Top pic credit: unknown. Tell me if you know

"No way!! I thought I was the only person in the world who liked this band!" I laughed, shuffling through Keigo's music playlist.

"Ooo, turn it up! And hell no, you're not. I flew to America in the middle of the night one day, just to see them in concert, then flew back here for a full work day." He said, bopping his head in rhythm with the beat.

Keigo and I had been flying through the clouds for almost an hour, talking and listening to music. I had long forgotten about my fear of flying, solely focused on how much I was enjoying this travel trip with him.

My parents, along with my little brother, lived far out into the countryside. By train, it usually takes me quite a bit of time to get home from UA. That's one of the reasons I'm not able to visit very often....just one of the reasons. But, with Keigo...it only takes one hour.

"I think we're close." Keigo stated, carefully starting to descend out of the clouds.

"What?! How do you know?" I asked in disbelief, slightly surprised when the familiar green hills of my town came into view.

"Bird instinct." He smirked, before wandering his eyes over the gorgeous scenery below us.

It was good to be home.

Well, kinda. I mean that in the sense that it's nice to see my family. As for the town and the house they live in, it's all pretty unfamiliar.

"Woah! Now this is what I'm talking about! It's beautiful!" Keigo exclaimed, flying us over a mountain summit with a waterfall.

"Yeah, I guess it is." I mumbled in slight awe, myself.

I felt his head immediately turn to look at me, even though he couldn't see my face.

"You guess?! What, you don't like where you live?" He asked, not being able to hide his shock at my words.

He flew us slowly over the mountain top, the misty fog immediately wetting our faces.

I couldn't help but giggle slightly at the feeling of the dewey droplets tickling my face, quickly pulling my jacket closer to my body.

"No, it's not that. I mean, this place is beautiful. I've always thought that. I just don't.....I, uh, don't actually get to see it that much." I explained, as we began making our way through the very quiet town.

Keigo hugged my waist tighter against him, as the stubble on his chin tickled my cheek.

"Oh? Why's that?" He asked softly, as we continued flying over the stunning, green hills.

I thought back to my childhood....to the times before I was forced-not forced, but taken into hero training.

"Well....Diane found me when I was ten. After that, I was brought into the city, practically full time, to pursue my dream of becoming a hero. I'm only allowed back here a few times a year...and even then, it's only for a few days. My family usually comes to visit me at school, so we can see each other." I explained, absentmindedly running my fingers along his wrist.

Keigo was quiet for a moment, taking in my words.

He let out a soft sigh into my neck, snuggling his face closer to mine.

"That's not fair to you." He uttered into my ear softly, his tone coming out with subtle pity.

No, it's not fair. But, I didn't need his pity. I didn't want it. Besides, I've accepted my life. I should be grateful for the opportunity I was given. That's what Diane tells me.

"H-Hey! It's fine. Diane was able to give my family a great life-and me too, of course. So...it's all good." I smiled, knowing my happy tone still faltered slightly.

I know Keigo could tell. He could tell I was putting on a little bit of a front with this topic. But, luckily...he didn't press the issue any further.

And I'm glad he didn't, because the sight of my parents' house was finally coming into view.

I gasped in excitement, feeling all of my past worries wash away, as I began pointing to the house below.

"Ah-yay! I'm home! That's my house!" I cheered, feeling a new sense of freedom, comfort, and happiness.

"What?! That one? Are you serious!? That's a literal mansion!" Keigo called out, matching my excited tone.

"Yeah, they really like it here." I smiled proudly, internally knowing that I was the one who made this life possible for my family.

Of course, I would never throw that in their face. I'm not bragging about it. I'm just happy I could do it. Especially, after the life we used to have.

"I don't blame them one bit!" Keigo chuckled, as we slowly began descending towards the ground.

A few moments later, I felt my feet ever so softly touch the soft grass, causing Keigo and I to let out a simultaneous sigh of content.

He gave my waist one more light squeeze, before finally sliding his arms off my body.

"Ah. Feels good to be back on the ground." He smiled, stretching his arms and his wings to their fullest lengths.

I finally got a full view of his face for the first time in over an hour, only now noticing how tired he looked.

Keigo had light dark circles under his eyes....his skin was a little pale. Those sandy blonde locks were swept back, messier than usual due to the wind. He craned his neck subtly, gently rubbing it out.

I felt guilt wash over me, as I quickly grabbed our duffels from around his body.

"Ugh, I'm sorry. That was probably a tough trek for you. You were holding up me and both of our bags." I muttered softly, shooting him an apologetic look.

He immediately shook his head in dismissal, lightly ruffling my head with his hand.

"Hey, chicky. I'm fine. Don't worry about it. Besides, I really enjoyed that trip. I've never taken somebody along for a trek before. It was nice having you with me." He grinned, trailing behind me to the front door.

He could talk all he wanted to, but I knew he was tired. Especially, because he didn't even fight me on taking the bags.

