Miu always leaves her sliding glass door open for Hawks to swoop in and out; most of the time he can tell Miu with notice when the next time is they can meet up, but other times he only gets a brief window of opportunity. Before Hawks would use this time to just take breathers; naps, snacks, internet surfing, whatever came to mind; now he even sleeps there instead of going home.
Hawks can't stand going back alone. It's so empty inside his place, even if he does try to add his own personal touches. But the first chance he got, Hawks made sure to leave necessities like a toothbrush, shaving kit, his clothes, everything of his he could get inside Miu's apartment so he'd have it on hand. Miu was simply bewildered, but seemed welcoming all the same.
It seemed in no time at all, Hawks had seeped into every facet of her life without her even realizing; when he wasn't hanging around her home, he was calling her. When he wasn't calling, he was texting, When he wasn't texting, he was pining, waiting impatiently for the next chance for them to have some sort of contact. Hawks even took to showing up when Miu wasn't even home; many times she would come back from work to find Hawks lounging about in his underwear, scrolling through his phone on her bed or foraging through her refrigerator.
It's sudden, it's perplexing, but Miu can't find anything to complain about. Hawks is moving things along at an alarmingly fast rate, but then, Kaito had also been pretty quick to commit. Within two years Miu and him talked about marriage, or at least they spoke often about their future.
In truth, that sort of arrangement did still appeal to Miu. After all the hardship and heartbreak Miu had been handed, she saw nothing undesirable about the possibility of allowing someone to help her enjoy the rest of her life.
Miu didn't doubt Hawks; she was just having a difficult time figuring out why Hawks would be so eager to take things this fast. She supposed a big part might have been the fact she had opened, if somewhat unwittingly, a very secret, personal part of herself to him right upfront, along with many of her insecurities that came with it. There really wasn't anything else about her that could be a bonafide deal breaker, unless Hawks disliked a high sex drive, occasional binge eating, and the idea of Tomo living with them in the future. Even that Hawks seemed to welcome; he still occasionally brought up meeting her family and had mentioned that with his income they could even afford a personal assistant to see to Tomo's every need.
Miu wished she could feel simple gratitude towards such a devoted, kind person and just be happy someone who seemed positively larger than life was so committed to her; she wished she could think about their future so eagerly, without any worries for obstacles that may or may not even happen.
Of course, Miu had never thought in her wildest dreams she would go through an abortion either, but life always did have a funny way of blindsiding her.
But being with Hawks was like a dream; the number two hero, a public figure with perhaps the highest ranking in popularity, an all around amazing person and he treated Miu like she had hung up the moon.
"Hawks…?"
Miu peeked out from under the covers once Hawks had returned from the bathroom, teeth brushed and freshly showered. He was wearing a worn t shirt and sweatpants. Miu was still sleepy and had not bothered to get dressed despite the chill autumn breeze coming in from the cracked open window. The afternoon sun was peeking in from a slit in the curtains that had been secured shut for privacy's sake.
For the most part, Miu had not been bothered for quite some time on the subject of Hawks and her relationship, but this might have been due to the fact Hawks himself basically broadcasted the fact they were dating every chance he got, whether it was through social media, interviews, or just talking to his fans on the street as he went about his business. Not even Endeavor's presence could stop people from approaching him, starry eyed and curious about Miu, though Hawks never divulged anything too personal. All he talked about was how happy they were and and that her support made him all the more determined to do his best each day. Not that he wasn't already awesome; Miu just made him feel awesome.
"Wake up sleeping beauty. Actually," Hawks drawled as he leaned up against the door frame to the bathroom. "I wouldn't mind just spending the rest of the night together in bed. I haven't had a good night's sleep in a long time." he grinned. "And I don't plan to start tonight."
"Before that….can you do me a little favor?"
Hawks practically glowed; Miu never asked him for anything. Right now she was looking at him, her dark eyes hesitant and her smile wobbly as she tried to get the words out.
"Um, would you mind…?"
"Huh? Gotta speak louder or I won't know what my princess wants." Hawks' grin grew downright devilish as Miu ducked back under the sheet.
"Could you...ice cream…"
"Hm?"
Miu poked her head back out. "Can you get me ice cream from the store across the street?" she gave him a pleading, bashful stare. "I'm really craving chocolate."
