Top pic credit: unknown. Tell me if you know

"So, Tsukuyomi............you're fifteen. Do you, like, have your own apartment then? Or something? I don't really know anything about kids." Keigo shrugged, casually shooting his feathers out into the busy, crime filled streets of Kyushu.

Tokoyami's eyes shot wide open as crimson red feathers began whizzing around the area, stopping a robbery....helping a little, old lady cross the street....and even saving someone's plate of takoyaki from dropping onto the dirty ground.

I couldn't help but smile softly at Tokoyami's awe struck look as he directed his gaze back to Keigo. It was amusing to watch him realize that the number two hero wasn't even batting an eye or moving a muscle to be in multiple places at once.

"Uh..." Tokoyami began, clearly still distracted by the flurry of red feathers swirling around the street.

"I'm actually sixteen now, not fifteen. And I'm too young to have my own apartment. I live in the UA dormitories. They were just built a little while ago. Have you ever checked them out?" He asked, his eyes locked on the sight of a kicking and screaming flasher being feather floated directly into an open cop car.

Keigo immediately turned his gaze to me at Tokoyami's question, making me roll my eyes at the cheesy smirk that now dawned his cute, stupid face.

Seriously, bird? Can you be any more obvious.

"Hm? Have I ever been to the UA dorms?-Nope, doesn't ring a bell-Eh, maybe once or twice, I think. Can't really remember-The rooms seem a little bit cramped, if ya ask me." Keigo stated not so subtly, trying to prevent his smile from growing any wider as he gave his eyebrows a flirty wiggle.

Luckily, Tokoyami was still too focused on Keigo's feathers to notice this exchange. But, that didn't stop me from elbowing him in the side to shut him up.

He giggled like a schoolgirl at my actions, making me scoff in amusement at such a ridiculous sound, coming from the number two hero.

"Remind me how you're a double agent again? You suck at trying to keep a secret." I whispered quietly, thankful that Tokoyami had walked ahead of us a little to take in the sights of Kyushu.

Keigo's wing gave my lower back a soft tap, before quickly retracting itself to create some distance between us. We were in public, after all.

"Well, that's because I'm not motivated for serious secret keeping right now, Chicky. I'm kinda diggin' this whole scandalous thing." He whispered back, lifting up his aviators for a moment to give me a teasing wink.

I shook my head at his antics, before becoming distracted at the sight of Tokoyami continuing to walk wordlessly ahead of Keigo and I.

It's only been about an hour since bird boy jr. showed up for his first day to actually work with Hawks, and I have to say.....I'm a little disappointed in Keigo.

He's barely spoken a word to his intern since he got here. I know he's not intentionally trying to blow him off. I know, even if he denies it, that he's still nervous about saying the wrong thing. But, he looks even worse by just standing there, ignoring him.

And judging by the small sighs and deflated looks Tokoyami's been trying to hide, I know he's disappointed as well.

I turned my gaze-or, rather...my glare now, back to Keigo, watching him continue to ignore Tokoyami, and instead...give a cocky grin and a peace sign to a group of nearby fan girls-causing them to swoon and scream some....incredibly freaky things that I'd rather not repeat....but wow, you wanna do what to Hawks? Upside down?! How in the hell would that position work upside down?

Shaking my head in disbelief....and only minuscule curiosity, at the fan girl's words, I cleared my throat to get Keigo's attention.

He quickly whipped his head back around at me, the sight of his pretty eyes not visible from the sun reflection of his aviators.

It only made him look more cool and hot. What a bastard.

"Heh, what's wrong, baby? Jealous of what that fangirl said? Don't worry, you're the only person I'd ever do that weird, upside down thing with. It's a good thing you're flexible though, cause that position sounds kinda painful. Oh! Unless, of course, you'd rather be on t-"

"Will you shut up? That's not why I'm trying to get your attention." I uttered to him, not so subtly nodding my head in the direction of a neglected Tokoyami.

Keigo's head followed my path of extreme nodding, slumping his shoulders lightly as he realized what, or rather...who, I was talking about.

"What?-oh, c'mon. He's fine. Look at him! All curious and pondering. How adorable! He's just taking in the sights-"

"You've barely said more than three words to him since he's been here." I countered quietly, jumping slightly off guard when another feather casually shot out of Keigo's wings to stop a child from running into oncoming traffic.

