surprised.

The literacy rate of the world was slowly improving, but most were still unable to sign their own names let alone read. Most could not afford lessons. So, Dabi was likely of noble descent then. Interesting.

He himself could read well enough, as was expected of a man of the courts. Writing was however, a different problem entirely. As it turns out, talons were not quite very conducive with common writing instruments. The Commission had found it an acceptable avenue to neglect, as to discourage potential paper trails. Which was why he had sprites do the writing for him, should there be a need for penning letters, save for his signature.

[definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist]

Of course Hawks caught onto the one slip up. Dabi couldn’t help but silently curse at his idiocy. Maybe the witch would be able to help him change his identity again.

“I was a curious child.” It was the best explanation he had as to why he could read. For what it was worth, that much was a true statement. He wanted to read, and started pushing himself to learn much quicker than was anticipated of him. It was one of the things he excelled in that his parents stayed proud of him for, even after the birth of his siblings.

[harpy-hawk]

"Hm," is all he says for a long moment, as if grasping for words that would not bloom on his tongue. An odd loss for words he hasn't felt in a decade. "I find you are a rather curious man, too." He settles on eventually.

Curious, curious man indeed, it seems. A man of noble descent, running around dangerous forests burning down innocent settlements for no knowable reason he has found thus far. Potentially with the company of a dragon (or perhaps...?).

[definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist]

“Not at all. I’m simply a man now.” There was nothing too curious about him, at least nothing he’d like Hawks to know. He already knew too much. The more he narrowed down about Dabi’s past, the easier it’d be to narrow down exactly who Dabi is. And if Hawks learned that much, he very well could go to the royals and inform them of what their son had been up to.

Dabi would rather not have that happened, so he was going to watch his words now.

[harpy-hawk]

"No." He corrects simply, as if the very thought was preposterous, impossible even. "Perhaps to yourself. Introspection can be quite hard, so I've heard."

He pauses briefly, for dramatic effect if nothing else. "But from the outside looking in; you are quite the bright sapphire to my eyes."

[definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist]

“Well, you barely know me. Once you get to know me, you’ll find I’m just like every other man.” Maybe not every one. There were quite a few truly terrible men. His father was a wonderful example of that, and Dabi was not his father. That man had somehow achieved being a much worse person than the arsonist.

[harpy-hawk]

He perks up almost audibly at the words. "Is that an invitation I hear, Dabi?" He crows down exuberantly, sounding rather pleased with the notion. Though whether it be simply to piss him off or genuine excitement was unclear.

[definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist]

“Hell no.” He scoffed at the idea. Knowing him, he’d try his best to avoid Hawks, given how much his guard was brought down by the man. If he wanted to keep his identity a secret, he needed to avoid Hawks.

[harpy-hawk]

Funny that he thought he had a choice. Hawks has never given up a pursuit even at the threat of death. This would be no different.

"Too late now~," he sings, puffing up his feathers. "Good luck getting rid of me now!"

[definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist]

Having this man following him around was going to ruin everything Dabi had planned. Dabi needed to shift, and if he was constantly being watched, doing so would be risky. Gone were the days of being able to be at least somewhat casual about his burnings. “You are a pain”

[harpy-hawk]

He only shrugs. "I've been called worse." He says flippantly. "Don't worry, Dabi. Unfortunately I am employed and kept rather busy. But fret not, I'll drop by every once in a while." He cooes, in an almost soothing tone. The grin he sported was basically audible in his voice though, which somewhat dampened the effects.

[definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist]

That was at least somewhat more hopeful for Dabi. The news that he wasn’t going to end up constantly being stalked by Hawks gave him at least some relief. He would still have to be cautious when burning things, but he would be able to work things out.

“Oh. What a joy…” He gave Hawks maybe a little too much sarcasm than deserved.

[definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist]

Camp after camp slowly burned, with rumours of the dragon travelling further. Many thought the problem would be contained, with the dragon previously being heavily monitored. But the forests provided cover for travel, and that meant Dabi was left virtually unmonitored.

He let himself freely shift between forms, primarily sticking to being a dragon due to simplicity, and being able to travel much further. In his sleep, he shifted back, letting his body take up much less room. It was easier to hide.

That just happened to be what he was doing, taking a much longer nap than normal, hoping to regain his energy.

[harpy-hawk]

Once again, posted up high above, though admittedly not quite so high as last time, he spies with his sharp eyes a familiar shock of white among the greenery.

For someone as secretive as Dabi, you'd think he'd put more stock in not being found. It was remarkably easy, if he was being honest with himself. He should really invest in some sort of disguise. Not that it would help him invade Hawks for long, but it was the principle of the matter.

The rumours had reached him fast, of course it did, it always did. Not so quiet whispers of rancid smoke and hypnotic fire. He thinks he would not have known who to look for had he not lingered that day and seen the camp go ablaze himself. He could admit in the privacy of his own mind that there was something utterly bewitching about the dancing blaze and the man that caused it.

Settling on the branch, he crosses his taloned feet in an approximation of the way he has seen some courtiers do, and plucks an acorn from nearby and gently flicks it at his head.

[definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist]

Gentle rest was disrupted by a not-so-gentle projectile, leaving Dabi to startle upright, immediately on edge. Due to his habits of committing arson, he had his fair share of unwelcome awakenings, and he preferred getting odd meetings done on his terms. Those terms just so happened to mean that the man had to get up as quick as he could in order to bargain with the one who woke him up.

The shifter was surprised to not be met with any angry faces by his, and the short surveying he did showed him that he wasn’t immediately being stalked. It was always a possibility that there would be someone else, but they were likely hidden which would allow them to simply make it past his initial glance around the forest.

Given the fact that he saw no one, he spent a moment to get comfortable again. He was missing out on some precious sleep, and it was quite possible it was someone who didn’t even exist.

[harpy-hawk]

Briefly he considers the merits of simply letting him go back to sleep. It certainly looked like he needed it. He certainly wouldn't protest to more time to observe the enigma that was Dabi. Logically, it was the smarter option. Impulsively, he would rather be a thorn in the man's side instead.

"Up here!" He whistles cheekily from above, manipulating a feather to tickle at his temple. Steepling his fingers together, resting his chin on top, tilting it just so. "Good morrow, Dabi! Your sleep was restful, I gather?"

[definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist]

That voice. Dabi recognised that voice. So, it seemed his run-in with his feathered friend wasn’t his last, and that said individual decided to disrupt his sleep.“My sleep would have been more restful had you not interrupted it.”

The lack of use from his sleep lead to his voice coming out low. Groggy. Typically, he had time to wake before he was met with company, if he even had company. On days he travelled alone, he was the only one who would have to deal with his voice, leaving him to softly talk to himself until he was awake enough to function.

[harpy-hawk]

Admittedly, he has to strain a little to hear him properly. He thinks to himself it sounds rather gravelly. The low tenor a pleasant hum to his ears.

He doesn't quite recall a time he has heard the tired quality that he knows comes with early wakings, outside of himself. It was quite... nice. He never really bothered to stay around long enough during his rare nights of indulgences, always quick to steal away.

"Love what you did with the camps." He says instead, fishing a charred piece of cloth from his pocket- part of a tent, from the feel of it when he drops the bundled ball into Dabi's lap. "Quite the pilgrimage."

[definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist]

The cloth that landed in his lap surprised Dabi, given the fact that he was positive he wasn’t being tracked. If this birdbrain was following him, he likely had more issues coming his way.

He glared at the cloth, picking it up gently between his fingers to inspect it. “I’m not sure I know what you are trying to imply.” It was best to be cautious, in case this individual was going to do something about the fact that he had burned down quite the large number of camps.

The arsonist let his gaze linger up to the trees, watching where he heard the voice last time. For what it was worth, the person seemed to be closer this time. It wasn’t like he was hiding that much this time.

[harpy-hawk]

"It is like I said; you can find anything in these woods." He says, swirling a few feathers together mid air in a showy display, toying with a primary in his hands idly. "Burning it down only limits their places to hide. Rounds them up. Is that what you're doing, Dabi? Looking to make some new friends?"

Or perhaps to scope out the competition.

Rumours run rampant, after all. "A little birdie told me a dragon has been sighted around these parts. Are you hunting, Dabi?"

[definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist]

Well, it seemed that the trees must have had ears, or that there were eyes in the sky. Despite his best efforts to stay hidden, he was watched. That, unfortunately, meant his identity was likely compromised.

He glared up into the trees at the accusation, but otherwise let it slip. There was a far more pressing accusation to avoid. “Hunting the dragon?” If he pressed his own questions, maybe he’d get out of this predicament. All he needed to do was not mess up.

[harpy-hawk]

Silence follows his question for a long moment. Not a rustle of trees nor the flutter of feathers, aside from the ones drifting down idly like snowfall.

Finally, he speaks up again. "You look like a sharp guy, Dabi. What do you think?"

[definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist]

The silence left Dabi stunned, completely unexpected of the one who had decided to continue to hide in the trees. The feathered individual seemed to like talking, after all.

“I’m not hunting the dragon.” That was at least true. It was easier to be at least slightly honest on the situation rather than to lie outright. Having less room for error was always preferable for keeping his stories straight, or as straight as he could.

[harpy-hawk]

Even a deaf man could hear the grin in his voice. "You're an interesting man, Dabi." He all but trills, before allowing the persisting silence to lapse, filled only with the sounds of the forest. Seemingly content with the answers he's received.

Besides, a hunt was no fun when it ended quickly. He'd rather have to work for his rewards. It was always far more gratifying.

[definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist]

“So I’ve been told.” The pause he took was more so to get a grasp on what he wanted to say. There was still much room for him to potentially reveal things, and the more he interacted with Hawks, the more he realised was likely being hidden from him. “You are an interesting being yourself.”

Something about the one who had been watching him intrigued Dabi. He wanted to know more of what secrets he was likely hiding. No one purposely stalked after the arsonist unless there was some motive.

[harpy-hawk]

He barks out a laugh, loud and sudden. Weirdly amused.

"So I've been told." He parrots right back. That too was true enough. Courtiers tended to find his appearance.. exotic, before he begins the familiar song and dance of charming them into submission on the Commission's behalf.

