Top pic credit: KadeArt

Ari POV:

"And it's really great, you see, because all ya gotta do is press this little button-and BAM! You have five heroes at your location in an instant!" Keigo said excitedly, following me around my dorm room, as I continued cleaning.

I lightly rolled my eyes at his words, starting to fold some laundry on my bed.

"Keigo, I understand what an HFRA is. What I don't understand is why you're trying to give me one. Those devices are for people-spies, agents, top pro heroes, who are practically walking through death's door. They're for dangerous missions, not some silly, eighteen year old student hero." I laughed softly, as He continued twirling the little device between his fingers.

Keigo plopped down on my bed, cluelessly crumpling a few of my folded clothing items.

"Well, yeah! B-But like I told you, it's not specifically for you, chicky. It's just...new protocol from Diane. This HFRA is property of the Hawks Agency." He explained, subtly setting down the device on the table next to my bed.

"Oh yeah? If it's for the Hawks Agency, then why do you keep trying to give it to me?" I asked, sliding his dirty booted feet off my bed.

Keigo chuckled sheepishly at my actions, quickly shrugging off his shoes.

"I'm giving it to you, because....I'm not around at the Hawks Agency as much, anymore. A lot of the time, you're basically running things on your own. Plus, you're more responsible than I am. It just makes sense that you hold onto it, instead of me." He smiled, spreading his giant vermillion wings across my bed space.

I let out a small sigh of annoyance, continuing to saunter around my room, while Keigo watched me from my bed. He's always been a protective guy, and I never minded it. But, for the past two weeks, he's really upped this intensity....giving me a flight home from work every night....insisting on delivering things from the agency himself, so I didn't have to leave the office....his odd texts in the middle of the night to ask if I'm okay...Like, why wouldn't I be okay?

Sure, he thinks I don't notice his subtle gestures....but, I know him better than he thinks. I can definitely tell something's on his mind, and while I've been patiently waiting for him to tell me himself....I have to admit I'm starting to get a little impatient. Or, more...uneasy, would be the correct term. I just wanna make sure he's okay.

"Ugh, I don't know, Keigo. It's just...first, you try getting me to wear your feather, now this? It all just seems like a lot. You're not normally this....involved." I muttered, continuing to sort through my clean clothes.

He sighed softly, running a hand through his hair. Normally, I wouldn't think anything of it....until I saw his wings twitch a few moments later. That action was always a tell tale sign that Keigo was nervous.....or turned on. But, I'm assuming that talking about work related stuff isn't something that makes him go weak at the knees.

"Heh....what, gettin' sick of me already, chicky?" He smiled softly, hugging one of my pillows to his chest.

Sick of him? Please, with the way he's looking at me right now...with those light, golden bedroom eyes...and that messy blonde hair...perfect skin.....perfect lips-

"Oh? Actually, I take that back. By the way you're undressing me with your eyes right now, it seems like you just want some of this." Keigo grinned cheesily, jokingly spreading his legs open across my bed.

I groaned slightly, barely annoyed that I basically just gave his Hawks ego a double boost with my needy looks.

His grin got even wider as I tossed the nearest piece of laundry at his face, trying to shut him up.

Only, I didn't realize...

"Damn, and you're tossing me your panties, too? Well, okay little dove. Guess I'm ready to get it on, if you are." He smirked, twirling my black undies around his finger like a helicopter chopper.

My gaze snapped back around at the clothing item dangling from his finger.

"Oh my god." I groaned in exasperation, quickly reaching for the panties before Keigo held them out of my reach.

"Nah. I'm keeping these.....unless you'd rather give me the pair you have on." He joked, cackling when he saw my face contort into thorough irritation.

However, I was the one smirking now, as I decided to beat him at his own game.

His laughs immediately stopped when I abruptly climbed onto his lap...coming inches away from his face.

He was silent, waiting for me to make a move as his cheeks started to tinge a slight pink.

Biting my lip softly, I barely grazed my lips on his, watching his eyes already closing.

Men. So easy.

"Who says I'm wearing underwear?" I said in mock seduction.

Keigo's breath hitched at my words, allowing me to easily rip the black undies from his hands.

"Thank you!" I chirped casually, before climbing off his lap to continue my cleaning.

His eyes snapped open as he realized he'd been played.

"What-aww, come on! That was a low blow." He groaned, plopping face down on the bed in sexual frustration.

"Well, enjoy it because that's about the only blow you'll be getting from me tonight." I retorted, starting to laugh at my own joke.

Keigo lifted his head from the bed, rolling his eyes in amusement.

"Wow. Laughing at your own sex jokes? You're definitely my girlfriend." He said, chuckling softly.

"Mhm. And don't you forget it!" I called out, walking back over from my closet to get the rest of my folded clothes.

"I could never." Keigo stated softly, before his eyes trailed back to the HFRA on my desk.

"Which is why I'm giving you this. Look, Ari...all joking aside...I really want you to hold onto this device. You don't even have to wear it, the way you're supposed to. You can just keep it in the desk drawer, here in your room. But....I just....I just really think it's a good idea if you have it." He uttered out, his tone coming out a little more serious now.

