Taking another swig of alcohol, Hawks lazily lowered his hand to the ground before using the other to cover his eyes. The events of the last night played in his mind for the hundredth time and the bird couldn't take it anymore. How long had it been since he laid down and how many bottles had he emptied now? These were questions that he didn't have the answer to.

He groaned as the sunlight began to peek through his windows, signaling that it was a new day, full of new regrets. Just great. What kind of horrible things would he have to do today in order to please the president?

The hero couldn't even close his eyes without that terrible image of Amari's betrayed expression in his mind. It seemed to be running on repeat now, tormenting him for the choices he had made.

A loud sound echoed to his left yet Hawks didn't even move, already knowing that the person on the other end of the line was the commission president looking for an explanation on why he had remained silent the entire night instead of updating her like he should've.

It looked bad to say the least but the hero was still in turmoil. He was ordered to kill All for One's creation, and if he told the president about his findings then Hawks already knew the results that would play out.

It had happened time and time again throughout his life. Whenever he was concerned about a certain aspect of a mission, she didn't care. He was sure it would be the same now as well.

In fact, she most likely wouldn't have any reservations about killing a child for the sake of the hero world. And quite honestly, he shouldn't either. That's what his training taught him, that's what should have happened. He had even seen her murder in front of him, that should have been reason enough to complete his orders.

But along the way, Hawks got attached. He saw firsthand the tragedy and pain that had fallen upon Amari's life, felt her trembling and shaking body underneath him as she cried, and that couldn't be ignored.

And that's why the hero was in turmoil, wanting nothing more than to end this cycle he had so willingly placed himself in.

The phone began to ring for the hundredth time and a moment of clarity snapped into the hero then. Shit, he had completely forgotten about the mission until now. She was going to be so pissed at him for this. Why hadn't he just picked up the phone the first time, it would've saved a lot of trouble.

Slumping over to the object, Hawks took a breath before finally answering the call, his voice still thick from the alcohol in his system. "Hey pres! Sorry for the delay, I couldn't find my phone anywhere. Seems I left it back at my agency so I just went to go get it. What's up?"

He knew it was a terrible lie, one that the president wouldn't be so quick to believe but somewhere he hoped she would just let it go this once. Too bad that's not what happened in the slightest. "Hawks, do you honestly expect me to believe that? I think you are forgetting who taught you how to lie, little boy."

The hero closed his eyes at that before giving a halfhearted chuckle, trying again except this time with a very thin layer of truth. "Alright you got me. I just decided to have a couple of drinks and the time slipped away from me. My bad."

She hummed in response, testing his words on her tongue before replying. "I see. Well, would you like to inform me on why you haven't given me your report yet? Last I heard you were going to meet Dabi and Bakugo to find out if she was indeed a traitor."

Cursing to himself immediately, the bird regretted telling her this information because now it placed Bakugo at that boy's murder. It would look suspicious. Come on Keigo, you have to lie better. At least until you figure out what to do about that girl.

He then forced his voice to become as even as possible before mentally shrugging his shoulders. "That's because there wasn't anything to report. They just talked and then left. The only thing that interaction showed me was that she's been in contact with him, but we already knew that information."

The line was silent after that, Hawks praying internally that she would buy his story. Although when the president finally answered back, it sounded skeptical. "I see. Well you should also be informed that a body was found last night belonging to one of the missing children. Do you know anything about that?"

Feeling his breath catch in his throat, the hero tried to even his voice. "Wait, really, where was it found?"

Of course he already knew this information but Hawks let her retell it, his heart sinking lower and lower in the process. "If you should know, while you were drinking recklessly, he was found at the Kokusai warehouse. Although that's not what you should be focusing on right now…"

Twisting his brow in confusion, he let the president continue, a sharp shiver running across his spine at her words. "We found that the body has the same markings and signs as those american commission members from years ago. Do you know what this means? All for One's weapon is closer than we first anticipated."

Invisibly gulping, the man managed to stutter out. "Yeah but that doesn't mean that All for One has them yet. There could still be time to.."

