XXV. Crimson Embers
You stand with your classmates scattered across the train platform, the morning bustle of commuters flowing around your little islands of UA uniforms and packed bags. Everyone's heading off to different corners of Japan for their work studies, but you're feeling a bit adrift - Hawks' compound could be literally anywhere, and you don't have much to go on.
That's why when Iida mentioned Hosu, you jumped at the chance to at least have a direction to head in. Though now, watching him obsessively check his phone for what must be the fifteenth time, you're starting to wonder what's really going on. This isn't his usual by-the-book nervousness. There's something tighter in his movements, something that makes his usual rigid posture seem almost brittle.
"You're positive you wish to accompany me?" he asks again, light glinting off his glasses as he adjusts them. You've never seen him this unsure about someone following his lead before - usually he's all about corralling people into organized groups.
You shift your backpack, nodding. The arrival board above clacks with updates, each sound making Iida's shoulders tense just a fraction more. Whatever's eating at him, he's trying hard to maintain his class rep composure, but you can see cracks in the facade.
The train arrives in a rush of artificial wind, and as you both step aboard, you catch his reflection in the window. For just a moment, his expression is something you've never seen on his face before - something dark and personal that makes your stomach twist with worry. You're starting to suspect this trip to Hosu isn't just about hero training at all.
You stand there watching Izuku fidget with his backpack straps, those green eyes of his looking a bit watery. It tugs at your heart - you've gotten used to having your little emerald troublemaker around. Bakugo's already stomped off to his own platform, but Izuku lingers, clearly wanting to say something but getting tangled in his own words as usual.
You reach out with a clawed hand, ruffling his fluffy green hair affectionately. "Don't worry, Emerald. You'll be fine - I'm sure Gran Torino is gonna be a good mentor," you tell him, trying to inject confidence into your voice even though you'll miss your problem child. Those big eyes of his brighten a little at your reassurance.
Before the moment can get too emotional, you're boarding the train with Iida, settling into your seat as buildings and stations blur past the window. Your fingers idly wave at the passing scenery, wings shifting to get comfortable against the seat back. The silence between you and Iida stretches, not exactly uncomfortable but heavy with something unspoken.
After what feels like forever, Iida turns to you again, that worried crease still between his brows. "You're sure about this?" he asks for what must be the hundredth time.
You can't help but chuckle, flicking one of your brown wings in his direction playfully. "Calm down, Speedling. Don't worry," you say, using the nickname you've given him. Though honestly, his constant checking of his phone and rigid posture are starting to make you plenty worried yourself.
You step off the train onto Hosu's platform with Iida, the afternoon sun casting long shadows. Manual is there waiting, all blue and white costume and friendly smile, greeting Iida with a firm handshake. You're about to wonder if you've made a mistake coming here when you spot him - a tall figure with striking red wings and a leather jacket, radiating casual confidence.
Your heart does a little flip as he approaches, that easy smile making his sharp features even more striking. "Ah, you must be Y/N L/N," he says, voice smooth and warm. "I'm Hawks. It's nice to meet you."
He extends his hand and you reach out to shake it, trying to keep your cool - but then he brings your hand to his lips in a gentle kiss, golden eyes twinkling mischievously. "It's a pleasure meeting you, baby bird," he purrs, and you feel your face heat up at the nickname.
Talk about first impressions. You're suddenly very aware of your wings shuffling nervously behind you, and you can practically feel Iida's shocked stare burning into the back of your head. So much for playing it cool - Hawks seems to delight in throwing people off balance.
You dip your snout respectfully at Hawks, trying to maintain some semblance of professionalism despite your flushed cheeks. "Nice to meet you too, sir," you manage to get out.
Hawks chuckles, the sound warm and easy, as he waves off your formality. "Oh, none of that 'sir' stuff, alright?" His red wings shift behind him as he gestures toward a familiar figure waiting nearby - Tokoyami's bird-like head is unmistakable, Dark Shadow hovering curiously near his shoulder.
"We'll be training with Tokoyami," Hawks explains, that playful smile still dancing on his lips. "I thought you two would be a good pair." His eyes flick between your wings and Tokoyami's darker aesthetic, and you can see the logic - both of you with your bird-like features and aerial potential.
You grin at your classmate, always happy to see Tokoyami's serious demeanor and his more excitable Dark Shadow. "Y/N, it's great to see you," he greets with his usual formal bow.