"Yeah, but when you think about it like that, he's also said the same amount of words to me-"

"But you're the adult. You're supposed to be mentoring him." I whispered, shooting a look of pity over to the loner, little bird ahead of us.

"I'm only like six years older than him. Can you really call me that much of an adult? I mean, you said it yourself, chicky, I still live off frozen dinners and dirty jokes. I'm the last person who should be nurturing the next generation." He pointed out quietly, mechanically giving his wings a showy flap on cue to a group of waving fans.

I groaned softly at the outcome of this day, not knowing a way to get through to Keigo so he'd feel confident enough to talk casually with Tokoyami.

Keigo was raised by the hero commission. From personal experience, I already know he didn't spend a lot of time around people his age during his training.

Most of the time, he was either alone, with Diane, or with some other emotionless, older adult who never had enough concern for his well being to actually acknowledge him.

Keigo's been morphed and twisted into becoming a special hero. He's been trained to be the cool, happy go lucky guy, who's got charisma and appeal for days. Because of this, the hero commission taught him an abundance of social skills and cues to make sure he lives up to the name of the number two hero. And he has...

But...they didn't teach him the right social skills.

They taught him fake happiness. Charming smiles. Forced jokes. One liners and phrases that will easily help him avoid the personal questions and keep him from forming any real connections with others.

And that was all part of their plan from the very beginning.

Every method of communication was meant with an ulterior motive for Keigo to get a read on people so he can somehow use them for his own benefit, or rather...for Diane's own benefit, in the future.

He's not used to having genuine friendships with others. Casual conversations that are actually meant to be casual.

Keigo Takami is socially awkward. Hawks is not.

And now that Keigo has been learning to find himself more, I can see he's starting to lose sight on how to differentiate between Hawks and Keigo.

This is a problem that he's always struggled with. But, in the past, it was always Keigo being overpowered by Hawks. The man behind the winged hero was always meant to be thrown away and forgotten, and he was forgotten. For a long time.

But...

Now, the roles have been starting to reverse. His real personality is finally starting to overpower the cage it's been locked in for so many years, and Hawks is starting to become a facade that Keigo is having a hard time keeping up with.

A few months ago, Hawks could have easily had a 'casual' conversation with Tokoyami about everything he knew he'd wanna hear.

And, while Tokoyami would have benefitted from this encounter a little, Hawks wouldn't have given a shit about it. He'd probably be thinking of the best way to ask about the league of villains, and forget Tokoyami even existed once it was all over.

Because that's the man he was forced to be.

But, now...

His moral conscience is starting to wake up after so many years. He cares about the bird boy jr....And while he may never admit it, I can tell that there's a big part of him that does want to help Tokoyami.

But, because he genuinely wants to....he doesn't know how.

Maybe, he just needs a little advice.

"Just..." I started off, trying to think of a new perspective Keigo can take on little Toko.

He lazily turned his head in my direction, remaining silent in curiosity as he waited for me to continue.

I pursed my lips in thought as I absentmindedly looked ahead at Tokoyami, wondering why I felt such a need for him to be nurtured.

I guess, it's just because him and Sammy are close in age. Tokoyami reminds me of him in that regard. And if it were little Sammy in Tokoyami's shoes, I'd want his mentor to look after him kindly.

Hm...

Actually...

"Just......don't think of it like a mentor, mentee relationship, Keigs. You're overthinking it. Think of him...like he's your little bro, and you two are just hanging out." I suggested, flashing him a small, reassuring smile as he kept his face on me.

Keigo didn't smile back though, pursing his lips in uneasy disapproval instead.

"Little bro, huh....?" He breathed out in slight confusion, obviously still having some questions about my approach, but being too stubborn to ask.

Typical.

Rolling my eyes slightly at his hard-headed behavior, I decided to put him out of his misery and help out a little more.

"Why don't you start with asking him about what he likes to do for fun? It will help you get to know him a little more. Maybe help you find a way to connect with him." I stated, hiding an amused smile at the nervous way he ran a hand through his hair.

Who knew standard socialization was such a big weakness for him?

Keigo nodded at me in agreement, giving a dismissive wave like he actually knew what he was doing, before turning his attention on Tokoyami.

"Ah, so Tsukuyomi!" Keigo suddenly called out, shoving his hands in his pockets as bird jr. turned around.

"Yes, teacher." Tokoyami asked politely, giving a slight bow of respect as he waited for Keigo to continue.

Did he just call him 'teacher'.....

Ah, damn it.

I couldn't help but internally facepalm at Tokoyami's words.

Well, so much for 'little brother.'

Keigo's temporarily relaxed body had immediately stiffened up at Tokoyami's words, causing him to start looking around the street in fake distraction.

I couldn't help but internally facepalm again at Keigo's actions now.

His avoidance of eye contact towards Tokoyami made him look as if he was extremely disinterested in his mentee, even though I knew he wasn't. He was just uncomfortable.

But, judging by the way little Toko's eyes slowly averted to the ground in disappointment, I already knew he had misconstrued Keigo's actions as uncaring.

And yet, the trainwreck continued.

"What do you like to do for fun?" Keigo blurted out mechanically, simply taking my suggestion statement word for word.

If Keigo didn't already make himself look uninterested in Tokoyami with his body language, he definitely sealed the deal with the way he asked that question.

Tokoyami let out a small sigh of annoyance at Keigo's distant tone, clearly having no intention of actually sharing anything genuine with someone who he thought didn't care.

We all continued walking down the lively street for a moment in silence, awkwardly awaiting Tokoyami's response.

"Well.....I suppose I just like to do what every other sixteen year old likes to do..." Tokoyami started out, keeping his tone respectful, yet broody.

Clearly not knowing what to say...Keigo simply gave him a smile and nodded in response, causing me to almost step in and try to help.

Until, Tokoyami decided to first.

"What....um, what did you like to do for fun at sixteen?" He asked hesitantly, keeping his eyes glued to the street in front of us.

That was a great question, Tokoyami. Well done.

And had Keigo been brought up with an actual childhood and adolescence, he may have actually known how to answer it.

But, unfortunately for Keigo, a question like that may as well have been asking him to perform brain surgery.

He has no idea what to say, because he didn't get to have any fun experiences at sixteen years old. Or ever, for that matter.

Keigo shrugged his shoulders carelessly, suddenly becoming very focused on the city around us as he tried his best to answer Tokoyami's simple question....

But, he tried way too hard.

"Ah, y'know....just the usual. Dating....partying....drinking, and all that-"

"You were drinking at sixteen? Isn't that illegal?" Tokoyami suddenly asked, starting to become the mentor in this situation.

The student is now disciplining the teacher.

Keigo let out a small chuckle at Tokoyami's question, his wings ruffling up slightly.

"Hm? What? Is that what I said? Well.....I suppose not-but, only if you aren't drinking at sixteen. If ya are-"

"Are you condoning that I drink while I'm still in high school? Isn't that breaking the rules?" Tokoyami asked, suddenly turning his gaze on the bird boy in question.

Ah. Well done, Keigo. You've officially dug yourself into a hole.

Keigo turned his attention towards Tokoyami now, flashing him an insincere Hawks grin.

"Well, yeah. But listen here, Tsukuyomi. I'm not like a regular mentor. I'm a cool mentor. Don'tcha wanna break the rules? Aren't ya tired of being confined to a cage all the time-" Keigo started asking, causing me to quickly step in before he could continue making this worse.

I'm sorry, birdie. It's not fair....but, not everyone feels as trapped in the rules as you do. Especially, first year student heroes who don't know any of the hero commission dirt that you know.

"Anyways, you two!! I'm starting to get a little hungry. I say we break for lunch in a few. What do you guys think? Tokoyami, we can head to that ramen shop down the street again, if you'd like? I know you really enjoyed that, last time we went patrolling." I smiled, quickly catching up with my two birds.

Tokoyami relaxed a little at my presence, giving a soft, reluctant nod of agreement to my words.

"Is that the same ramen place that played pop punk on the speakers?" He asked me quietly, closing his eyes in soft eagerness as he hoped I'd say yes.

I chuckled softly at his words, slinging my arms over, both, his and Keigo's shoulders.

"Yep. That's the one. Maybe if we request it again, they'll do another Green Day power hour just for us." I smirked, hearing a small gasp of subtle excitement slip past his mouth.

Tokoyami nodded quickly in agreement, giving a small pat to Dark Shadow who decided to show his face in the light now.

"We can only hope, Ari. We can only hope." Tokoyami said to me in emo anticipation, starting to pick up his pace to get to the ramen place quicker.

I chuckled softly in amusement as Tokoyami began walking ahead of Keigo and I again, hearing my other bird boy give a soft, deflated sigh from next to me.

Not caring about the fact that we were in public right now, I couldn't help but link my arm in Keigo's. I wanted to comfort him, as I'm sure that little tiff with Tokoyami hurt his feelings.

He's a sensitive chicken.

"See? This is why I should have just stayed at the agency. He likes you better, anyways. Now his image of me is ruined." Keigo mumbled to me softly, draping his wing across my shoulder and letting it hang loosely over my body.

I gave his arm a reassuring squeeze, resisting the urge to lay my head on his shoulder. That would be too much of a giveaway to the public.

"Keigs, his image of you isn't ruined. He just doesn't know how to talk with you. That's all. Don't force it. Just be natural. Lunch will give you another opportunity to connect with him." I stated, forcing myself to release his arm so it didn't look too suspicious to others.

Keigo's wing reluctantly slid off my body as I moved away, giving it a big stretch to ease itself from the busy work day we've had so far.

He simply nodded in agreement, not saying anything about lunch as I'm sure he wasn't feeling too confident about going.

And it seems fate also wasn't confident about him going, as the potential bird bonding time was stopped by other matters.

Screaming sirens interrupted the awkward walk to the ramen shop, before a police car came barreling down the street.

Screeching on its breaks and skidding in front of our walkway, the car came to an abrupt halt. In the next instant, a police officer practically fell out of the driver's seat to get to Hawks as quickly as possible.

It seemed the number two hero already knew what was going on, as he immediately lifted his headphones from around his neck, placing them on his ears. He could probably sense the trouble happening through his feathers.

The police officer started running towards Hawks, yet the bird boy could care less as he already began casually walking in the opposite direction to get to the scene of the crime.

Typical Hawks.

"Wha-hey, Kei-Hawks. What's going on?" I asked blandly, slightly annoyed that he decided it would be cool to simply walk away without acknowledging his work partners-Tokoyami and I.

Keigo's frustrated that he wasn't able to connect with Tokoyami. When he gets frustrated, he simply falls back into old habits and patterns...which is something he's doing right now.

Like the one where he thinks it's better to blow off his sidekicks and work solo.

Well, the boy's not perfect.

Keigo simply adjusted his aviators more comfortably on his face, outstretching his wings to their fullest so his fans would stop crowding around him. He couldn't get a good take off with so many people in the way.

"Eh, not much. Just a couple of scummy, ol' villains, who don't know when to quit. Ain't that right, my guy?" Hawks called out arrogantly, shooting the out of breath police officer a cocky finger gun.

The police officer quickly stopped his run next to me instead, deciding that Hawks was just too far, and too much energy, away.

I feel you, bro.

I turned to the police officer in question, watching him wheezing and resting his hands on his knees to catch his breath.

"What's up?" I asked the cop, hearing Keigo politely telling his fans to back up so he could take off.

"A-A lot of.....class C.....villains....in the downtown...district." The cop huffed out between breaths, causing me to immediately whip my head around at Keigo.

Class C!

That's nothing!

Villains range from classes A-D, with A being All for One level threats....to D, being a purse snatcher level threat.

Class C villains are standard criminals with some good, but not great, quirks. Definitely not worth the number two hero's time, but a job for his sidekicks instead.

"Hey!" I called out loudly, trying to catch him before he took off.

"What?" Hawks called back through a grit teeth smile, not wanting to ruin a fan's selfie with the number two hero.

"This dude over here said the villains are class C. Why don't you let me and Tsukuyomi take care of it. Or, better yet, if you wanna come with us and give him some pointers, maybe that would be bet-"

"What? And have you miss lunch? No way! You guys are hungry! Go enjoy the ramen and I'll take care of this by myself. It won't take me long. I'll be back before the food even gets to the table-oooh, but you know what? I just had an idea-I mean, a thought. If I'm not back for whatever reason, I'll just catch up with ya later. Probably. Maybe. Who knows though. Not me. See ya." Keigo called out, starting to walk backwards in an attempt to get away from me faster.

