Cross My Heart
To say 'disappointment' was what he felt would be vastly understating Hawks' state of mind as he glided to his destination alone. The past week he had been secretly brooding, anticipating a call from Dabi to discuss the possibility of a merger with the League and another criminal organization, the Meta Liberation Army. Even though he was still tasked with presenting the villain with Best Jeanist's body, Hawks' action of rescuing Jun convinced the others to allow him entry into the meeting, just this once.
Hawks' lips remained tightly shut, his gaze staring into space as he flew. There was no way that such a merger can lead to something so catastrophic, but he couldn't take any chances, no matter how unlikely. The worst-case scenario would mean imminent danger and destruction to the entire country if even a hair was out of place. That why he took Jun out, why he wanted to be with her, and why he was so scared to answer her. Once he retrieves and delivers the body, Hawks will be home significantly less. As much as he hated to admit it, he wasn't able to watch over Jun and keep her safe at all times. He couldn't be there to protect her. That's when the grand idea struck him.
The best way to protect Jun…
…was to teach her how to protect herself.
A gentle rhythm of the nearby clock echoed through the vacant bedroom as Jun stepped foot inside. Switching on the light revealed personalized decorations, posters and furniture that had found a place in their shared space once unpacking was complete. She remembered the way her nose scrunched up when stepping foot into Hawks' home for the very first time, and just how minimalistic it was. It made sense since he was always busy with hero work and never home, but to have nothing decorating or adorning one's house? Could he even call that a home?
Jun had made a mental note to start preparations to adorn his house. It started with a simple framed picture on the wall, of the two of them together, this time with her fully prepared and holding up fingers into two victory signs as Hawks winked happily beside her. The once barren house felt more and more like a home in a matter of weeks.
Something else had begun to change in Jun's life since the move as well. Her favorite book was in hand as she tumbled onto her back in bed, but its pages remained tightly shut, being in no mood for recreation. Turning the light back off, she instead chose to gawk at the ceiling. In the past few weeks, something had begun to feel different about who she called her roommate. His familiar carefree and confident aura had given way to something more… uncertain. He still kept up that sleek and comforting smile, but the dark lines under his eyes had begun to tell a different story.
It was as though the more he spent time with Jun, the more distant he wanted to be. What happened that night after dancing with him was hard proof of that.
It didn't take much to deduce that something was up about Hawks, especially after what had transpired when she saw the soul within him. The pure vulnerability in his eyes, the conflicting face of devotion and fear.
Jun's eyebrows creased, trying hard to make sense of it before pulling herself out of bed and into to the kitchen, grabbing a pen and scrap paper on her way out with newfound determination.
For what felt like eons, Jun shifted restlessly in bed. The blinds kept away the evening sun, making the room dim at most times without the lamp on. The sun was only then beginning to set, but there was nothing else to do other than be alone with her own thoughts. The note she set in the kitchen for him to find in the morning left Jun a jumble of nerves. In that note were words of concern. Of passion. Of vulnerability. One that started and ended with –
'Please.'
'We need to talk.'
After a few minutes of listening uncomfortably to the sound of her own breathing, Jun heard the distinct flapping of wings from the next room over.
It wasn't expected for him to arrive so soon.
Jun's breath hitched once the sound switched to boots entering the tiled kitchen, followed by gentle steps toward the door. There was a pause full of nothing but silence, until finally a sigh could be heard right behind the door. The knob shook gently before sliding open with care, revealing Hawks as he took one cautious step into the darkness.
"Jun." His hushed and subdued tone soothed the smothering air. "You up, babybird?"
The sheets rustled under Jun's weight. "Hm, I'm up."
He stepped into the room, his pace was deliberate and docile. His eyes fell on Jun, the light from the hall barely illuminating her form. "Hey," he whispered, kneeling at the front of the bed.
"So this means we're on speaking terms again?"
"Look, about that. I…"
"If you're ready to talk about it," she interjected, running her hand across the empty space beside her. "Lay down with me."
The two of them paused for a moment in anticipation for his answer. She could just make out his head gently shaking side to side.
"I need your help with this."
"You need help? My help? What's wrong? Are your sidekicks okay?"
She could just make out a firm nod from the hero kneeling inches beside her. "It has to be you."
"…It's a little late," she offered. "Can it wait until morn-"
"You know why. We need to talk."
Catching sight of the note in his hand, Jun shot straight up at the dreaded words, the sound of her heart pounding in her head. "Let me grab my coat. Whatever you need, I-I'm with you."
After a brief look of satisfaction, Hawks glanced down and leaned forward and cupped Jun's face in his hand, catching her off guard. "You're the best, you know."
"Heh, I know."
Gentle waves crashed against the wooden stakes supporting the pier, the sparkle of the setting sun lit up and glistened on the rocks scattered around the beach. Atop of the pier dangled two pairs of legs – Jun's and Hawks', the two of them sitting so close that their knees brushed and touched playfully, purposefully.
"When you said you needed my help, this isn't exactly what I had in mind," she mused, propping her palms to her knees to lean toward the warmth of her own body.
Hawks exhaled briefly through his nose while also leaning forward, mimicking the pleasant familiarity in Jun's posture. "Not so sure of the next time I'll see you, so I had to snatch you up when I could."
"I knew this was coming, but the beach, though? In winter?"
"It's the only time nobody's around." Hawks sighed and looked out into the distance. "It's perfect."
Jun peered up at Hawks, her eyes softening considerably at his tranquil expression. "Hm, it is pretty nostalgic. Haven't been to one since I was little. Really little."
Hawks smiled softly. "Is it like you remember it?"
"Yeah, it's dirt and water. I love it."
Hawks chuckled and Jun joined soon after, not worrying about the volume since there was nobody around for miles. Visiting the beach with winter approaching had its advantages.
"It's getting cold," she noted while rubbing at her sleeves to generate warmth. "What is it that you needed?"
A strong hand slid and curled around Jun's wrist as the other pointed to the vividly colorful sky surrounding them. "This."
Comfortable silence. The vibrant pink and vermillion horizon transitioning into the sapphire blue of the night aided to disguise Jun's similarly colored cheeks, and she took that fleeting moment to breathe in the sight and finally acknowledge that this world was so rapturously beautiful. She was regretful to hide herself from it all these years.
Hawks was soaking it in as well. His hero work coupled with his hidden internal struggles and anxieties prevented him from ever slowing down and take the time to truly admire it.
He had been hiding, forcing himself to cram these unfamiliar yet beautiful feelings he had for Jun, for her own safety. She had unfairly become a target, by both the Commission and League, the two places he happened to work for. He'd kept a tight lip over having to get his hands dirty in order to better society, and in order to protect her.
It felt painful for Hawks, unwarranted even, to keep Jun in the dark about who he truly was for so long. His heart pounded from the confusing blend of uneasiness and content for it. For months Hawks had been striving to prove himself to Jun, to earn her trust, her adoration, and unknowingly, maybe even her heart. Likewise, Jun had earned all of his affection and more just by being herself. Her real, flawed, beautiful self, he thought.
Hawks didn't know how to process it. He had all the money in the world; he had charm, and what others would consider as the wonderful privilege of being everyone's favorite hero. He didn't seek power, nor prestige. And yet, he never sought love, either.
It didn't occur to the winged hero that, despite having these things, he never really had a friend. A warm, genuine connection with another being. He'd spent his entire life training to become a skilled pro hero and working undercover to essentially lie and hide behind a façade on behalf of the Commission. They had strained him to the point where he had no time or energy to develop a healthy, thriving bond with someone else who enjoyed his presence as much as he adored theirs.
But then Jun fell into his life.
It confused Hawks even further upon realizing that these warm feelings only continued to grow and intensify every day, into that of something more than friendship. Hawks truly was too fast for his own good, and for once he felt as though he had little control over it. He didn't know how to process it. But he was certain about one thing…
If only for the moment… Jun made him feel… free.
As the sun finally settled and the moon took its place to illuminate the sky, Jun shuffled in place. The nip in the air failed to douse the rising heat radiating from her body. Icy winds tangled through her hair, combing gently through it while hands were shoved and shivering under her arms, all while Hawks fiddled with something tucked deeply into his coat pocket.
Not a word was spoken. A huff of air vacated Jun's nose as she sat silently, deep in thought. Something about the gorgeous display of rich colors and calming aura reminded her of something, or someone, else.
"Hawks," she muttered, choosing to lean into the rising tension.
"Jun," he whisper back, the vulnerable pleas from her note flashing in his mind.
"You said you needed me for this. And…"
Her eyes darted to the note tucked carefully into his pocket.
"I'm sure you know that – I need you too."
The heat in his chest grew with each word she spoke.
"So please, about that night, and right now. What's making you want to do this with me? I mean, go out of your way to be with me like this?"
Once glance showed Hawks with his head lowered, the darkness of his visor shielding his eyes.
"I need to know. What I am to you, Hawks."
Wordlessly, Hawks lifted one hand to pull down his earphones around his neck, making certain to indicate that she had his full attention. "It's no secret that I can't always be around, and with everything going on with you, heh, well, it's my duty to make sure you're safe, isn't it?"
Jun diverted her attention to the fiddling and movement within the fabric of his coat pocket, brows raised. "Hawks?"
"What I'm getting at is, this may come as a surprise to you coming from me, but…"
The pro hero hesitated for just barely a moment, and in that time she watched a light pink blush surface on his cheeks.
"…you're a gift to me. So, I just thought I'd gift you something back."
At that, Hawks pulled out a rectangular burgundy colored box from his jacket pocket before passing it to Jun. Its size was just big enough to fit into her entire hand.
Anxious, she flipped it open to find a lone feather resting inside its plush surroundings, the dark color inside the box collided with the vibrancy of the crimson, making its intense color even more striking. The feather was attached to a thin brown string; at its base was a tiny metal feather emblem resembling the one he carried around his own neck.
"Hawks…? Is this… did you, make this necklace… for me?"
Hawks tilted his head and smiled at her warmly in delight, his blush spreading further. "Just for you, babybird. With this feather, I can feel your heartbeat," he voiced softly while gently guiding her head forward to latch the string comfortably around her neck, his crimson feather resting protectively over her chest. "And as long as you're within range, just hold it in your hand and press it close to your chest, and I'll be anywhere you need me to be. Don't ever forget that I'm here for you, Jun."
It was as though time ceased its motions. For the longest time Jun adamantly refused to acknowledge that Hawks would ever go out of his way for her because he cared and enjoyed her company. Yet here he was, expressing his fondness for her by gifting something so personal, something so intimate, and… loving. With his gift, he had full access to Jun's heart.
At that realization, Jun finally conceded, but she was strangely content with it. Her eyelids lowered slowly in a pleased defeat while watching the gently rippling surface of the waves below.
"Hawks," Jun voiced softly.
"Yeah," he replied just as softly.
"I know I may be a little rough around the edges…" she admitted. "…but you inspire me. I really am grateful, Hawks. I'm grateful… for you. And I know it may not always seem like it, but…"
She swallowed dryly out of anxiousness.
"…you really are a bright spot in my life. I really am blessed to have met you, Hawks. For showing me what this world has to offer. And I hope… I hope that you'll continue to do that for me. And I'll try my best to show you what I have to offer you, too. Thank you, Hawks. For everything."
For one of the world's fastest heroes, the world around Hawks began to move in slow motion as he listened intently to Jun's intimate and innermost feelings. To think that he made such a profound impact on her life for her to reveal something so intimate. So pure. Jun's words sent a rush of warmth throughout his body. The dimness of the evening winter night wasn't enough to conceal the deep red blush staining his cheeks.
Restless fingers rubbed and fidgeted anxiously on Jun's lap over what she had just admitted to her only friend. It was unlike Hawks to remain silent for this long. He was either processing what he could say to kindly rebuff her or planning an elaborate escape route to sneak away to never be seen again.
While suffocating within her own thoughts and anxieties, Hawks was painfully conflicted about something plaguing his mind as well. He knew it was against orders. He also knew that he had grown closer to Jun than he ever should've been. He did his best to shield her from what he was experiencing, but it didn't take long to notice that no matter how hard he tried to convince himself that everything was fine, he was slowly but surely on the verge of crumbling.
A few more moments passed as a chilly but gentle breeze swept through the area around the two, caressing Hawks' wings as they gently rippled with the wind as it brushed by. His usual sharp, golden eyes then softened in deep thought before his shoulders noticeably slouched; a subtle, resigned sigh slipped past his lips as his wings relaxed, as if he had just let go of all the tension in his body.
With his gift resting over Jun's chest, it wordlessly told what she meant to him. Hawks valued her. He valued her so much. The realization struck Jun as a fluttering warmth overwhelmed her body and heart in pleasing waves.
"Hawks." His name tumbled sweetly from her lips. He wasn't expecting it to sound so heavenly. "You know how much this means to me… don't you?"
"Of course, ki-" he paused. He couldn't try to deter her away by referring to her as kid anymore. "…Jun."
Jun's fingers brushed and played with the feather pendant on her chest out of sheer nerves, the intense emotion from hearing her name be spoken so intimately evoked something deep within her. A gentle green glow emanating from Jun's hands broke through the black and blue hues of the night, catching Hawks' attention. Only this time, he didn't call attention to it. And this time, Jun didn't shy away from it.
The two of them basked in the silence for another still moment, but Jun didn't feel quite done here. Her lids dropped, heavy in thought as the glow of her Quirk receded back to its hiding place. Hawks trusted Jun enough to display his vulnerability to her by gifting so personal and carefully made; it was only fair that she entrusted him with something as well.
"Are you ready?" Jun's tone was borderline pleading, unsure if she was addressing him, or herself.
"For?" he replied calmly yet quizzically.
She took a deep, sauntering breath.
"I can bring things back to life."
At that, Hawks golden eyes snapped wide open. With his brows upturned in shock, his gaze then fell to Jun while hers fixated at the horizon before her, as if she was terrified of addressing him directly.
"You're talking about-"
"My Quirk." Jun filled in the blanks for him. "You gave me something so precious… it's only fair that I gift you back. I have the ability to raise things back from the dead – people, animals, it doesn't matter. If they're dead, I can resurrect them. That's all I know."
Hawks could practically feel the pounding of his heart in his head. After all this time with Jun – even after trying to keep their distance and personalities hidden from each other, there she was, spilling her most harrowing secret. Jun was entrusting him with something about her that nobody else knew. Inside, Hawks was deeply touched that she felt comfortable enough around him to reveal something so intimate.
"Jun, wow. That's… amazing," he voiced and turned his upper body toward her, giving his utmost attention.
"No. It's not." Jun's eyes went downcasted, removing her sight from the rippling ocean waves.
Hawks immediately caught on to her discomfort. He removed the glove from his hand and carefully brushed his bare fingers up and down Jun's arm, testing if she would allow it before rubbing and squeezing it in soothing reassurance.
"Hey," he cooed. "If you're not ready to talk about it-"
"No, it's fine," she replied numbly. "It feels… right."
Discovering a Quirk at 10 years old seemed unheard of in Jun's family. In fact, up to this point it was thought that she was entirely Quirkless. Most people got them when they're young children, really young children. Her child self refused to believe it, but by 10 it was pretty much a lost cause. Until Haru passed away.
Haru was Jun's pet cat who she had since the day she was born.
Jun was adamantly told not to ever bring her outside, since she lived on a main road at the time.
But she did.
After the car accident, Jun rushed to Haru's side. Her head and torso was still intact. In pure devastation, she held her remains. Jun couldn't explain how it happened, but at that moment her hands began to glow a green. Not a lively green resembling a healthy sprout, but rather a sickly green brimming with disease.
Jun gasped with hope upon feeling the little furry movement in her hands, maybe she could still save her, she thought. Until an otherworldly screech left my once deceased cat. She… she was alive! But Jun's cat… Haru…
…was in pain. Just searing, horrifying, pain. Jun had brought them back to life, but that didn't mean she healed the injuries. A gasp escaped Jun's lips and she flinched at her ears being assaulted by that wail, that howl. Not knowing what to do, Jun dropped the cat as they swiped at her, scratching her and then slashing blindly at the air in confused pain.
"H-Haru?" She uttered in horror while leering into the palms of her hands. "Wh-what have I done…?!"
June's heart ached over the torment she herself had subjected her dear cat to. With hands trembling, she picked up a nearby plank and approached her horrible, wriggling creation. Both arms wound back the makeshift weapon, and came down upon it. Blood then splattered and mixed with the tears streaming down Jun's devastated face, teeth clenching.
"Never again."
"Two years after that," Jun stammered, her lips noticeably trembling as Hawks observed her and her pained face intently, his eyes softening and going half-lidded in empathy. "My parents. Have I ever told you that my mother was a hero?" she said with a hint of wonder in her tone.
"You haven't," Hawks replied softly.
"Yeah. She had a Quirk that let her reenergize anyone with just a simple touch of her palm. It makes me wonder if I was some bizarre mutation of her Quirk that got out of hand. Admittedly she wasn't much for strength. My mom always needed a partner by her side for her Quirk to really be helpful. She was more of a support type than anything else. My dad happened to have connections with U.A. Honestly, I think the only way she was able to sneak by with a license was because she started going out with my dad."
"Hm," Hawks offered a brief chuckle as his version of comforting her.
"There was a situation with a villain – a 'wrong place, wrong time' sort of deal. She was by herself, was held hostage and… didn't make it."
Jun sniffed though her words, indicating her emotions increasing in intensity. Hawks' hold on her naturally grew tighter as a response. "A-and when my dad found out, he became a wreck. He shut everyone completely out of his life, including me – the only one he had left of her. It just got worse and worse, and I just couldn't stand it anymore. I just wanted my mom back, and my dad to be happy. And I thought I could… I could bring her back. I was older, after all. I should've been able to control it by then."
She buried her face in Hawks' shoulder, clinging to him.
"…I still see her face at night, Hawks. Her torment… because of me. And when my dad found out what I did, and saw her, he panicked like I did, and killed her. Tha-th-that, fucking, i-idiot." Half-formed words accompanied Jun's tightly shut eyes and barred teeth at the scalding memory. "He killed himself a few weeks later. All because of what I did for my own selfish reasons. And I thought, Hawks. I thought, 'never again.' And this time, I made a promise – I won't ever get attached to anyone ever again, so they don't have to run the risk of being a tormented, resurrected abomination because of me."
Hawks had lowered his visor and fidgeted with it between his fingers as he watched the teardrops roll down Jun's cheek to drip into the watery surface below. His eyebrows creased with worry as he moved his hand from her arm to her back to rub in gentle, reassuring circles while his wing draped and curled around her in a further attempt to act as solace and to make sure Jun knew – he was here for her. It was so unlike him to be acting so hushed and subdued, it made her feel even worse to hurt the only person she had in her life.
"I don't want anyone to feel sorry for me. I actively chose to spend my whole life behind closed doors. Because in there I can't hurt anything. In a way, it's my version of being a hero," Jun finished with a forced, bittersweet grin on her face.
It was at that moment that it clicked for Hawks. That explained why Jun was so reclused and not the greatest in social situations. Shattered by her dream that will never be fulfilled, and for causing so much pain for those she loved. Jun strived to stay as far away from any living thing as much as possible to avoid making the same mistake again. But the day he met her threw that dream out the window, too.
Hawks was the only one allowed within her space, the only one alive who has seen her true self. Her humor, her style, her kindheartedness. Her vulnerability. And most importantly, her soul. It had been dormant inside her, hidden under that thick cloud of trauma and past hurt.
And Hawks was nurturing that change. To know that he was influencing Jun in the most beautiful way sent fluttering waves of warmth and satisfaction throughout Hawks' body, peaking at his chest.
Sniffling, Jun then lifted her right hand to her line of sight, the scratch mark scarred on the spot where her thumb connected with the back of her hand. "I don't know how to control or perfect my Quirk, or if I even should. I'm so terrified of trying it and forcing someone to forgo their sweet release to return to this world, likely mangled, or in pain. It's why I didn't resurrect my dad when he… passed away. I didn't even go to his funeral. Sometimes… I wonder if that was the right thing to do. To actively make the choice to not save him, and instead just let him rest in peace."
Jun's sullen attention then turned back to the rippling water, its surface danced with the shimmering reflection of the moonlight as hdr fingers stroked the delicate strands of the scarlet feather around hdr neck. "Is it wrong to say that, all this time, I sort of… hate my parents? For what they did. Leaving someone who loved them behind without a second thought. Even my mom. I know it wasn't really her fault, but, as an incapable hero… she knew what she was leaving behind, didn't she?"
Maybe she did know, but I wasn't worth enough.
"Baby…bird," Hawks blinked and voiced in genuine surprise, the disbelief in his tone worried Jun, but it was too late to back down now.
"I just, I can't understand. Either way, they were the only people I've ever loved, and yet I've been abandoned by both of them. And that knowledge just, it – it infuriates me. The thought still makes my blood boil."
Hawks watched meticulously as Jun's hands balled into tight fists, clearly displaying the white outline of bone in her knuckles as she mumbled in resentment, "I hate them so much."
For what seemed like the first time in his life, the Hawks had nothing to say. Instead, he found it best to let Jun vent, to get it all out after penting up her innermost negative and toxic feelings for so, so long.
"Hawks…"
His name left her lips in a tender, trembling, disjointed fashion. It was completely unlike how it sounded moments before. It captured his attention in its entirety.
"For what I did… for what I think…"
"…am I a bad person…?"
His eyes softened, but his face remained unreadable. "It's not my call about if you made the wrong choices back then…"
Jun's exhausted eyes slowly lowered in sadness, her downcasted head sorrowfully nodding in quiet understanding.
"…But who's to say anyone's a good person based on their past decisions. I sure as hell have done things I'm not proud of."
Jun's eyes perked up at his words.
"…all I do know, Jun, is who you are as a person now, and I couldn't be more proud of the person you've become," he gleamed with a gentle spark in his eyes. "And who you are now is a warm, beautiful person."
"H-Hawks…!"
"Even through all those strains and hardships, you're still here. Even if in this world… you feel… shackled…"
"Shackled?" Her eyes turned back to Hawks to link up with his. "Is that how you feel, too?"
He looked at Jun almost like a small animal, and wordlessly, he nodded. "Back then, I told you that I wanted a society where heroes have more time than they know what to do with. To live in a world where heroes aren't necessary. To do that, I need to make sure that everyone is safe, for good. As a hero, I can't slow down and enjoy the easy life, not even for a second. Not until everyone else gets to experience that life first."
Jun's eyes then widened even further. It was only then that she understood Hawks' true intention and goal as a hero. He didn't want to change society so heroes could relax and live a luxurious life; Hawks was troubled – burdened with a powerful conscience that absolutely cannot rest until others lived in a world without conflict – a world where there was no need for heroes.
Deep down, Hawks was so… caring, almost to a fault. She had finally broken through that carefree façade and saw what he was hiding underneath that visor of his – he was both blessed and cursed with such a kind and pure soul.
Everything about him was hauntingly beautiful.
Jun finally understood him, and what's more - he understood her. She, who had no business being in any part of the pro hero's life, had managed to reach into his very core and bring back with her his soul. His vulnerability.
He wasn't the Number 2 Pro Hero in this moment. He was just a man with caged up emotions and pent up feelings just like her. They both were on equal levels of vulnerability. He had been propping up his own walls in the form of his cocky, overbearing attitude, to conceal his true feelings of insecurity and inadequacy. Was he able to forgive this part of him, to allow Jun inside his true self as well?
Jun brought out the side of Hawks that he had been keeping hidden from everyone else. His trusting side. His loving side. She was amazed to learn that at this very moment, he was simultaneously revealing himself to her on the same levels of vulnerability and understanding. Hawks pretended that he had rid himself of something so pesky as his inner feelings years ago during his training at the Commission.
Until he met her.
It wasn't until this moment that Jun took note of how the gentle moonlight reflected and complimented his facial features. She didn't want to admit it to herself before, but Hawks truly was a stunning man in both looks and personality.
What's more, she noticed, was a spark in his eyes whenever he looked at her. It all clicked then – the way his face would light up whenever he spotted Jun, how his wings and back would stiffen up slightly in her presence. How he'd always try to make time to see her despite his overwhelming schedule.
Hawks was trying so hard for her. These past few months he's been trying to guide Jun out of her shell, to stretch her wings and see what this world has to offer, and see what he has to offer. She didn't realize it until now, but having someone to express her inner feelings to was like lifting an imposing weight off her entire being.
Jun felt happy. Not only that, but she felt happy… with him.
I wonder… if he feels the same way I do, too.
"Are you scared?" Jun said, biting her lip.
"Not yet." Hawks looked away from her. "Can you tell me something?"
"You already know the answer to it," she blinked. "Don't you?"
"It depends. What does it involve?"
"It involves a confession."
"Yeah," he whispered. "I'm scared."
"Me too, Hawks. I think… I think I'm breaking my promise."
"Promise, babybird?"
"The promise I made to myself."
"…to never fall in love."
At that, Hawks' expression lit up with astonishment, the wing he had draped around Jun coiled tighter. His heart fluttered as a gentle wind swept through the area around him.
The light pink dust on his cheekbones were replaced with a deep red blush spreading to the rest of his cheeks while he gazed down at Jun, watching her face contort in discomfort over her deeply intimate revelation as she shifted her gaze from the beautiful serenity of the moon and rippling waves to looking down at her lap with furrowed brows, almost frowning in shame.
A moment later, his expression eased. His eyes went half-lidded and an affectionate yet conflicted grin adorned his reddened face before admiring of the beautiful display happening in front of the two of them. He whispered softly, his tone was tinted with melancholy and blended with the crashing waves below.
"So am I."
Jun's chest ached from the racing of her heart, but Hawks' proximity and warmth was calming. Her life was spent with the notion that she was unlovable – but Hawks had shattered that malignant notion and replaced it with a bright, hopeful future. One with her in it, and one with him in it. Together.
In it, both of them looked happy.
"…Hawks."
His name sounded heavenly coming from her lips. It prompted his heartbeat to beat even more erratically.
"Yeah, dove."
"Are you okay…? Are… we okay?"
Hawks studied Jun intently, his glowing golden eyes pierced through the sheer dimness of the night. They looked so striking under the moonlight. "We're perfectly fine."
At that, her trembling hand slipped under his light brown jacket to brush against his back and base of his wings as he pulled her into a firm hug, both of his wings curling tightly around her in a warm embrace. As he held Jun, the grim mindset of negativity and despair she had learned to live by were shrouded and purged in favor of thoughts of life and hope.
"You know," he stated with a hint of hope in his tone. "There are heroes out there who look like villains, or who have Quirks like a villain, and I always found that amazing – how they can break the mold and become something amazing out of something that others see as a curse."
"Heh… I've always wondered if I could've been an exception, too," Jun added softly. "You're lucky. Your Quirk is already such a blessing, Hawks."
"You know what's blessed me," he voiced in a low, doting tone while gazing at her with half-lidded eyes, his intense gaze making her blush. His face looked serious but expressed deep affection and adoration.
After a moment, the light in Jun's face began to dwindle. Hawks observed her change in demeanor sympathetically. Upon carefully examining her gloomy features, he released a deep exhale through his nose, and he spoke up before he could stop himself.
"Have you ever thought about what you'd want for a name?"
"A name?"
"Your hero name. What have you always thought would be a good fit for you?"
His tone was comfortingly soft and tender. It matched the gentle expression on his face in that moment. And he somehow knew that Jun had spent countless hours in childhood coming up for the perfect name for the perfect Quirk that she was destined to have.
Hawks grinned softly at the seemingly endless string of names she'd stored in her mind for… nostalgic purposes. He then chuckled softly. "Beautiful."
"B-beautiful?" Jun struggled to process what he meant while unfamiliar sensations pulsed through her. Nothing of hers was ever called beautiful before.
She watched a pink flush surface on Hawks' cheeks again. "I said beautiful, dove."
His wing, which was still draped closely over Jun, began to curl in further as he leaned in closer, both their cheeks flushed a deep red. His golden eyes glowed in the dimness of the night, the moonlight reflecting and enhancing his masculine features.
At first Jun asserted that he was referring to her imaginary hero name… but his adoring look made his intentions unmistakably clear.
He watched Jun faintly lean back from him, trying to maintain space between their faces, before pausing and wordlessly allowing him to cup her cheek and move forward to press his forehead lovingly to hers. Eyes were closed, both his and her own, as the two of them basked in the newfound sensations for each other and chuckled from the feelings and intense emotions of their noses brushing together so tenderly before hesitating to pull away.
"Hawks… while we're on the subject, do you think… that I could still be a hero, too?"
He blinked at Jun before straightening out his back. "Course. You've got the Quirk, the drive, the spirit, the name…" he brought a lone finger and placed it over his mouth in deliberation. "Hm, that means all that's missing…" he trailed off while getting up from the pier to glide a short distance away to the sandy beach, with Jun sprinting and struggling to follow suit.
"What? