There was something off.

Over the following weeks, Hawks was distant. More often than not he'd just go off on his own to run 'errands' and leave me in charge of the agency. Whenever he was home, he would be quieter than usual, and the horrific jokes lessened day by day. It scared me, but he truly looked exhausted, so I didn't want to bring it up. Not until the afternoon when his mood did a complete one-eighty.

"WHO'S NUMBER TWO?!" Hawks burst through the skylight with his fists pumping in the air, causing me to screech and topple off the couch. "THIS BITCH RIGHT HERE, BABY!" Starting off on the floor, it only took the length of a sharp squeal before I was swinging from his neck; peppering kisses upon his cheeks.
"I'm so proud of you!" I cheered as he whirled me around in the air. Hawks' face was almost split in two with a grin, and my expression mirrored it.

"The annual ceremony is tonight! Better get dressed, Sunshine, cuz we're gonna blow the red carpet away!" He set me down on the ground, but he didn't let go of me. His gloved fingers danced over my waist softly, and I melted into his now rare affections.
"Not sure if I'm keen for another media circus...but I'll brave it for you..." I craned my neck and pressed a long, gentle kiss to his lips; his faint stubble tickling my skin. "Does...this mean you'll have even less time..?"

What am I saying? Of course it does...

Frowning, the blond brought me closer to his chest and nuzzled into my (H/C) hair.
"I know I've been stupid busy the last few weeks...You've been a literal angel picking up my slack at the agency, too...I promise, tonight will make up for all of that..." He moved so his nose was pressed against mine, and his amber eyes were filled with love and sincere promise. I wasn't a hundred percent trusting, but I didn't want to think of what he could be hiding. Not tonight. Instead, I tore myself away so I could get ready.

"Guess I gotta look worthy of prize winning poultry, then..." I teased; savouring the childish pout he returned.
"Well, I already ca-"

*Knock knock*

Without waiting to be greeted, in waltzed Best Jeanist. He had two black clothing bags slung over his arm, and he shoved one directly into Hawks' face.
"Go and try it on." He sighed; hurrying to take a seat on the couch. I could see the slight limp in his step, and I was reminded of just how badly injured the hero had been after the Kamino incident.
"Aye aye, BJ!" Hawks gave him a wonky salute as he sauntered off down the hall, and I joined the denim-clad man where he sat.

"How's your break going?" I asked curiously; trying not to make it seem like I was pitying him. He must have had enough of that after having a hole blown through his torso.
"I believe it's doing me some good...I'm keeping myself busy, though..." He held out the second clothing bag as he peered at me through his perfectly combed bangs. "I took the liberty of making a dress for you. Couldn't trust the bird to supply you with anything even remotely fashionable..." His tone was lighter than usual; more kindly, and it was strange. I didn't mention it, though.

"You really didn't have to...but thank you, Hakamata..." Using his real name, I bowed my head, but he shook his head.
"Please...It's Tsunagu. I believe we're well past formalities." I wasn't positive, but I thought I saw him smile. I couldn't see his mouth, but the skin beneath his eyes creased slightly. "Just put it on and let me know what you think." Nodding, I wandered off to the bathroom; knowing full well if Hawks caught a glimpse of me naked that his libido would cause chaos.

First name basis.. Making us outfits...Did he get a hole in the head, too?

When I pulled the cover from the dress, I didn't even hesitate to slip it on. Part of me actually wanted to cry. The design was on the same track as my hero costume; almost mythological, and the white material hung perfectly upon my frame.

(Yeet)

Without a second thought I burst out of the bathroom and sprinted down the hall, into the living room, where I almost crash-tackled Best Jeanist straight off the couch.
"It's beautiful, B...Tsunagu! You really shouldn't have!" I cried loudly; ignoring the pitched wolf whistle that sounded off from Hawks, who had rushed out to see what all the fuss was about. Petting my back, Best Jeanist chuckled softly and moved me back to take a look at his handiwork.
"I must say, it looks exquisite on you. My dear fashion associate Bakugou Mitsuki assisted me with the design...and once I fix that unruly (H/C) hair of yours you'll be looking like a goddess."

"She already looks like a goddess, thank you!" Hawks piped up; patting down his coat. It certainly wasn't his old one; no scuffs or tears in sight. That must have been what Best Jeanist brought over for him. "My Sunshine could walk the red in a burlap sack and she'd still steal the show!" Irking, I decided to ignore his ridiculous statement as our guest began to stand, and I offered him my arm. I felt awful that I hadn't been aware of how agonising his injuries must have been.

After quietly thanking me, Best Jeanist pulled out his cellphone from one of his many denim pockets and dialled a number; bringing it to his ear.
"Yes, bring up my equipment. We have a big job."

---------------------------------------------

He hadn't been lying when he said it would be a big job. He relentlessly worked on my hair for several hours, and after that, my makeup, which was subtle, yet incredibly classy. I had originally thought having flowers braided into my hair would be irritating, but I hardly knew they were there.

(I have super short hair, so if any readers are in my boat, imagine flowers braided/pinned into the sides!)

The entire limo ride to the event went by slowly as Hawks stared at me from behind his visor. His cheeks were dusted a rosy pink, and every time I caught his eyes he swallowed audibly.  I didn't say a word, and nor did he. It wasn't exactly uncomfortable, but I still felt like he was hiding something. Something important. When the limousine came to a stop, I could hear the ruckus of the paparazzi outside, and the flashing of cameras made my mouth go dry.

"Hey," I turned to Hawks as he placed his hand upon my knee. "I'll be with you every moment as soon as the announcements are over. You'll be right up front, sitting next to my buddy Sakamata! He's a real softy, so you won't have to worry, 'kay?" I nodded stiffly, and he moved his hand into mine once the driver opened his door.

"OH MY GOD, IT'S HAWKS!"

"HOW DID THOSE WINGS FIT IN THAT LIMO!"

"I HEARD THAT'S NOT HIS NATURAL FEATHER COLOUR!"

"IS THAT THE NEW HERO SONGBIRD?!"

I was confident that I was almost shattering the bones in his fingers as we stepped out, and I quickly moved to clutch his arm as we were assaulted by bright lights and screaming fans. Hawks was as comfortable as ever; shooting peace signs and winks in every direction, and I tried to give them all my nicest smile.

Probably looks more like a grimace...Shit...

Once we were inside, a sharply dressed woman approached us with a clipboard beneath her pointed nose.
"Mr. Hawks, I must ask you to make your way to the green room to prepare for the announcements. As for you, Miss..." She squinted down at whatever was written. "...Miss Songbird...I shall escort you to your seat." Hawks turned to me and planted a chaste kiss to my lips before giving me a cheeky salute.
"Next time we meet, my dearest Sunshine...I shall be number two!" He chuckled loudly. I deadpanned to hide my disappointment at being separated from him in such an environment.
"You've been shit for years, Hawks."

"H..hey!" He pouted, but I blew him one final kiss before allowing the woman to lead me away. The entire arena was packed; the noise making my head begin to pound. Jeanist had warned me about the noise levels, but I hadn't thought it would be as bad as it was. It felt like we had been walking forever before she motioned to my seat and walked away. That was when I noticed the absolute goliath I was seated beside. He was tall, broad, and...oh...did I forget to mention he had the head of an Orca?!

Holy fucking shit I'm seated next to Free fuckin' Willy...

"Oh, you must be the Sunshine that Hawks told me about!" I swallowed down a mighty shriek when the man stood and took my hand; pecking it lightly. "I'm Sakamata Kugo, also known as Gang Orca. A pleasure to meet you!"
"L..likewise...But please...my name is (L/N) (F/N)...also known as Songbird...Sunshine is some dopey little pet name Hawks calls me..." It was obvious he wasn't a threat, but god, was Gang Orca intimidating. Sitting next to him made me feel frightfully small.

I wonder if he thinks Selkie looks like a snack..?

"Are you excited about your boyfriend making it to number two?" He asked curiously, crossing one leg over the other. Shrugging, I leant back in my seat and started absently pinching at the ivory fabric of my dress.
"Well, I'm excited for him...He was so happy when he got the news...I guess I'm just not used to all this attention yet..." I admitted truthfully, and the behemoth nodded along in understanding.
"It takes time, but believe me, you'll get used to it. At least people won't be scared to approach such a sweet lady like yourself! Take a look at me! I went to do a special talk about marine life at a local kindergarten...That...didn't go too swimmingly..."

Oh, honey, no!

I chose not to bring up how people feared the dark side of my quirk. He had it rough constantly with his appearance, and all of a sudden he didn't make me uncomfortable anymore. I was about to continue our conversation, but the lights dimmed down, so I resigned to folding my hands in my lap and zoning out. Truly, I could care less about the top ten heroes. I vaguely shuddered when I heard Wash's name, but went straight back to looking at my interesting shoes.

"NUMBER TWO! HE CLAIMS TO TAKE IT EASY, BUT HE'S QUITE FEROCIOUS! WITH TREMENDOUS MOMENTUM, HE SWOOPS INTO SECOND PLACE!"