Dark Shadow pops up immediately, much more energetic than his host. "Yeah it is! Hey, wanna take a flight later?" the quirk entity practically bounces in excitement, making you giggle as you reach out to pat its shadowy head.
Turning back to Hawks to maybe ask about training plans, you find the pro hero already surrounded by an enthusiastic crowd. Fans seem to materialize out of nowhere, pressing in with phones out and voices rising over each other:
"Hawks! Can I get an autograph?"
"Hawks, please take a selfie with me!"
"I love you, Hawks!"
The Number Two Hero handles it with practiced ease, that easy smile never faltering as he signs notebooks and poses for photos. Though you notice his golden eyes occasionally flick back to check on you and Tokoyami, making sure his interns haven't been completely lost in the sudden swarm of admirers.
You share a knowing look with Tokoyami, both of you used to being the quieter ones in class. Without missing a beat, you grab your bird friend's hand and tug him away from the chaos surrounding Hawks. Once you've reached a safe distance, you flare your wings with a mischievous glint in your eye.
"We'll go ahead, Hawks!" you call out over the crowd, and before Tokoyami can properly protest, you're already launching into the air with him.
"W-wait, I don't know how to fly," he whispers, a hint of panic in his usually composed voice. You can't help but laugh at his flustered state, but you make sure to hold him securely against your chest as you soar upward. The position makes him turn about ten shades darker under his feathers, his usual stoic demeanor completely thrown off.
Dark Shadow peeks out, clearly enjoying his master's embarrassment. Below you, the crowd around Hawks looks like tiny dots, and the wind rushes past your wings as you carry your flustered classmate through the sky.
You spot a gleaming tall building that practically screams "Hawks' agency" and glide down for a landing, carefully setting down a still-windswept Tokoyami. As you're catching your breath, you notice something in your bag - that red feather Hawks had slipped in there days ago, glowing softly as it catches the light.
"I didn't think he would be interested in me before now, really," you muse, mostly to yourself since Tokoyami's still too winded to respond properly. "But seems I've had him with me a while..." Your fingers absently stroke the feather, running along its soft edges between your forefinger and thumb.
Meanwhile, down below, Hawks suddenly flushes mid-autograph, making several fangirls look at him in concern. "Oh, did we do something? Sorry Hawks!" they apologize, not realizing the real reason for his reaction - the sensation of you touching his feather sending tingles down his spine.
You're completely unaware of the effect you're having on the pro hero, still studying the feather with curious interest while Dark Shadow peeks over your shoulder.
You're still playing with the crimson feather between your claws, watching the way it catches the late afternoon sunlight and seems to pulse with a subtle warmth against your scales when Hawks practically bursts onto the landing pad. His usually perfectly styled blonde hair is charmingly disheveled, cheeks tinged pink as he catches his breath. The sight of the normally composed Number Two Hero looking so flustered makes something flutter in your chest.
"I- I better go, I have my interns, you know!" His voice carries up from below, sounding almost squeaky as he makes his hasty excuses to the crowd. In seconds, he's landed beside you and Tokoyami, his impressive red wings creating little whirlwinds that ruffle your hair and make Tokoyami's cloak billow dramatically.
"Sorry it took so long," he manages, trying to slide back into his usual smooth persona but failing spectacularly as his eyes lock onto his feather dancing between your fingers. His own wings do this adorable little spasm, feathers puffing up slightly like a flustered bird. "They were more clingy today than usual."
Dark Shadow, ever the troublemaker, snickers from behind Tokoyami's shoulder. You notice Hawks' golden eyes keep darting between your face and his feather, and every time your claw strokes along its length, his wings give another tiny twitch. The mighty Hawks, brought to a blushing mess by a simple touch - it's kind of endearing.
The setting sun paints the city in shades of amber and gold behind you, casting long shadows across the landing pad and making Hawks' feathers gleam like liquid fire. The whole scene feels almost surreal - you, the stoic Tokoyami, and the usually composed pro hero having this awkward moment several stories above the streets of Hosu.
You carefully tuck the feather back into your bag, already imagining how nice it'll look as a necklace - a little piece of your mentor to keep close always. You don't miss the way Hawks' cheeks darken when he sees your gentle handling of his feather, though he tries to hide it by looking away.