"I can hear you thinking. Curious?" He prompts. He could practically feel the searching gaze scanning the trees.

[definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist]

“Yes. Quite so, actually. It is rare to encounter someone in these woods, nonetheless the same one twice.” The question was implied enough. Dabi wanted to know why the two had rin into each other more than once. It had to be more than mere coincidence.

It was quite possible that Dabi’s parents were sending out parties to search once more. Even if they liked to denounce the runaway prince, he knew well enough that they liked to try to find him. It just happened to be hard to after he had met the witch. He didn’t look the same, and they no longer were sure what they were looking for.

Whatever they were searching for, Dabi had grown out of the box of details they had.

[harpy-hawk]

He titters amusedly, tilting his head to the side, digesting the question. The slight dig was clear enough, but it's not like he planned on giving an answer that was in anyway useful regardless.

"Why, don't you believe in fate, Dabi?" He simpers, picking at the bark under his fingertips. "Perhaps it was simply luck, that I was lead right back to you."

He considers simply telling him the trail of smoke and ash was a dead giveaway to his location anyhow but decides against it. Like he said, Dabi was a smart man. He could figure out what hangs silently in the air. It wasn't like he had originally planned on following him. It just.. happened. it was hardly his fault the man left such an obvious trail of breadcrumbs to follow.

[definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist]

He scoffed. This wasn’t a case of fate. Most cases weren’t. It was obvious enough that Dabi was getting watched, oddly closely. Very few people would interact with him while they themselves remain neatly tucked in the trees.

“Fate doesn’t lead to meetings in peculiar places.” If it were up to fate, this meeting of sorts was likely of someone Dabi should be wary of. And while he much preferred to not have to be concerned of the circumstances of things, Hawks’s secretive habits made him all the more vigilant.

[harpy-hawk]

Such a cynic. He thinks amusedly. Though he supposed it was fair. Had it actually been fate, perhaps he'd be offended. As it is, he remains merely entertained. Not many dare to challenge his word, especially knowing what he represents.

Then again, he didn't know, did he? This spark of a man knew not even a name to refer to him by. It was oddly exhilarating. To be considered such a mysterious entity when all he's ever known is worldwide renown.

"Doesn't it?" He twitters. "See, Dabi, I think it is quite the contrary. I have only known fate to provide peculiar encounters in peculiar places. It has quite the funny sense of humour, if I do say so myself."

[definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist]

“Well, the fate I know tends to enjoy messing with me, and this does not seem like a moment where it is doing that.” Fate had a strange habit of putting people in the right spots, though the more he thought on it, the more likely it appeared that it could be fate.

His angle from the ground, as he was growing to realise, was inhibiting him from getting a better view into the trees. Getting up likely wouldn’t help him see the one who was hiding in the trees, however. The man was still much higher in the trees. At a maximum, he would make out a vague shape and some colours.

[harpy-hawk]

"Hm. Don't you find it strange, so utterly fascinating, that even the smallest difference in upbringing can change a person's perspective so radically?" He asks suddenly, sounding almost as if he was talking to himself. Though his voice carried down all the same. "I have met people who simply don't believe in fate at all! Not gods, not the fae, nothing. How silly."

He snickers a light laugh. "What a terribly boring life they must lead."

[definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist]

“You know nothing of my upbringing. That hell did not impact my thoughts on fate.” It was a lie. When he used to live with his family, he had grown to believe fate as a cruel joke. Something that only gave the worst.

His family taught him fate was all there was in life. That fate was both cruel and loving. As the now-arsonist grew into the household, he grew more and more aware that, if fate were to be loving, surely it would have been to him.

[harpy-hawk]

He makes an amused noise, somewhat entertained by his wording, noting it quietly and filling it away with the rest of the information he has on Dabi.

"I know it is hell, now." He cheeks.

"Is that why you burn?" He asks suddenly, as if the thought had only just occurred to him. "To recreate hell for those unfamiliar with the fire?"

[definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist]

He glowered up at Hawks, not exactly liking the comparison. The more the two talked, the more Dabi was revealing, and the more Hawks seemed to know. Everything about the person hiding in the trees was trying to click into place in his mind.

“I do not burn.” It was still best to feign ignorance on the subject of his burnings, lest Hawks decide to capture him to turn him in. He was sure there was a good bounty on him.

[harpy-hawk]

"Oh I'm sorry," he says in mock-apology. "I'd have thought you a man who took pride in his work."

It was somewhat admirable, Dabi's commitment to his story, despite likely knowing Hawks would find him out in the end. It was almost enough to make him doubt his own conclusions.

Flashes of the blue blaze flashed through his mind, and he finds the doubts dispelled. Briefly he wonders if Dabi would indulge him a show if he asked nicely.

[definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist]

“I have no work to take pride in. I don’t fucking burn.” Being this defensive on the matter was surely getting him nowhere, but he didn’t want to deal with having to change his identity. This one was already one he was comfortable with.

He took a breath, trying to calm himself. He needed to keep himself steady. If he got too upset, whatever control he had on staying unshifted might break.

Hawks didn’t know anything, but if Dabi kept being so adamant about how he didn’t burn, his feathered friend would start to grow suspicious. Typically, people who had nothing to worry about wouldn’t be so snippy on a matter such as this.

[harpy-hawk]

"Tsk, did I hit a sore?" He questions slowly. Had Dabi been able to see him, he'd have seen the way his eyes sharpened and expression darkened. "My sincerest apologies, Dabi. I meant no harm. Just curious, is all." He says humbly, sounding atleast vaguely apologetic.

He had only meant the camps, but it was noteworthy that the man would take it such to heart on a little (albeit easily misconstrued) question.

[definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist]

He let himself take a few breaths, breathing deeply. He shouldn’t have snapped so easily, and it was obvious that the damn fathered one hiding in the trees had noticed the quick change.

“You’re fine.” It wasn’t really fine, all things considered. The questions had grown to be a small annoyance, simply due to how much Dabi was revealing that he hadn’t meant to reveal. The man was supposed to keep things secret, but the one who was watching from high up was good at getting him to talk.

It was frustrating.

[harpy-hawk]

It was almost strange. The upset in Dabi's tone made something unpleasant churn in his stomach like bad meat. A distantly familiar sensation he's long forgotten the name of.

To the surprise of even himself, he finds himself offering: "you may ask me a question in return, if you wish."

[definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist]

It was odd, that this person was willing to answer one of Dabi’s questions, simply because the man had grown upset over the matter. Very few would willingly do so, as the world had become unforgiving of those who answered too many questions.

He pondered for a moment, silently debating what to ask. Having a name to go to the figure would be nice, but so would knowing what the man looked like. It was unlikely he would get an answer as to why the other was here, so he went with asking “What do they call you?”

[harpy-hawk]

Huh. "Not going to dig a little deeper?" He prods curiously. He certainly would have. Then again, perhaps Dabi has grown aware of his trickier tendencies. A name is a rather simple request on the surface, difficult to run rings around. "People know me as The Hawk." He says, simply because it is true. It was his title when introduced to representatives, but he found it to be rather lacking for the situation. "But you, you may call me Hawks."

No truer than the title he had offered, he was no fool. He would not have his name stolen from him again, but it was the closest he had to one. And admittedly, he'd become rather attached to this one. It was the truest answer he could offer.

[definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist]

“Hawks.” He tested the name, or whatever it was. He was going to need to remember the name. And the title. If Dabi were to find somewhere he would be able to investigate the name, he was sure he would be able to find out who this person was.

“I don’t believe digging deeper would be of any use. You don’t seem like one who would enjoy revealing secrets to me.” He had hidden in the trees for all of their interactions. If he had been willing to reveal as much, he’d at least come down.

[harpy-hawk]

"There we go." He says, sounding much too pleased with himself. "Now you can't call us strangers."

"Clever, clever." He acknowledges, relatively true. "Perhaps not my secrets, but I could be swayed to divulge others."

[definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist]

Dabi wouldn’t consider it clever. Most did not enjoy revealing things about themselves. The fact that Hawks was unwilling to do so made all too much sense. Anyone would be able to figure that much out.

“I’m curious as to what secrets you could reveal about others.” He knew he likely wouldn’t get another answer out of Hawks, so he didn’t bother framing it as a question.

[harpy-hawk]

"It's all about asking the right questions and knowing who to ask, Dabi. Ask the right questions, find the right person, and you will find most doors suddenly very open to you." He tells him vaguely, fangs peeking out in a grin that could only loosely be called such. "No secrets remains a secret when you know where to look."

And I know all the places to look. He doesn't need to say. Nowhere to hide.

[definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist]

“I suppose that is fair. Enough reading will also lead you to the places you want to find answers from.” It took him all too long to realise that revealing how he could read would likely be considered something of considerable importance. If he played it off, he hoped Hawks wouldn’t look into the matter.

It never really crossed his mind to be secret about it, as that was simply the way he found himself with the witch. A little reading took him out of the grasp of the royals and traveling along the road.

[harpy-hawk]

He blinks. "You can read?" He asks, genuinely surprised.

The literacy rate of the world was slowly improving, but most were still unable to sign their own names let alone read. Most could not afford lessons. So, Dabi was likely of noble descent then. Interesting.

He himself could read well enough, as was expected of a man of the courts. Writing was however, a different problem entirely. As it turns out, talons were not quite very conducive with common writing instruments. The Commission had found it an acceptable avenue to neglect, as to discourage potential paper trails. Which was why he had sprites do the writing for him, should there be a need for penning letters, save for his signature.

[definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist]

Of course Hawks caught onto the one slip up. Dabi couldn’t help but silently curse at his idiocy. Maybe the witch would be able to help him change his identity again.

“I was a curious child.” It was the best explanation he had as to why he could read. For what it was worth, that much was a true statement. He wanted to read, and started pushing himself to learn much quicker than was anticipated of him. It was one of the things he excelled in that his parents stayed proud of him for, even after the birth of his siblings.

[harpy-hawk]

"Hm," is all he says for a long moment, as if grasping for words that would not bloom on his tongue. An odd loss for words he hasn't felt in a decade. "I find you are a rather curious man, too." He settles on eventually.