I pursed my lips in thought, taking in his words.

"Didn't you say this device is for the Hawks Agency? Why would I keep it in my room if that was the case?" I asked plainly, watching his eyes close in small annoyance with my question.

I really wasn't trying to push his buttons on this topic so much. I guess I more just wanted him to admit if there's an underlying reason as to why he wants me to have this device. I just wanted to know the truth. The honest truth.

"It....it is for the Hawks Agency. But, if trouble arises there, I'm more likely to be present. You are the only employee at the agency of the number two hero. Your name is also starting to become well known, because you're in the Big Four at UA. There's always a possibility that the villains could choose to target my intern. And if they target you here, at least you'll have this device with you. At least you'll be able to sleep a little more soundly at night, knowing you have some form of protection." He explained, using a feather to float the HFRA device over to me.

I remained quiet, taking in his words. Keigo had a point. I never really thought about how my status has been growing, especially since I started working at the Hawks Agency. People recognize me now, I've been featured in the news a few times since the High End Nomu attack.

I guess it wouldn't hurt to have a little extra protection.

Knowing I was considering it, Keigo attempted to drive his persuasion home one last time.

"Please. Just take the device, Ari. Please." He whispered, his tone of voice coming out unreadable now.

He spoke too quietly for me to tell how he was actually feeling, something I think he did on purpose.

Maybe he was just tired. Maybe he was just annoyed that I wasn't taking the HFRA so easily.

Or maybe...he was uneasy, too.

I just really wish he'd tell me.

Letting out a small sigh of defeat, I weakly held my hand out...letting Keigo's feather drop the HFRA device into my hand.

I heard him let out a deep breath, seeming almost relieved that I decided to finally take the device.

Tossing it around in my hands, I began to examine the HFRA.

"So, I just....turn it on, if I need help? I just press this button?" I muttered just a little begrudgingly, kind of annoyed at Keigo for practically forcing this thing on me.

While I know he definitely picked up on my irritation, he chose to ignore it...putting on his usual, chipper tone instead.

"Mhm! You just press the button at the top. Then, it connects, and heroes will be on the scene within three minutes."

I furrowed my brows in curiosity, realizing I've never actually held one of these devices in my hand before. They cost almost five hundred thousand dollars just for one. That's the price you pay to have multiple, top ten pro heroes of Japan on your doorstep in three minutes or less.

"But....what if there's no connection where I'm at? Does it just not work?" I asked, super tempted to press the big red button.

Don't press the red button, Ari.

"That's the great thing about those devices, chicky! They literally work anywhere. You could be in the middle of the jungle, the desert, lost at sea...anywhere and that thing would get a connection. You'll have no problem getting a connection in this room-should you ever need the device. Hopefully, you never will." Keigo smiled weakly, watching me mess around with the device.

I shrugged slightly in confirmation, going over to my desk.

"Alright, I guess. Last chance to give this thing to someone who needs it." I said cautiously, very slowly putting the device in my drawer.

I swear Keigo's eyes watched me like a hawk...looking at the exact spot I set it down in.

"Nope! All yours-I mean, ours! The Hawks Agency's!" He exclaimed, his face visibly relaxing when he saw me close the device in the drawer for safe keeping.

"Fine. Have fun watching five hundred thousand dollars collect dust." I chuckled, as he caught my arm.

He lightly pulled me down on the bed, grinning from ear to ear now. He seemed much more relaxed than before.

"Eh, it's Diane's money." He shrugged, before climbing on top of me.

Boy did know how to lift my mood.

"Is it really her money?" I asked, feeling an evil smirk forming on my face.

"Yes ma'am." He smiled, placing his lips on mine.

I giggled softly, immediately tangling my fingers through his hair to pull him closer.

Keigo hummed softly in content, deepening our kiss as he lightly squeezed my hip.

I was actually starting to get into it, before he broke away for a moment.

He sighed softly, gazing into my eyes before pressing his forehead to mine.

"What's on your mind?" I whispered huskily, missing his lips on mine.

Keigo was quiet, lost in his own thoughts.

"Can I ask you something?" He uttered seriously.

I simply nodded, waiting for him to continue.

He took a deep breath, only adding to the suspense, before he finally came out with it.

"I just need to know....were you serious about not wearing any underwear?" He whispered in mock seriousness, causing me to let out an audible groan of annoyance.

Keigo's stiff facade broke before it barely started, as he was already cracking up at his own words.

"Why are you so annoying?" I whispered in amusement, the growing smile on my face betraying my words.

Keigo's bright smile seriously lit up my heart, as he seemed genuinely happy right now. It made me happy.

"Why am I so sexy? Dunno, I've been trying to figure that out myself for ages, chicky. It's the world's biggest mystery, ya know." He countered, causing a small giggle to slip from my mouth.

"Are you gonna keep peacocking yourself, or are you gonna shut up and kiss me?" I teased, playing with the soft hairs at the nape of his neck.

Without another word, Keigo's lips were back on mine. However, both of us struggled to hold the kiss together, because of our stupid laughter.

What a dumb bird....

But he's MY dumb bird.