"You don't have to act all cute to convince me to get you something. Not that I'm complaining." Hawks slipped his feet into the sneakers he hadn't bothered to leave at the door. He had just strolled right into Miu's room for a shower, discarding his coat and clothes on the nearest chair and pulling out a fresh set of lounge wear from one of the drawers in her dresser. He found a few bills in the front pocket of his jeans and stuffed them into his sweatpants for safekeeping.
"Thanks Hawks." Miu smiled softly and emerged from under the blankets to hold out her arms, her way of asking for a hug. Hawks almost shoved her back onto the bed for a little fun, but decided against it.
Today was the day. Hawks had time until the morning to spend with Miu. Nearly ten hours, which he figured was more than enough time to get busy and out a bun in the metaphorical oven. Hawks had already purchased condoms in advance and had made a few 'alterations' so nothing would hinder his end goal.
The plan was foolproof. In a few weeks it would be Miu's birthday, and by that time Hawks figured she would be showing some symptoms if all went well. A few days ago Hawks had scoured the internet looking for the perfect ring to present. He'd play it off like he had only gotten it as a birthday gift, but once Miu made her condition apparent, Hawks would make his proposal. After all, if Miu was already carrying his child, why not just make things official?
Sure, she might be a bit distressed, but even Miu couldn't deny it just made sense. And they loved each other. Wasn't that enough of a reason to move forward? A child would change things, but Hawks was certain it would only make Miu even happier in the long run.
Hawks could see it now, coming home to Miu and their son or daughter; he hoped they looked just like her. He'd make sure they never felt pressured to do anything but what made them feel fulfilled and happy. Their life would be theirs, and him and Miu would come together to make home a place they could always find peace. She would get to do what she always wanted but felt too much guilt to pursue and Hawks would be there to carry her through it.
Hawks could hardly wait; he was surprised he didn't break something with how fast he had flown to the supermarket, rushing through the aisles and whistling a little tune as he bought not one, but two cartons of Miu's favorite ice cream.
"Gotta be prepared for when those cravings start. Or does that not happen for another month? I better look up stuff on this soon-oh, and find a good doctor. I wonder if I should start looking for baby clothes. It's usually pink or blue, right? Or should I get something more neutral? Pink is always cute though...Miu looks adorable in pink…our kid will be the cutest little bugger ever. Aw hell, I'll just get both!"
Hawks loves shopping, even if he doesn't end up buying things more often than not; it's actually rare he gets to shop for someone else. Finding a ring to put on Miu's finger was the most fun he'd had in awhile, aside from the errand he's running now. Hawks really does love the fact Miu is counting on him, even for something so minor; she's not too self conscious about getting pampered by him.
Seeing Miu happy because of his efforts is more than enough to make Hawks feel this pro hero thing is worth all the grief. Hawks doesn't even care if he hardly gets any breaks, as long as the free time he does have is spent with his princess.
No more regrets, no more holding on to the past or dreading the future. Miu may not be there just yet, but soon she will be. She'll be at ease, her only regret being wasting time on that fat pig, that failure.
Hawks gives the cashier an autograph and is on his way out the store, ice cream secured in two plastic bags and a free cookie for the country's number two hero.
"He wasn't enough. In the end, all he did was make Miu miserable."
Hawks indulges in a fantasy as he rushes back to the apartment; one day soon, Miu will come to him, will hold him tight as she declares her love and gratitude that they were able to find each other. After all, if her ex had not screwed up so royally, then Miu wouldn't have been driven to the edge, and Hawks and her might have never met. It truly was like fate. Soon the fantasy would be every bit as real as it was in Hawks' mind.
"Oh Hawks...it was awful, but I think I'd go through it all again if it meant meeting you…you make me so happy….Hawks, I-"
"Hawks, what is this?"
"Hey babe, whatcha got-?"
The ice cream nearly falls out of his hand. Miu is sitting on the edge of the bed, naked and downright stunning in Hawks' eyes, even with the horrified look on her face. She had his jacket draped over her lap.
"What are you doing, princess?"
"I was folding." Miu answers, sounding miles away. She is gazing at him strangely and a faint smile is playing on her lips; she's holding a condom in her hand, one of a few Hawks had stashed away in his coat. Her fingers tremble and it slips from her grip onto the carpet. There's three others on the ground; they had likely fallen out of his coat while Miu had so kindly decided to tidy up after him.
"You don't have to do that. Here, I'll clean up and make you a bowl of ice cream. I got your favorite."
"Why are there holes in these?"
Hawks picks up the condoms and tosses them in the little trash can by the bed. He takes the coat from Miu's lap and drapes it over the chair with his wrinkled outfit.
"You're still tired. Go to sleep and get some rest, okay?"
"Why are there holes in them?"
"Miu, lie down and cover up. You're shaking baby. I don't want you to get sick."
Miu's face was devoid of emotion, and her tone was similarly unaffected. "Why are there holes?"
Hawks broad grin doesn't falter; why should it? Miu is so understanding. Surely she'll understand now, she'll see his intentions as well meaning. Miu knows him so well.
"I guess I might as well give you this now."
Hawks carries the ring on him at all times. He wants to be prepared, doesn't want to risk losing it. The band is silver and the topaz jewel is a bright, honey colored gold; it's Miu's birthstone and Hawks takes immense pride in the fact it is also the color of his own eyes. He sets the bag aside and gets down on one knee in front of Miu. Her face is still blank, but her mouth hangs open somewhat.
"I know it still hurts, what you've gone through….but I can make things right. Let's start a new life together. I'll give you all the security and support he couldn't. Miu, I can help you move on. I'll do anything if it means you'll be happy. You just need to let me."
Hawks feels his heart hammering away. He wishes for Miu to say something, anything.
"Is this too much? I can get you something else." Hawks smiles, struggling to keep his tone light. "We'll go together, and you can pick out whatever you like best. We don't even have to have the baby right now."
Miu stands up and Hawks rushes to get out of her way; she picks up her pajama top, her bottoms, and dresses without looking at him.
"We can wait and start trying during the honeymoon. It'd be hard for you to travel anyway."
"Get out."
"Miu, don't be mad. I just thought-"
"I understand. I understand what you're thinking exactly." Miu's voice is hard and level despite the shivers wracking her body. "Even after knowing what happened...I can't believe-"
"Babe, I just want to make you happy-"
"You know, I might be a little crazy, but you're a fucking psycho. Get out of my house."
Hawks is still on his knees when Miu grabs his clothes and flings them hard. One of his shoes hits him right in the face, but Hawks barely feels it. Miu's has started crying, though she's obviously trying to hold it in.
"I'll call the police. I'll tell everyone if you don't leave me alone!"
Hawks stands up unsteadily and tries to smile. "Miu, just listen. I won't do it again-this is the first time I even tried and I only did it because-"
"I want you to go!"
Miu is on him, fists clenched and eyes are shining with anger and desperation. Hawks can see fear in her eyes; his heart shatters as she frantically attempts to punch him out of her room.
"I said to go! Get out of my house, leave me the fuck alone!" Miu shrieks and sobs as she lands hit after hit, though inside she knows they are likely not even bruising him. "I want you out, I want you out right now, go, just go!"
"Baby please...please don't do this-"
"I SAID GO!"
Hawks pockets the ring and backs away; Miu's blows are merely weak slaps at this point. The tears are falling and she lands in a heap on her knees, face buried in her hands.
"Let me help you…"
Her only response is to sob harder and curl up in a ball. Miu is practically in hysterics; Hawks knows nothing he say will get through to her, not now.
"Babe, I'll put away the ice cream and go, okay? I'll come back later when-"
"NO!"
"I'm sorry...just, think about things first? I'm sorry, I know I shouldn't have tried to rush things."
Hawks gathers up his clothes and the ice cream; he waits at the door as Miu weeps into her blankets, half hanging off the side of her bed.
"I love you...I'll talk to you later, okay babe?"
Miu answers with another sharp sob and Hawks decides it's time to go.
It'll be alright though. Miu just needs time to think and realize what he was doing was for the best. She'll see and she'll realize Hawks was only trying to save her, like when they first met. Hawks hates to wait, but he knows this will need at least a day, but he also knows Miu loves him. She'll forgive him and they can talk and everything will be just fine.
Hawks flies off to his empty apartment and decides to see if there's any work that needs to be done; he needs a distraction from picturing Miu's look of utter betrayal.