Yet he was immediately cut off. "Hawks, do you not understand the position we are in right now? There is no time, that monster is already revealing itself and we need to figure out it's next move before it's too late. Find it and kill it Hawks. Those were your orders. Why are you instead standing around and doing nothing?"

Hawks shut his mouth at that, the sweat already started to appear on his brow. "I'm not.."

Although that woman was quick to reply. "Yes you are. Quit being a scared little boy and figure it out Keigo. The world is counting on you, they are counting on you to be a hero. So do as you're told and get it done."

And there it was, her manipulation tactics. Calling him by his real name, saying those phrases that made it blood boil. It was like a trigger in his mind, immediately switching into the soldier version that she had created. He realized it was happening, but it was never enough to stop it.

Just to drive the point further, the president added coldly. "You know, perhaps I was wrong about you little Keigo. Maybe you can't be a special hero after all. I put too much faith in a scared little boy. I should just find someone else that can get the job done."

Widening his eyes in slight fear, the hero quickly flapped his wings in anxiety before seeing his career fall apart ever so slowly. She trusted him to complete this mission, she specifically chose him to get the job done, so why was he hesitating, why was he ruining everything he ever loved?

Hawks knew that the woman could take away his hero career in a moment's notice, the blackmail always ever present in her tone. It's what kept him going, it's what always made him believe such horrible orders.

And sadly, it was the same now. "N-No, I won't disappoint you. I can do it."

There was a small silence before the president spoke up once again, her tone lighter. Well of course it was, she had won. "I should hope not Hawks. You know what happens to people who disappoint me."

He understood exactly what she was saying, not wanting his future to be ripped away because of one foolish mistake. It was a choice between himself and Bakugo now, his career for her life, it was the most terrible type of blackmail and he was sure the president knew it.

In this instance, in this never ending choice, the hero had always chosen himself, but this time he couldn't help but falter, his mind flashing back to that crying and broken child once again.

When Hawks did answer though, it was cold and robotic, the picture perfect image of a soldier that she wanted. "I won't."

The present seemed happy with that, her tone smooth and plain. "Good. Now, pull yourself together. I want you at the commission in twenty minutes. Don't be late."

He opened his mouth to question her only for the line to go dead a moment later. Hawks had no idea what she wanted him for but he already knew it couldn't be good.

Shaking his head, the hero then threw the phone onto the sofa before covering his face in his hands and groaning.

Any other time, Hawks would've easily picked himself over whatever terrible immoral crime he would have to commit. But this time, this time it was far different.

The president had made it clear after all, it was either his future or Bakugo's life.

There was no in between.


After putting on the clothes that were left for her, Amari stared at herself in the mirror for a long unnecessary amount of time, her colorless eyes mocking the girl all at once. It still didn't feel real, everything that had happened. It was like it was all some kind of terrible dream.

Yet even Bakugo knew that was a lie, only placing a hand to the reflective surface before sighing heavily. When would the suffering end, when could she finally relax? Perhaps it will be never, who knows.

Amari paused when she heard the door open behind her, the girl very clearly seeing Todoroki through the reflection. He looked to be carrying some sort of drink on a tray, his voice just soft and just as warm as she always remembered it to be. "Good morning, how are you feeling?"

That was the question wasn't it? How was she feeling, how was able to handle such a mistake on her part? Why was she alive when others suffered for her? "As good as I can be. It still feels like a bad dream."

He eyes saddened before placing the tray on the bed next to him. "I can't even imagine what you're feeling right now. Would you like to talk about it?"

This caused the girl to lower her eyes, staring back at her reflection once more. "I just don't know how to go back to normal after this. I don't deserve to go back to normal, not after what I've done.."

Amari paused when she felt his hands touching her from behind her back, signaling that he was still with her, regardless of what happened. "It's not as if you wanted this result. You set that boy free, that's what he wanted, right?"