My head snapped up, and my eager (E/C) eyes locked onto the man I had long since fallen for.

"THE WINGED HERO, HAWKS!"

Again, I ignored their continuation; something about Endeavor being the new number one, and focused on the dazzling vermilion feathers I adored. It was obvious that he was trying to keep his mouth shut, as his lips were pursed tight. Though, during everyone's little speeches, I could see the bullshit ready to come spewing out.

Oh god...Please, babe...for the love of all things good, don't do it...

"Who cares about any of that?"

Jesus fuck, Hawks!

The entire stadium fell into a sudden silence, save for Miruko, who praised him on his gutsy comment. I groaned aloud when Hawks snatched the microphone from the presenter.
"Hey, I'm just bad at keeping it in!" Spreading his wings, he rose above the stage; all the while looking as chill as can be. "Let's see...If we're going just by approval ratings...Best Jeanist would be first due to the extra support during his recovery. I would be second, Edgeshot would be third, Endeavor would be fourth, and so on...I think approval ratings are the most important metric right now."

Everyone began to mumble and mutter around us, but I kept staring up at the bold man. I was frustrated that he had to make sucha scene, but he was onto something.

"Is this the time to be clinging to the past? Is it still okay to uphold the status quo? We no longer have a symbol." He peered down at the audience and scratched his stubbled chin. "Why are people who can't even earn a higher rank than me being so tame and subdued on a day that's supposedly deemed a 'turning point'? Please speak more like real heroes!" Even from where I was sitting, I could feel the intense heat radiating from the new number one. Endeavor looked ready to turn my boyfriend into Kentucky Fry, and I honestly couldn't blame him. I wholeheartedly agreed with what he had said, but he didn't have to be so cocky about it.

You smug little cunt...

"Actually, I have one more thing I wanna say...but I need my dear Sunshine to join me up here..!" I froze as Hawks descended; smirking down at me with a dangerous glint in his eye, and I froze. There was no way I wanted to go up there, especially not after his little show. Quickly, I realised I didn't have a choice as Gang Orca plucked me from my seat, muttering an apology as he lifted me onto the edge of the stage. With thousands, if not millions of eyes on me, I must have looked like a deer in the headlights as I edged over to Hawks.

"Uh...what the hell are you doing..?!" I hissed to him in a whisper, but he just smiled at me. There was a bead of sweat rolling down his temple, and I began to get even more nervous. He was up to something, and I didn't like it.
"This, ladies and gentlemen, is my beautiful girlfriend, Songbird! There were certain speculations recently that suggested our relationship was...I guess you could say a phase...Allegations about gold digging, or me being a player...but I'd like to put this bullshit to rest. This woman...she makes me feel like I can take on the world, as long as she's by my side. No man, woman, nor Roomba in the world could tear us apart...But, in saying that...I don't want you to be my girlfriend anymore, (Y/N)..."

My eyes grew as wide as dinner plates as Hawks carelessly threw the microphone over his shoulder, causing it to land right in Wash's laundry hole. He proceeded to get down on one knee, and out came a small box. "Wh..wha'dya say, Sunshine? W..would you m..marry this bird brained pigeon dick?"

Holy...fucking...shit..!

I was lost for words. I could barely breathe, and it only made it worse knowing that this was being broadcast live across the country, if not the entire world. There were so many alarm bells ringing and buzzing inside my head, telling me that this was all too fast. Too soon and far too reckless. Despite that, no matter how hard my mind told me to wait, I found myself nodding and donning a wide, idiotic smile.

"Y..you stupid asshole...Yes!" My face was wet, and I swear I nearly drowned in my own tears when Hawks placed the ring upon my finger.

(Not sorry)

He leapt up and pulled me in for a kiss, and for those moments, it was just the two of us. No screaming and cheering crowd. No fuming Endeavor. No silently sobbing Kamui Woods in the far left corner of the stage. It was just Hawks and myself.
"You and me, Sunshine...Us against the world..." He whispered before lifting me up into the air and whirling me around. His face was absolutely glowing, and it warmed my heart. I muted those alarms buzzing in my ears; throwing all caution to the wind.

Yeah...Us against the fucking world...

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***I'm soooooo sorry for not updating for like a millennium so have a big chapter and progress!

Also! You all need to go read 'Bliss of a Cure' by TrashBiz! I don't really read much Midoriya x Reader stuff but god, catch me squealing at this sweet, relatable, fluffy materpiece***