Curious, curious man indeed, it seems. A man of noble descent, running around dangerous forests burning down innocent settlements for no knowable reason he has found thus far. Potentially with the company of a dragon (or perhaps...?).

[definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist]

“Not at all. I’m simply a man now.” There was nothing too curious about him, at least nothing he’d like Hawks to know. He already knew too much. The more he narrowed down about Dabi’s past, the easier it’d be to narrow down exactly who Dabi is. And if Hawks learned that much, he very well could go to the royals and inform them of what their son had been up to.

Dabi would rather not have that happened, so he was going to watch his words now.

[harpy-hawk]

"No." He corrects simply, as if the very thought was preposterous, impossible even. "Perhaps to yourself. Introspection can be quite hard, so I've heard."

He pauses briefly, for dramatic effect if nothing else. "But from the outside looking in; you are quite the bright sapphire to my eyes."

[definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist]

“Well, you barely know me. Once you get to know me, you’ll find I’m just like every other man.” Maybe not every one. There were quite a few truly terrible men. His father was a wonderful example of that, and Dabi was not his father. That man had somehow achieved being a much worse person than the arsonist.

[harpy-hawk]

He perks up almost audibly at the words. "Is that an invitation I hear, Dabi?" He crows down exuberantly, sounding rather pleased with the notion. Though whether it be simply to piss him off or genuine excitement was unclear.

[definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist]

“Hell no.” He scoffed at the idea. Knowing him, he’d try his best to avoid Hawks, given how much his guard was brought down by the man. If he wanted to keep his identity a secret, he needed to avoid Hawks.

[harpy-hawk]

Funny that he thought he had a choice. Hawks has never given up a pursuit even at the threat of death. This would be no different.

"Too late now~," he sings, puffing up his feathers. "Good luck getting rid of me now!"

[definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist]

Having this man following him around was going to ruin everything Dabi had planned. Dabi needed to shift, and if he was constantly being watched, doing so would be risky. Gone were the days of being able to be at least somewhat casual about his burnings. “You are a pain”

[mintyvomit]

I'm on a roll

[harpy-hawk]

@definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist

//hey look it's them

[definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist]

// woag it is

[definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist]

Camp after camp slowly burned, with rumours of the dragon travelling further. Many thought the problem would be contained, with the dragon previously being heavily monitored. But the forests provided cover for travel, and that meant Dabi was left virtually unmonitored.

He let himself freely shift between forms, primarily sticking to being a dragon due to simplicity, and being able to travel much further. In his sleep, he shifted back, letting his body take up much less room. It was easier to hide.

That just happened to be what he was doing, taking a much longer nap than normal, hoping to regain his energy.

[harpy-hawk]

Once again, posted up high above, though admittedly not quite so high as last time, he spies with his sharp eyes a familiar shock of white among the greenery.

For someone as secretive as Dabi, you'd think he'd put more stock in not being found. It was remarkably easy, if he was being honest with himself. He should really invest in some sort of disguise. Not that it would help him invade Hawks for long, but it was the principle of the matter.

The rumours had reached him fast, of course it did, it always did. Not so quiet whispers of rancid smoke and hypnotic fire. He thinks he would not have known who to look for had he not lingered that day and seen the camp go ablaze himself. He could admit in the privacy of his own mind that there was something utterly bewitching about the dancing blaze and the man that caused it.

Settling on the branch, he crosses his taloned feet in an approximation of the way he has seen some courtiers do, and plucks an acorn from nearby and gently flicks it at his head.

[definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist]

Gentle rest was disrupted by a not-so-gentle projectile, leaving Dabi to startle upright, immediately on edge. Due to his habits of committing arson, he had his fair share of unwelcome awakenings, and he preferred getting odd meetings done on his terms. Those terms just so happened to mean that the man had to get up as quick as he could in order to bargain with the one who woke him up.

The shifter was surprised to not be met with any angry faces by his, and the short surveying he did showed him that he wasn’t immediately being stalked. It was always a possibility that there would be someone else, but they were likely hidden which would allow them to simply make it past his initial glance around the forest.

Given the fact that he saw no one, he spent a moment to get comfortable again. He was missing out on some precious sleep, and it was quite possible it was someone who didn’t even exist.

[harpy-hawk]

Briefly he considers the merits of simply letting him go back to sleep. It certainly looked like he needed it. He certainly wouldn't protest to more time to observe the enigma that was Dabi. Logically, it was the smarter option. Impulsively, he would rather be a thorn in the man's side instead.

"Up here!" He whistles cheekily from above, manipulating a feather to tickle at his temple. Steepling his fingers together, resting his chin on top, tilting it just so. "Good morrow, Dabi! Your sleep was restful, I gather?"

[definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist]

That voice. Dabi recognised that voice. So, it seemed his run-in with his feathered friend wasn’t his last, and that said individual decided to disrupt his sleep.“My sleep would have been more restful had you not interrupted it.”

The lack of use from his sleep lead to his voice coming out low. Groggy. Typically, he had time to wake before he was met with company, if he even had company. On days he travelled alone, he was the only one who would have to deal with his voice, leaving him to softly talk to himself until he was awake enough to function.