What a little shit, trying to get out of his mentor duties and avoid Tokoyami.

No way, bird brain. It ain't gonna work like that.

"You know, Class C villains are great practice for a first year intern, I'd say...Hawks. I bet Tokoyami would love to join, right birdie?" I asked, giving bird boy jr. a small nudge in the shoulder.

He immediately gave a nod of respect, looking up at Hawks eagerly as he obviously wanted to come.

"Yes, I would be honored to accompany you, Hawks. If you'll have me. I think it would be a great learning experience-" Tokoyami started saying, before Hawks cut him off by lifting himself into the air.

"Hah! If you'll have me? Sounds more like a marriage proposal than an ask to join in on some crime fighting, Tsukuyomi. Maybe next time, buddy. Crime works quick and I've gotta dip. It's all about keeping up, after all. Enjoy lunch, you two!" Hawks grinned, giving Tokoyami and I a sloppy salute before zooming off into the sky.

Tokoyami and I quickly shielded our faces from the powerful gusts of wind created from Keigo's take off, now left alone to enjoy a mediocre lunch while he went and did all the crime fighting.

Keigo. You douchebag.

I sighed softly in annoyance, apologetically directing my gaze to Tokoyami.

"I-sorry. I know he sounds like a total dick, but....as hard as it is to believe....he's not." I reassured badly, realizing my attempts to make Keigo look better didn't really sound the best.

Tokoyami nodded softly in empty acknowledgment, clearly lost in his own justified, preconceived notions about Keigo.

I can't blame him. I felt the same way as Tokoyami when I first arrived at the Hawks agency. It's very easy to misunderstand Keigo.

"He just seems....so arrogant. And he hasn't spoken to me much. Does he not believe I'm capable?-" Tokoyami started to question, making me feel incredibly bad for the misconception that's going on between the bird brothers.

"No, no, no. That's not it at all! He believes you to be very capable, Tokoyami. He asks me how you're doing all the time. Hawks just.....he's got a lot on his shoulders-And, don't get me wrong. I'm not trying to excuse his absence or neglect in your internship, or anything like that. I'm just saying....he cares a lot about you. More than you think. More than he lets on. And sometimes....he just has a hard time showing it." I explained, trying to dance around Keigo's tragic backstory and double agent mission, while still giving Tokoyami the truth.

It's a lot harder than you think.

I looked at Tokoyami with a slight cringe of pity for the situation he's been put in, watching him look longingly in the direction Keigo took off in.

"I just wonder..." He started off quietly, continuing to look at the sky in lost thought.

I remained quiet, curiously waiting for him to speak his mind.

"Will I....ever be able to keep up with him?" Tokoyami asked honestly, surprising me with the question as I suddenly felt myself reflecting on this statement as well.

Will Tokoyami ever be able to keep up with Hawks?

Will I ever be able to keep up with Hawks?

....Will....Keigo ever be able to keep up...with Hawks?

I felt my gaze drifting in the direction of Tokoyami's, looking up at the bright blue sky with him.

Keigo's probably up there right now, letting the breeze flow through his hair, letting the wind carry him past the city below, just enjoying the flight as he makes his way to fight some easy crime.

That was the time he was most free, after all.

"You know, Tokoyami...." I started off, feeling my own sense of peace when I looked up at the sky.

It always reminded me of my angel, after all.

Tokoyami slowly directed his gaze at me as he waited for me to continue, yet I couldn't help but keep my attention on the sky...feeling drawn to it today.

"Hawks places an expectation upon himself that I don't think anyone can keep up with. He's the man who moves too fast. No one will ever be able to catch up with Hawks. Not even Hawks, himself." I uttered softly, smiling somberly as I thought about how much pressure Keigo places on himself. How much pressure eats away at him everyday.

Tokoyami continued looking at me in question, clearly eager for me to speak again.

He was obviously looking for some type of guidance to this whole thing.

"But....Hawks has goals. Aspirations. Dreams of making the world a better place. And even though these dreams are far out of his reach at times, he never gives up. He never stops moving. He never stops trying to keep up with himself. And, I'm not saying you should try to reach for his goals and dreams. But...I guess what I am saying, is never stop trying to reach for yours." I stated, flashing a reassuring smile since I could feel his gaze on me.

You know....I never said I was one for nurturing the next generation, either. Hope I'm doing alright.

I could hear the sigh of Tokoyami next to me, but it wasn't one of disappointment this time.

More....acceptance.

"You have a fair point. I shouldn't be mad at Hawks for being faster than me. I should be more focused on trying to better my own abilities." He nodded in understanding, before hesitating on his next words.

But, when he did speak again.....it was nice to hear what he had to say.

"Ari." He said calmly, causing me to finally tear my gaze away from the sky so I could look at him.

"What's up, little birdie?"

"I just....I want to thank you for all of your help and guidance for me, during this past month. I know I may have spent a lot of my time sulking, because Hawks wasn't here....but....I've really learned a lot from you. I'm very grateful for that. And this time...is something I will never forget." Tokoyami stated seriously, giving me a heavy bow of respect.

My goodness. These emos and their angst.

I couldn't help but chuckle in amusement at Tokoyami's serious words, slinging my arm around him and pulling him close.

"Hah! It's not a problem, Toko. But, man, if Hawks is right about one thing, it's that you've gotta lighten up a little! You act as if I'm dead and you're delivering my eulogy." I laughed, giving the top of his head a ruffle.

Like the edgy boy he is, his shoulders immediately slumped as my fingers messed up the feathered hairs on his head, quickly pushing my hands away in embarrassment.

"Why do you always do that?" Tokoyami sighed, giving the top of his head a smooth down after my lighthearted assault.

"Do what?"

"Rub my head like that." He grumbled softly, averting his gaze to the side shyly.

"Ah, well....I dunno. It's something I always do to my little brother, Sam. I guess I just started picking it up with you, since I...miss him. Sorry, I'll stop!-"

"No. It's fine. You don't have to. I was just...curious. Sam, you say? I didn't know you had a brother. Does he go to UA?" Tokoyami asked.

He wishes he went to UA.

"Nah. He's back at home with my parents. But, he comes to visit every so often. Maybe you'll get to meet him one day. Who knows." I shrugged, before looking at the direction Keigo went in one more time.

I have an idea. It may be a stupid idea. But, it's an idea, nonetheless.

"Tokoyami." I said seriously now, trying to get his attention quickly.

His posture perked up at my sudden change of tone, quickly nodding at me to continue.

"The police officer said that crime with the Class C villains was in the downtown district. Keigo took the much longer way to get there, and the only reason I can think he did that, was because he sensed more crimes taking place along that route, and figured he'd try to stop them on the way to the district. But...the quickest way to get there....is actually through that alleyway right there." I explained, pointing to the alleyway nearby.

"So, what are you suggesting?" He asked, absentmindedly taking a look at the alleyway.

I couldn't help but smirk now as I felt the plan forming in my head, giving Tokoyami a nod to follow me.

"I'm suggesting that we show Hawks what you're made of, and go take down some villains." I called out, starting to make a run for the alleyway.

Not even missing a beat, Tokoyami quickly followed behind me, trying to catch up fast so he could match my pace.

"But, didn't Hawks say he had it covered? Will he be mad if we disobey him?" He questioned warily, making me remember that Tokoyami still saw Hawks as the number two hero, and not the dinosaur chicken nugget eating, pouty boy I've come to know.

"Hm? Nah, he won't be mad. If anything, he'll admire your drive to show up and get things done. You can do it. But man....I really am hungry. Lunch will be well deserved after this." I huffed out, hearing bird boy jr.'s footsteps trailing behind mine.

"Yes, I am as well. Can we still go to that ramen place when we're finished?" He asked quietly, causing me to smirk as I already knew the reason why he was adamant about going there.

"Still want that Green Day power hour?"

"Absolutely."

Next Chapter Title: Fly Freely

***************

Quick Author's Note:

The other day, Inspired3017 Fanfics-Lover and I were tossing around the idea on what it would look like if Hawks sat on Tokoyami like a mother hen (because, it would have been weird if we DIDN'T think about this glorious image)

So, in case one of life's burning questions for you, was the answer to what this would look like...

Well, now you can rest easy.

Inspired3017 created this awesome piece of art, so you guys should go follow. She's an amazing artist and writer ❤️