"Let's go," you say, extending a clawed hand toward the blushing hero. Hawks clears his throat, the sound almost comically awkward coming from someone usually so smooth, before leading you and Tokoyami inside the sleek building.
The interior is all modern lines and warm lighting, with various employees calling out cheerful greetings as you pass. "Welcome to the agency!" "Nice to meet Hawks' new interns!" Their friendly enthusiasm makes the place feel less intimidating, though you notice they all move with the same quick efficiency as their boss.
Finally, Hawks leads you to a pair of adjacent suites, pushing open the doors with a flourish. "Here you'll live in these three days," he explains, his signature easy smile finally returning as he gestures to the rooms. They're spacious and comfortable-looking, with large windows perfect for flying access - he's clearly thought about accommodating his winged interns.
You catch him watching as you run your claws appreciatively over the windowsill, his golden eyes warm and that confident smirk back in place. Seems like he's finally getting his composure back - though you can't help wondering how long that'll last once you start wearing his feather around your neck.
You start unpacking your things, dipping your snout politely at Hawks first. "Thank you Hawks, it's nice," you tell him sincerely, noticing how he gets a bit flustered again at your genuine gratitude.
Turning to Tokoyami, your tail swishes gently as you add, "I'm just nearby, Tokoyami, if you need me, tell me." Your classmate gives a solemn nod while Dark Shadow pops up with much more enthusiasm.
"We will!" the shadow entity chirps before Tokoyami retreats to his own suite.
As you begin organizing your things, your trusty red claws catch the late afternoon sunlight streaming through the window, and you realize Hawks is still lingering in your doorway. Your tail twitches curiously as you ask, "Do you need anything?"
The usually confident hero seems to struggle for words, one hand coming up to scratch at his neck nervously. "Umm, I'm sorry that I put my feather in your bag the other day," he confesses, golden eyes darting anywhere but directly at you. "I just saw you on the bus, and I knew you would somehow take me as your teacher. I... I was happy, to be honest."
His admission hangs in the air between you, making your scales tingle with warmth. The mighty Hawks, Number Two Hero, standing in your doorway looking like a flustered schoolboy - it's both surprising and oddly endearing.
The soft glow of your bedside lamp casts a golden hue across the room as you turn to Hawks, who's still lingering in the doorway, his usual confidence replaced by an awkward, almost endearing hesitance. His sharp golden eyes, so often filled with mischief and sharp wit, now flicker with a hint of redness around the edges, betraying his flustered state. You smirk softly, tilting your head ever so slightly.
"It's alright," you say, your voice carrying a light warmth. "It hasn't bothered me, and it won't bother me. I'm just happy I've got a piece of you with me now."
Hawks' wings, normally held with a casual ease, shift subtly behind him, feathers ruffling like a field of crimson wheat caught in a sudden breeze. His cheeks darken, the faint flush spreading in a way that clashes amusingly with his usual smooth demeanor. He clears his throat, clearly trying to find the right words to respond, but you've already laughed softly, the sound breaking the quiet like the gentle chime of a wind bell.
"Relax, birdbrain," you tease, gently bunching his jacket in your hand and nudging him toward the door. It's not a shove—just a playful push, as if swatting at a particularly noisy sparrow that's overstayed its welcome. Hawks stumbles slightly, caught off guard, his feet shuffling to regain his balance even though he's far too graceful to actually trip.
"Alright, alright, I get it!" he sputters, hands held up in mock surrender. "Y-you wanna change and sleep. Of course! I'll, uh... see you tomorrow!" His voice cracks slightly on the last word, and you can't help but laugh again. He's endearing in a way you didn't quite expect—a far cry from the cool, enigmatic persona that dominates the public eye.
With one last sheepish grin, he steps back, the door closing between you and the flustered number two hero. You lean against it for a moment, your smile lingering as you shake your head. For someone so quick-witted and sharp, he's hopelessly adorable when off his game.
"What an airhead," you mutter, your lips curling into a small, private grin as you push off the door and head toward your bed. "But he's a cute one."
The room settles into silence once more, the faint rustle of the city outside barely audible. As you turn off the light and slip beneath the covers, the thought of his crimson feathers and flushed face lingers, warming you like embers in the night.
Bạn đang đọc truyện trên: Truyen247.Pro