[harpy-hawk]

Admittedly, he has to strain a little to hear him properly. He thinks to himself it sounds rather gravelly. The low tenor a pleasant hum to his ears.

He doesn't quite recall a time he has heard the tired quality that he knows comes with early wakings, outside of himself. It was quite... nice. He never really bothered to stay around long enough during his rare nights of indulgences, always quick to steal away.

"Love what you did with the camps." He says instead, fishing a charred piece of cloth from his pocket- part of a tent, from the feel of it when he drops the bundled ball into Dabi's lap. "Quite the pilgrimage."

[definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist]

The cloth that landed in his lap surprised Dabi, given the fact that he was positive he wasn’t being tracked. If this birdbrain was following him, he likely had more issues coming his way.

He glared at the cloth, picking it up gently between his fingers to inspect it. “I’m not sure I know what you are trying to imply.” It was best to be cautious, in case this individual was going to do something about the fact that he had burned down quite the large number of camps.

The arsonist let his gaze linger up to the trees, watching where he heard the voice last time. For what it was worth, the person seemed to be closer this time. It wasn’t like he was hiding that much this time.

[harpy-hawk]

"It is like I said; you can find anything in these woods." He says, swirling a few feathers together mid air in a showy display, toying with a primary in his hands idly. "Burning it down only limits their places to hide. Rounds them up. Is that what you're doing, Dabi? Looking to make some new friends?"

Or perhaps to scope out the competition.

Rumours run rampant, after all. "A little birdie told me a dragon has been sighted around these parts. Are you hunting, Dabi?"

[definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist]

Well, it seemed that the trees must have had ears, or that there were eyes in the sky. Despite his best efforts to stay hidden, he was watched. That, unfortunately, meant his identity was likely compromised.

He glared up into the trees at the accusation, but otherwise let it slip. There was a far more pressing accusation to avoid. “Hunting the dragon?” If he pressed his own questions, maybe he’d get out of this predicament. All he needed to do was not mess up.

[harpy-hawk]

Silence follows his question for a long moment. Not a rustle of trees nor the flutter of feathers, aside from the ones drifting down idly like snowfall.

Finally, he speaks up again. "You look like a sharp guy, Dabi. What do you think?"

[definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist]

The silence left Dabi stunned, completely unexpected of the one who had decided to continue to hide in the trees. The feathered individual seemed to like talking, after all.

“I’m not hunting the dragon.” That was at least true. It was easier to be at least slightly honest on the situation rather than to lie outright. Having less room for error was always preferable for keeping his stories straight, or as straight as he could.

[harpy-hawk]

Even a deaf man could hear the grin in his voice. "You're an interesting man, Dabi." He all but trills, before allowing the persisting silence to lapse, filled only with the sounds of the forest. Seemingly content with the answers he's received.

Besides, a hunt was no fun when it ended quickly. He'd rather have to work for his rewards. It was always far more gratifying.

[definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist]

“So I’ve been told.” The pause he took was more so to get a grasp on what he wanted to say. There was still much room for him to potentially reveal things, and the more he interacted with Hawks, the more he realised was likely being hidden from him. “You are an interesting being yourself.”

Something about the one who had been watching him intrigued Dabi. He wanted to know more of what secrets he was likely hiding. No one purposely stalked after the arsonist unless there was some motive.

[harpy-hawk]

He barks out a laugh, loud and sudden. Weirdly amused.

"So I've been told." He parrots right back. That too was true enough. Courtiers tended to find his appearance.. exotic, before he begins the familiar song and dance of charming them into submission on the Commission's behalf.

"I can hear you thinking. Curious?" He prompts. He could practically feel the searching gaze scanning the trees.

[definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist]

“Yes. Quite so, actually. It is rare to encounter someone in these woods, nonetheless the same one twice.” The question was implied enough. Dabi wanted to know why the two had rin into each other more than once. It had to be more than mere coincidence.

It was quite possible that Dabi’s parents were sending out parties to search once more. Even if they liked to denounce the runaway prince, he knew well enough that they liked to try to find him. It just happened to be hard to after he had met the witch. He didn’t look the same, and they no longer were sure what they were looking for.

Whatever they were searching for, Dabi had grown out of the box of details they had.

[harpy-hawk]

He titters amusedly, tilting his head to the side, digesting the question. The slight dig was clear enough, but it's not like he planned on giving an answer that was in anyway useful regardless.

"Why, don't you believe in fate, Dabi?" He simpers, picking at the bark under his fingertips. "Perhaps it was simply luck, that I was lead right back to you."

He considers simply telling him the trail of smoke and ash was a dead giveaway to his location anyhow but decides against it. Like he said, Dabi was a smart man. He could figure out what hangs silently in the air. It wasn't like he had originally planned on following him. It just.. happened. it was hardly his fault the man left such an obvious trail of breadcrumbs to follow.

[definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist]

He scoffed. This wasn’t a case of fate. Most cases weren’t. It was obvious enough that Dabi was getting watched, oddly closely. Very few people would interact with him while they themselves remain neatly tucked in the trees.

“Fate doesn’t lead to meetings in peculiar places.” If it were up to fate, this meeting of sorts was likely of someone Dabi should be wary of. And while he much preferred to not have to be concerned of the circumstances of things, Hawks’s secretive habits made him all the more vigilant.

[harpy-hawk]

Such a cynic. He thinks amusedly. Though he supposed it was fair. Had it actually been fate, perhaps he'd be offended. As it is, he remains merely entertained. Not many dare to challenge his word, especially knowing what he represents.

Then again, he didn't know, did he? This spark of a man knew not even a name to refer to him by. It was oddly exhilarating. To be considered such a mysterious entity when all he's ever known is worldwide renown.

"Doesn't it?" He twitters. "See, Dabi, I think it is quite the contrary. I have only known fate to provide peculiar encounters in peculiar places. It has quite the funny sense of humour, if I do say so myself."

[definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist]

“Well, the fate I know tends to enjoy messing with me, and this does not seem like a moment where it is doing that.” Fate had a strange habit of putting people in the right spots, though the more he thought on it, the more likely it appeared that it could be fate.

His angle from the ground, as he was growing to realise, was inhibiting him from getting a better view into the trees. Getting up likely wouldn’t help him see the one who was hiding in the trees, however. The man was still much higher in the trees. At a maximum, he would make out a vague shape and some colours.

[harpy-hawk]

"Hm. Don't you find it strange, so utterly fascinating, that even the smallest difference in upbringing can change a person's perspective so radically?" He asks suddenly, sounding almost as if he was talking to himself. Though his voice carried down all the same. "I have met people who simply don't believe in fate at all! Not gods, not the fae, nothing. How silly."

He snickers a light laugh. "What a terribly boring life they must lead."

[definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist]

“You know nothing of my upbringing. That hell did not impact my thoughts on fate.” It was a lie. When he used to live with his family, he had grown to believe fate as a cruel joke. Something that only gave the worst.

His family taught him fate was all there was in life. That fate was both cruel and loving. As the now-arsonist grew into the household, he grew more and more aware that, if fate were to be loving, surely it would have been to him.

[harpy-hawk]

He makes an amused noise, somewhat entertained by his wording, noting it quietly and filling it away with the rest of the information he has on Dabi.

"I know it is hell, now." He cheeks.

"Is that why you burn?" He asks suddenly, as if the thought had only just occurred to him. "To recreate hell for those unfamiliar with the fire?"

[definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist]

He glowered up at Hawks, not exactly liking the comparison. The more the two talked, the more Dabi was revealing, and the more Hawks seemed to know. Everything about the person hiding in the trees was trying to click into place in his mind.

“I do not burn.” It was still best to feign ignorance on the subject of his burnings, lest Hawks decide to capture him to turn him in. He was sure there was a good bounty on him.

[harpy-hawk]

"Oh I'm sorry," he says in mock-apology. "I'd have thought you a man who took pride in his work."

It was somewhat admirable, Dabi's commitment to his story, despite likely knowing Hawks would find him out in the end. It was almost enough to make him doubt his own conclusions.

Flashes of the blue blaze flashed through his mind, and he finds the doubts dispelled. Briefly he wonders if Dabi would indulge him a show if he asked nicely.

[definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist]

“I have no work to take pride in. I don’t fucking burn.” Being this defensive on the matter was surely getting him nowhere, but he didn’t want to deal with having to change his identity. This one was already one he was comfortable with.

He took a breath, trying to calm himself. He needed to keep himself steady. If he got too upset, whatever control he had on staying unshifted might break.

Hawks didn’t know anything, but if Dabi kept being so adamant about how he didn’t burn, his feathered friend would start to grow suspicious. Typically, people who had nothing to worry about wouldn’t be so snippy on a matter such as this.

[harpy-hawk]

"Tsk, did I hit a sore?" He questions slowly. Had Dabi been able to see him, he'd have seen the way his eyes sharpened and expression darkened. "My sincerest apologies, Dabi. I meant no harm. Just curious, is all." He says humbly, sounding atleast vaguely apologetic.

He had only meant the camps, but it was noteworthy that the man would take it such to heart on a little (albeit easily misconstrued) question.

[definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist]

He let himself take a few breaths, breathing deeply. He shouldn’t have snapped so easily, and it was obvious that the damn fathered one hiding in the trees had noticed the quick change.

“You’re fine.” It wasn’t really fine, all things considered. The questions had grown to be a small annoyance, simply due to how much Dabi was revealing that he hadn’t meant to reveal. The man was supposed to keep things secret, but the one who was watching from high up was good at getting him to talk.

It was frustrating.

[harpy-hawk]

It was almost strange. The upset in Dabi's tone made something unpleasant churn in his stomach like bad meat. A distantly familiar sensation he's long forgotten the name of.

To the surprise of even himself, he finds himself offering: "you may ask me a question in return, if you wish."

[definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist]

It was odd, that this person was willing to answer one of Dabi’s questions, simply because the man had grown upset over the matter. Very few would willingly do so, as the world had become unforgiving of those who answered too many questions.

He pondered for a moment, silently debating what to ask. Having a name to go to the figure would be nice, but so would knowing what the man looked like. It was unlikely he would get an answer as to why the other was here, so he went with asking “What do they call you?”

[harpy-hawk]

Huh. "Not going to dig a little deeper?" He prods curiously. He certainly would have. Then again, perhaps Dabi has grown aware of his trickier tendencies. A name is a rather simple request on the surface, difficult to run rings around. "People know me as The Hawk." He says, simply because it is true. It was his title when introduced to representatives, but he found it to be rather lacking for the situation. "But you, you may call me Hawks."

No truer than the title he had offered, he was no fool. He would not have his name stolen from him again, but it was the closest he had to one. And admittedly, he'd become rather attached to this one. It was the truest answer he could offer.

[definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist]

“Hawks.” He tested the name, or whatever it was. He was going to need to remember the name. And the title. If Dabi were to find somewhere he would be able to investigate the name, he was sure he would be able to find out who this person was.

“I don’t believe digging deeper would be of any use. You don’t seem like one who would enjoy revealing secrets to me.” He had hidden in the trees for all of their interactions. If he had been willing to reveal as much, he’d at least come down.

[harpy-hawk]

"There we go." He says, sounding much too pleased with himself. "Now you can't call us strangers."

"Clever, clever." He acknowledges, relatively true. "Perhaps not my secrets, but I could be swayed to divulge others."

[definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist]

Dabi wouldn’t consider it clever. Most did not enjoy revealing things about themselves. The fact that Hawks was unwilling to do so made all too much sense. Anyone would be able to figure that much out.

“I’m curious as to what secrets you could reveal about others.” He knew he likely wouldn’t get another answer out of Hawks, so he didn’t bother framing it as a question.

[harpy-hawk]

"It's all about asking the right questions and knowing who to ask, Dabi. Ask the right questions, find the right person, and you will find most doors suddenly very open to you." He tells him vaguely, fangs peeking out in a grin that could only loosely be called such. "No secrets remains a secret when you know where to look."

And I know all the places to look. He doesn't need to say. Nowhere to hide.

[definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist]

“I suppose that is fair. Enough reading will also lead you to the places you want to find answers from.” It took him all too long to realise that revealing how he could read would likely be considered something of considerable importance. If he played it off, he hoped Hawks wouldn’t look into the matter.

It never really crossed his mind to be secret about it, as that was simply the way he found himself with the witch. A little reading took him out of the grasp of the royals and traveling along the road.

[harpy-hawk]

He blinks. "You can read?" He asks, genuinely surprised.

The literacy rate of the world was slowly improving, but most were still unable to sign their own names let alone read. Most could not afford lessons. So, Dabi was likely of noble descent then. Interesting.

He himself could read well enough, as was expected of a man of the courts. Writing was however, a different problem entirely. As it turns out, talons were not quite very conducive with common writing instruments. The Commission had found it an acceptable avenue to neglect, as to discourage potential paper trails. Which was why he had sprites do the writing for him, should there be a need for penning letters, save for his signature.

[definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist]

Of course Hawks caught onto the one slip up. Dabi couldn’t help but silently curse at his idiocy. Maybe the witch would be able to help him change his identity again.

“I was a curious child.” It was the best explanation he had as to why he could read. For what it was worth, that much was a true statement. He wanted to read, and started pushing himself to learn much quicker than was anticipated of him. It was one of the things he excelled in that his parents stayed proud of him for, even after the birth of his siblings.

[harpy-hawk]

"Hm," is all he says for a long moment, as if grasping for words that would not bloom on his tongue. An odd loss for words he hasn't felt in a decade. "I find you are a rather curious man, too." He settles on eventually.

Curious, curious man indeed, it seems. A man of noble descent, running around dangerous forests burning down innocent settlements for no knowable reason he has found thus far. Potentially with the company of a dragon (or perhaps...?).

[definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist]

“Not at all. I’m simply a man now.” There was nothing too curious about him, at least nothing he’d like Hawks to know. He already knew too much. The more he narrowed down about Dabi’s past, the easier it’d be to narrow down exactly who Dabi is. And if Hawks learned that much, he very well could go to the royals and inform them of what their son had been up to.

Dabi would rather not have that happened, so he was going to watch his words now.

[harpy-hawk]

"No." He corrects simply, as if the very thought was preposterous, impossible even. "Perhaps to yourself. Introspection can be quite hard, so I've heard."

He pauses briefly, for dramatic effect if nothing else. "But from the outside looking in; you are quite the bright sapphire to my eyes."

[definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist]

“Well, you barely know me. Once you get to know me, you’ll find I’m just like every other man.” Maybe not every one. There were quite a few truly terrible men. His father was a wonderful example of that, and Dabi was not his father. That man had somehow achieved being a much worse person than the arsonist.

[harpy-hawk]

He perks up almost audibly at the words. "Is that an invitation I hear, Dabi?" He crows down exuberantly, sounding rather pleased with the notion. Though whether it be simply to piss him off or genuine excitement was unclear.

[definitely-not-a-wanted-arsonist]

“Hell no.” He scoffed at the idea. Knowing him, he’d try his best to avoid Hawks, given how much his guard was brought down by the man. If he wanted to keep his identity a secret, he needed to avoid Hawks.