Even though he was right, the girl couldn't help but feel the bile in the back of her throat. "That was the first time I….I did something like that willingly. And the worst part is, I don't regret it, I don't regret saving him from this terrible nightmare."

Recalling her past in America, Amari closed her eyes, sadness etched in her voice. "I wouldn't wish what I've had to go through on anyone."

She felt Todoroki's hand squeeze hers before using his other hand to hug her body, offering her any kind of comfort he could muster.

Most of the time he acted like he understood her past, but that just wasn't possible. No one could understand her suffering, no one could relate to her scars. It just wasn't something that he could fully grasp.

Todoroki then realized that she must have known what Kazumi would face if All for One had gotten him, knew what kind of tortures would await him in the future.

Because of that, Bakugo had to make the hardest choice, something that even he wasn't sure he would have the courage for. She saved that boy, in the worst way possible.

Yes, it was horrible but thinking back, the boy admired her for this terrible choice. If it was Amari that was doomed to live this fate, would he even have had the courage to save her, to set her free? Todoroki wasn't sure.

Placing two fingers up to the mirror in front of them, the boy spoke small, directing her attention to the reflection. "Amari, what do you see here?"

She followed his instructions, staring back at herself before sighing heavily, not understanding where he was going with this. "It's just me."

Although that's when Todoroki shook his head, a small smile in his lips as he lightly placed his hands on her shoulders. "That's not all, I'm here too. See?"

Refocusing her eyes, Bakugo stared back into the mirror that had occupied her mind for the last couple minutes, now seeing Todoroki's silhouette behind her, strong and certain.

Amari stared back in confusion as the boy continued, placing a light kiss on top of her head, purposely making sure she saw it. "Whatever happens, whatever you have to face, I'm right behind you the entire time, just like this, understand?"

Feeling her heart flutter in the back of her chest, Bakugo's face couldn't help but fall at that, recalling his crying expression from the night before. "Even if it's painful, even if I don't have a future..?"

Although Todoroki couldn't help but squeeze her shoulder in reassurance. "Nothing has changed since the sports festival. The circumstances may have but my words have not. I'm not going to run away from you, and you shouldn't run away from me."

Widening her eyes, Amari recalled the conversation the two of them shared after the sports festival. She had tried so incredibly hard to push him away, to make him understand the tragedy that would follow, but it was to no avail.

No matter what Bakugo told him, now matter how she had tried to convince him, it was already hopeless. Because at that point in time they had both utterly fallen in love with each other.

Hearing Todoroki continue, her eyes couldn't help but soften, already knowing where he was going with his words, the nostalgia from them striking something in her almost immediately. "It doesn't matter if you have one year of fifty years left because…"

So much so that Amari felt her lips curve into a small smile of her own, finishing his words in her own voice, remembering how it felt to hear them for the first time. "Because that's not going to change how I feel about you."

Nodding back, Todoroki then felt her body turn towards him, away from the mirror as she continued. How could she be so stupid, how could she be so blind to forget that the conversation they shared after the sports festival?

Amari grasped onto his shirt in the process, her voice slightly cracked. "Shoto, I..I'm so scared of the future. I know it would be better if you had nothing to do with me but, I don't think my heart can take that reality.…"

Staring back in surprise, the boy's face then melted into a small smile before lifting a hand to her face, tracing the lines like he usually did for her.

He knew that only danger and tragedy awaited them if they continued, but the choice seemed obvious, wanting nothing more than to savior the time they did have together. "Then you don't have to take it, not ever."

Widening her eyes in absolute emotion, Amari couldn't help but let her expression fall. "But with me, you'll only continue to be hurt. I shouldn't ask this of you, I shouldn't force you to relive any more painful memories. That's what I've been trying to stop this entire time…"

Yet the boy only shook his head, his eyes boring into hers. "If that is what it takes, if this is the condition to stay with you forever, then I will accept it in a heartbeat. You're not forcing me into anything. You've never forced me into this."

Tracing his fingers down to her chin, Bakugo narrowed her eyes in confusion. "Why, why would you willingly agree to that?"

Although that's when Todoroki then lifted her chin before his warm gaze poured into her all at once. "It's simple. It's because I love you Amari."

A red hue started to fill her cheeks as Bakugo stared at him dumbfounded, his voice reaching her once more. "Is it not the same for you?"

A hard ball of emotions coursed into the back of her throat then, causing Amari's words to catch in her throat. She knew exactly what he had meant by that. If he was in her position, then Amari already knew she'd give up everything for him. It was as simple as that.

Nodding back once, Amari's hands found their way towards his lips, silently telling him that it was indeed the same, and that she also loved him more than anything.

She rubbed her fingers over the surface, now coaxing her further to touch them herself, to experience the amount of love that he was so openly displaying right now. She was desperate for it, wanting it more than anything.

So much so that Todoroki barely had time to process as Amari quickly grabbed onto his shirt before pushing his lips onto hers deeply, immediately feeling the warmth from them as she did so.

She wanted to give him an answer larger than words, something that he could truly believe. She loved him, she loved him so much and the girl wanted to express that to him fully.

He seemed surprised by the action, tensing for a small moment as if he was afraid to push her further then her limits right now. She had just experienced a large amount of trauma after all.

Although he was paused when Todoroki felt a loving hand on his face, signaling him that it was okay to deepen his kiss as well, to show her how much he really cherished her.

Groaning back in pleasure, the boy quickly grabbed hold of her waist before hoisting her up into the air, that way he didn't have to lean down anymore because of her height.

Amari didn't seem to mind though, running a hand through his hair as the boy plopped her on the bed next to them, giving their height difference a bit of an advantage as the mattress was raised.

Wrapping his arms around her, he heard Bakugo stifle out a quick breath as he continued to kiss her, showing her just how precious she was to him. When was the last time they had done this, when was the last time they truly felt alive like this? It seemed it was so long ago.

It felt so good, so freeing in this moment after everything that had happened. It was like the two of them were normal, just worrying about silly frivolous things rather than death and despair. How they wished things could've been like this all the time.

Placing his hands on her hips, Todoroki stopped for a moment when he felt the bare skin of her back, immediately pulling away a moment later with an embarrassing expression. "Sorry, that was an accident. I didn't mean to.."

Amari stared at him in her hazed state for a moment before her lips curved up into a small smile, already reaching for his hand. He was always so considerate of her, always so gentle. "Shoto, it's okay. I don't mind."

Turning back to her, the boy couldn't help but be dumbfounded. He had taken it too far and she was being so kind, why? He didn't understand. "But, I want to respect you. You deserve to be respected."

He seemed really serious about that, causing Bakugo to chuckle at his flustered face. He was so cute sometimes. "You do respect me, you always have. That's why I'm okay with it, because it's you."

Then she carefully grabbed onto his hand before placing it on her bare lower back for him, the warmth of her skin flowing into him all at once. "See? It's alright, I'm alright. I love you Shoto, and I trust you."

His fingers began to run across her lower back at Amari's words, his face turning red as she pulled him back into the kiss, signaling that it was okay for him to continue.

Todoroki paused for a moment to really make sure she was comfortable before continuing to trail his fingers across her back, now feeling every scar and burn mark that was littered across the surface.

He hated that this was her reality, that this was her past. He hated so much, now feeling the bumpy ridges from her wounds, one after another. Todoroki couldn't even believe she was letting him do this right now.

Somehow this felt far more intimate than anything they had ever done before, Amari silently trusting him with her past, and her imperfections all at once. She was unafraid of him fully seeing her now, and Todoroki was grateful to have earned that kind of trust from her.

Not letting that newfound trust go in vain, the boy leaned closer before pressing his palm in the middle of her back, snaking her closer and Amari groaned back at the sudden heat. This felt so different, so natural, having her this close to him.

It made him want more…

Just then, the phone began to ring on the table next to them causing the two to break apart, now breathing heavily from the thick atmosphere. "W-What?"

Scrambling to the phone, Amari looked down at the caller ID before sighing roughly, opening the surface all at once. "Katsuki, what's up?"

He said something after that but the girl's mind was still reeling from the previous moment, staring at Todoroki as she responded blackly. He wanted something about a study guide or something. "O-Oh! Uhh yeah you can borrow mine. It's in my drawer on the left hand side."

Then she quickly hung up, still breathing heavily as she glanced towards the boy she loved. She wanted to moment back, she wanted that feeling of absolute bliss back, although even she knew that was too good to be true.

That just wasn't the type of life she had after all.

Almost on cue, the door opened once again to reveal Endeavor, his arms crossed roughly in front of him. "Bakugo, someone wants to see you."

Twisting her brow in confusion and slight anxiety, Todoroki answered for her. "Who is it?"

Endeavor shook his head at that, obviously annoyed about the question. "I tried to get them to leave but it seems they won't until they speak with you."

Knowing that he hadn't answered the question didn't calm her down in the slightest though, already making her way towards the door. If Endeavor wasn't happy then this couldn't have been good.

Amari made her way through the house to meet this mysterious man before Todoroki's father suddenly put his hand out to stop her, his voice rough. "They are outside. I don't want those dogs anywhere in my house."

Not fully understanding, the man then pointed to the door before huffing. "I can already guess what they are here for, and it can't be good. Don't let that bitch get anything out of you Bakugo."

His tone was less than joyful which caused Amari to narrow her eyes in even more confusion. What could possibly be behind that door? She was kinda curious now. Who was he even talking about?

Following his finger, Bakugo slowly opened up the surface before a group of three suited men greeted her. They looked intimidating to say the least. "Are you Bakugo Amari?"

Twisting her brow, Amari held onto the door frame before answering short and skeptically. What did these men want with her? They didn't know about her connection of All for One, did they? "Who wants to know?"

Although she was certainly surprised when the men began to bow a moment later, the words catching onto the girl immediately as she widened her eyes. "The Hero Public Safety Commission wishes to see you Miss."


After waving to a couple people on his way to the president's office, Hawks began to think of the possible reasons why that woman would've called him in the first place.

Usually she just summons him to scold the bird, but this time seemed different. She had already done that on the phone after all. Something about this wasn't right.

He reached the door a moment later, giving himself a metaphorical breath of courage before pushing open the surface.

Hawks then tried to throw on his usual attitude all at once, giving a toothy grin. "Heya president, what did you want me to see me for?"

Although the hero was stopped dead in his tracks when a very familiar blonde haired girl stood in front of him, his eyes howled at the sight as the woman replied plainly. Oh no, why was Bakugo here? What the hell was the president thinking?! "Welcome Hawks, we were waiting for you to begin."

Unable to hide his shock, the bird immediately turned to Amari who was equally stunned at his presence before she tore her gaze away. Ah, that's right, she hated him now. "O-Oh, I see that. I didn't know we were having a party."

The president hummed in response before letting her lips curve up into a small smile, something that Hawks hadn't seen in awhile. "You two already know each other so let's get right to it, shall we?"

Feeling an unknown chill down Amari's spine, she spoke back. "I'm sorry but am I in trouble or something? I don't really understand why I'm here."

The woman nodded her head before crossing her hands together politely. "Not at all dear. In fact it's the exact opposite. But first before that…"

Standing from her seat the woman then began to circle Amari, her eyes boring into her in order to see every response. "I'm sure you've been made aware of the tragedy that was reported recently, about the U.A. students that lost his life last night?"

Hawks watched her widen her eyes in anxiety before turning her head towards him with a glare. She probably thought that he was responsible for the information, and usually that would have been true. Although, he was drinking last night so that wasn't the case.

Just then, the reason why the president had summoned her suddenly became clear. It was because the woman didn't believe his words this morning, so she's finding out herself. The horrible realization slammed into him all at once as the birds eyes hollowed. The reason that Bakugo was here, it was all his fault.

Bakugo began to struggle at that though, her tone forcing itself to come out even. That's good chickadee, make her think you're just feeling the grief. "Yeah, I know. It's all over the news. Why are you asking about that?"

Narrowing her eyes, the president then stopped in front of the girl, her stare boring into Amari's soul. "You two were rather similar if I'm not mistaken. I'm sure that makes it far more personal to you, doesn't it not?"

Not really knowing where she was going with this, Amari replied back plainly. "I guess so."

Humming back, suddenly the woman's eyes turned cold, causing Bakugo to freeze immediately, her tone cruel and sharp. "His death, you wouldn't have had anything to do with it, right?"

She couldn't help but widen her eyes at that. This woman, she suspected her, didn't she? "W-What?"

Although the woman showed no mercy, digging into her ferociously. "Don't act coy Bakugo, it's unbecoming. I'm just curious, giving your past connections with All for One."

At her words, Hawks immediately began to panic, knowing that Bakugo wouldn't stand a chance against that woman. He needed to pull her out and quickly. "Come on pres, I don't really think.."

Yet he was quickly silenced as the president hissed back cruelly. "Did I give you permission to speak Hawks?"

Flinching slightly at her tone, the bird screwed his lips shut before turning his head away. It was useless. He couldn't help right now, he didn't have the strength to go against the one that held his chains. Hawks hated it, but Amari was on her own here.

Almost on cue, the president turned around after that, her eyes still boring into Bakugo silently. "Now Bakugo, go ahead and quell my suspicion. Did you or did you not have something to do with Sato Kazumi's murder?"

Her question was so specific, so much so that it was impossible to talk her way around it. The only way out of this was to lie, but even Amari knew that it wouldn't be easy. This woman seemed really good at interrogation.

Hawks on the other hand was incredibly distressed. There was no way she would convince that woman if Bakugo lied. She even saw through his lies. That girl was done for..

Closing her eyes for a moment, Hawks closed his eyes as well before she replied as smooth and plain as the girl could muster. "I didn't."

Luckily it sounded convincing enough, the woman boring into her for a couple more moments before her lips turned back into that light smile. "Very well. Apologies for being so forward. Now that that's all cleared up.."

Blinking in confusion, the president then started to back away, her voice lighter than before. "I must say, I read through your file at U.A. and you are truly special Bakugo. I mean, going undercover for the league, helping in a Yakuza raid, that incident in Kyushu. It seems like your reputation precedes you."

Feeling whiplash from this conversation, Amari seemingly tried to keep up. First she was threatened and now she was admiring her? "I don't really understand what you're trying to say.."

Yet that's when the woman placed her hands on the desk behind her before giving the girl a knowing grin. "I would like to offer you a spot in the commission once you graduate from U.A."

Widening her eyes in utter shock, Hawks seemed to do the same thing, except it wasn't in excitement. No, it was in horror. That woman, she was trying to cage Bakugo, wasn't she? "W-What?"

The president only nodded back though, her voice cunningly smooth. "We need people like you in our organization, the type of special heroes that can really change the world. I think you are more than qualified for that, don't you?"

And that's when Hawks did something uncharacteristically for himself, he spoke back. "Wait wait wait, hold on there president. Bakugo is impressive, sure, but do you really think she'll be able to fit with the rest of us?"

A look of hurt crossed Amari's face at his words, causing Hawks' eyes to fall. Don't look at me like that. I'm trying to save you kid.

Although the president didn't seem to have a problem with his outburst, using it to her advantage. "Don't underestimate her Hawks. I fully believe that she is capable of great things. So, what do you say dear?."

Amari began to look away from the woman before muttering. "Well I..I.."

The president smiled back at that, immediately going for the kill. "Whatever you desire can be yours my dear. Whatever dream you have, the commission can make it a reality. You must have one of those, don't you?"

Feeling her throat run dry, Bakugo ran an anxious hand through her hair. "I guess I haven't really thought about that.."

Reaching behind her, the woman then pulled out a piece of paper before replying smoothly. "Of course you have. Whatever you wish, for you and your brother both."

Then she read the contents all at once, causing Amari's eyes to widen. "Such as opening up a joint agency, for example."

Focusing her eyes, Bakugo stuttered back, dumbfounded. "Wait, how do you know about that?"

Yet that's when she showed Hawks and Amari the paper she was holding, now recognizing her brother's handwriting from that questionnaire. "I keep it in my best interests to get to know our future heroes. Your goal is quite impossible, that is without my help."

And Amari knew this quite well, already explaining her concerns to Katsuki a couple days ago. Without the support of the people, they weren't ever going to get anywhere. What she was saying could offer them a chance to succeed, a chance for her brother to succeed.

Knowing the woman had hit Amari in her weakness, Hawks felt his hands ball into fists. He hated this, he hated just having to stand there and watch the president so obviously use her manipulation tactics on her. He needed to say something, need to help her so that she didn't end up caged like him.

That's when the hero opened his mouth once again, the words pouring out without a second thought. He needed something to get that woman off her back. "Hold on there president. I think you're getting ahead of yourself there. I've seen it myself. Bakugo is reckless and unable to follow orders. I promise you, she won't be a good addition to the commission."

Bakugo couldn't help but turn to him in disbelief at that and the bird already knew what she was thinking. She probably felt betrayed that he was insulting her but now wasn't really the time. Hawks needed to get the president disinterested, and quickly. It wasn't like he actually believed those words.

Scoffing loudly, Amari's eyes narrowed to a glare before shaking her head. "With all due respect, I disagree with Hawks' words."

That caused the hero to point towards her in accusation. "See, this is what I'm talking about! I warn you president, she's not an easy person to get along with. You'll surely have problems. I should know, I've been training her myself."

He silently begged her to shut her mouth at that, but unfortunately his prayers never reached her, the girl only laughing bitterly. "Oh really? Isn't that a little hypocritical for you bird boy? Given your track record after all."

Pleading back immediately, the hero began to speak again before the president decided to cut him off, already over this little display. "I agree with Bakugo. I know potential when I see it, and this child has a great amount of it.

The woman's eyes then immediately turned into a glare, signaling the hero to shut up or else. It was most definitely a threat in all senses of the word. "Or you are saying you don't approve of my judgement, Hawks?"

Taking an invisible step back, the hero silently cursed to himself before being forced to withdraw, his eyes falling slightly. "No, of course not."

Once realized she had tamed him, the president then reached into her suit pocket before holding a small business card out to Amari. "We will be hosting a small press conference in a couple days about Sato Kazumi and I would love to introduce our possible new agent to the world. I thought you'd like to be there, given your similarities to the victim."

The girl slowly accepted the card before the woman continued, low and smooth. "Think about my words and call me if you'd like to participate. I will await your response. That is all, you may leave now."

Looking down at the business card, Amari found the woman's number staring back at her, causing the small girl to bow once before leaving, much to Hawks' dismay.

This was bad, this was so bad.

He needed to fix this and fast.


Following her out of the building, Hawks noticed a familiar shade of blonde before using his wings to catch up with her, his voice pleading. "Bakugo, wait! You need to hear me out for a second!"

His voice caused Amari to stop all at once, her voice serious and hurt. "Just go away Hawks. I don't want to talk to you."

Although he followed neither of those instructions, instead deciding to speak out again. "I know..I know...but you need to listen to me! You can't join the commission…"

His words poured into Bakugo all at once before giving her enough strength to turn around, those painful mistakes rushing back to her all at once. "Right, because you think I'm not cut for it, right? It's nice to finally know how you really felt about me.."

At that, his eyes widened, recalling the cruel things he said about her in order to get the president to reconsider. "Wait wait wait, it's not like that okay? I only said that to get that woman off your back. You don't know what you're signing yourself up for, alright? I was trying to help you…"

Yet Amari could only laugh at that, dry and sarcastic. "It's funny that you think I will ever believe a word you say again. Go manipulate someone else, I'm done with your games Hawks."

Cursing to himself, the bird flapped his wings in anxiety. "Okay, I know how you feel but I'm not lying, okay? I'm really trying to save you this time. I didn't mean those words back there."

This caused Bakugo to narrow her eyes, cruelty in her next words. "Of course you didn't, because you never mean any of your words, do you? Everything you've ever said was just to get me to trust you, so you see how believing your words now would be kinda impossible?"

Nodding back sadly, the hero then began to lift his hands out towards her in exasperation. "I get that, I really do but you gotta understand chickadee..."

Yet Amari only hissed back a moment later. "I already said don't call me that anymore."

Hawks flinched at her tone before replying back sadly. "Bakugo, you just can't join the commission. I know it sounds great and everything but.."

Shaking her head, the girl huffed. "I don't think you have the right to tell me what to do anymore. First All for One and now you. I'm sick of it, I'm sick of your empty words. I'm sick of falling for it again!"

At that villain's name, Hawks stood dumbfounded. "I know you're hurt, and I fully understand that but you are really frustrating me kid! Back then, I just did what I had to do and..!"

Staring at him with disbelief, Amari echoed back mockingly. "Did what you had to do? You've got to be kidding me with that self righteous bullshit. Someone is dead Hawks! You could've done anything to help him but instead you stood by while I had to….!"

Not even being able to finish the sentence, Bakugo decided to start another. "This is ridiculous, why am I even talking to you about this? You obviously don't care."

The amount of hurt that coursed through her eyes after that created a sharp hole in his chest, having no choice but to allow her to continue. "You know, I was really happy when you believed in me as a hero. Every empty lie you said really meant the world to me, you know that?"

That's when she bitterly chuckled to herself. "I guess that just shows how stupid I really am, doesn't it? I know it didn't mean anything to you, but even still, I couldn't help but be happy when you at least pretended to like me. That's more than I usually get anyways."

Shoving her hand in her pockets, she heard Hawks' pleading reply, the girl closing her eyes at the sound. "Chicka...Bakugo, I'm sorry, I really am but it wasn't all lies, okay? I really do care about ya."

Bakugo only turned her head away at that. "Well if that's true, you have a pretty screwed up way of showing it bird boy. Too bad I can't tell what's true or not anymore."

And that hurt the hero, watching the dejected and sullen eyes he was responsible for.

No, he couldn't think about this right now, there were more important matters to worry about.. "I..I'm really serious here. Forget everything that's happened for a moment. Just give me that card, okay? It's better this way."

Feeling the card in her pocket, Amari began to wrap her fingers around the paper before huffing. She hated that he was trying to coax her into this. Whether it was a lie or not, she didn't want to believe anything out of his mouth again. "Don't tell me what to do Hawks."

The hero's wings began to flap in anxiety before stepping forward. He needed to get that card so the president couldn't wrap her claws around this girl. "Just give me the damn card Bakugo. Stop being difficult and listen to me..!"

Reaching forward, Amari immediately pulled the object back. He was really starting to piss her off with his demands. "Don't you dare. It's my decision, not yours!"

Hawks shook his head at that, speaking back roughly. "No, you can't. You are not calling that number. I won't let you."

Ticking her brow in annoyance, the girl hissed. "Don't you dare act like you care right now! I see through your lies. That's bullshit and you know it."

Over his pompous and demanding attitude, Amari then reached into her pocket before quickly dialing the number in front of him, a knowing glare on her face as she spoke into the phone. "The press conference. I'll be there."

Widening his eyes in disbelief, Hawks then watched as Bakugo hung up the phone before ending the call and turning away, hurt in her expression as she left.

"Sorry but my choices are not yours to control anymore."


Oop, welp we have the commission president trying to use Amari for something. And poor Hawks is trying to warn but it's like a "the boy who cried wolf" situation where she just doesn't believe him.

Also points for anyone that remembers what's in Amari's dresser, the same dresser she told Katsuki to look in for her study guide. That will come into play later.

Also points to Todo for respecting his girl. We stan.

Next Chapter: The press conference.