We made our way to the door, not even getting the chance to knock, before it abruptly swung open.

"Ahhh!!!" My mother exclaimed excitedly, running out the door and tackling me into a hug.

I dropped the bags, immediately hugging her back.

"Mom!!!" I laughed, as she aggressively swayed me back and forth in her arms.

"Ari!! Oh, I've missed you so much!" She choked out, already on the verge of tears.

I groaned softly, rolling my eyes in amusement.

"Oh my gosh, don't start crying on me now." I chuckled, hearing my dad coming up behind her.

"Give her some air, Susy. I'd like to see my daughter, too." He smiled, limping his way over to me as fast as he could.

I quickly released my mom, speed walking over to my father so he didn't have to walk so far.

"Hey, dad! Slow down there. I don't want you to hurt yourself!" I exclaimed, putting my arms around him gently.

He immediately hugged me back, shaking his head at my words.

"Oh please, sweetie. You act like I'm sickly. I can take care of myself just fine. You know that. Ask your mother. I've been getting back into hiking again." He defended lightly, going over to grab our luggage.

"No, no. I know you're not sickly, pops-just let me take that." I ushered gently, before Keigo quickly walked over.

"I will take it." He smiled, immediately slinging both bags over his shoulder, before turning to my parents.

"Mom, dad.....this is Hawks. He's been very excited to meet you guys in person." I laughed, involuntarily placing my hand on his shoulder.

My mom's eyes lit up as she finally turned her attention to Keigo.

It was quiet for a moment, before Keigo broke the silence...giving my parents one of his genuine smiles and a wave.

"Hi, Mr. and Mrs. Parker. Thank you so much for having me in your home-" Keigo started saying politely, before my mother tackled him in a hug.

My dad and I immediately cringed, letting out a soft groan of embarrassment.

"Mom stop!! You only just met him!" I said, face palming my head in embarrassment.

"Susy, darling. Come on. Let the boy breathe. He didn't ask for that." My dad reprimanded gently, not being able to hold back an amused smile at the sight.

Keigo, being Keigo, simply went with it...casually letting my mom squeeze the life out of him.

"Hey, it's all good. I haven't had a hug like this....ever!" Keigo exclaimed happily, giving my mom a friendly pat on the back before she finally released him.

"Sorry, Hawks. It's just we've had all of those conversations over the phone. I was so excited to meet you-oh, and my Ari talks about you SO much! Whenever me and Michael talk to her, you always come up at least once. She always lights up like a little firefly whenever your name is brought up-" my mom started babbling, causing me to close my eyes in more embarrassment.

"Mom....mom....MOM! That's enough! He gets it." I mumbled lightly, cringing slightly as I saw Keigo's shit eating grin get bigger.

"Nope! I don't get it at all, actually. Hey, Mrs. P, later I'll need you to tell me more about how amazing Ari thinks I am. In great detail, if you would!" Keigo exclaimed, causing my dad to laugh.

"It's good to meet you, Hawks!" My dad said, holding his hand out for Keigo to shake.

"You too, Mr. Parker! I'm really thankful to you, and your wife, for letting me stop by." He grinned, extending his gloved hand towards my dad.

Before Keigo shook his hand, my dad's eyes widened slightly as he quickly switched hands.

"Oh! Sorry! I don't have my prosthetic in right now. So, you'll have to shake my left hand." He laughed, holding his left hand out for Keigo to take.

Upon seeing this interaction, I'm only now realizing I never told Keigo about what happened to my dad. Or how it happened to him.

But it clearly didn't matter, as he simply went with the flow.

"No worries, man! Hey, I heard those prosthetics aren't very comfortable anyways, is that true?" Keigo asked curiously, following my dad into the house.

My dad seemed pleasantly surprised by Keigo's reaction, starting to get talkative now.

"Heh, well it all depends, you see-" my dad started saying, as my mom placed her hand on my shoulder.

I quickly slowed my pace, letting Keigo and my dad walk ahead.

She simply gave me a look, not uttering a word.

"What?" I uttered in amusement, watching her eyebrows start wiggling suggestively.

"Honey.....he's really cute. Even cuter in person, than he is on the tv." She smirked, nudging my shoulder.

Even though I already knew what she was implying, I couldn't help but poke some fun.

"Oh, you think he's cute? I'm sure dad will be real crushed if he hears that." I teased, causing her to roll her eyes lightly.

"Oh, hush. All I'm saying is......I approve." She whispered, giving me a small wink before walking inside.

"W-What?! Mom, it's not like that. He's my boss-"

"Mhmm. Your boss who is only four years older than you, and very handsome. I'm just saying if something were to happen between you two.....I approve." She said again, sauntering away from me now.

I scoffed lightly, shaking my head in amusement at her words.

"You approve?? You just met him. He could be a mass murderer for all you know." I countered, trailing behind her.

"Well. Don't get killed then." My mom said playfully, already making her way to the kitchen where Keigo and my dad were heard chatting away.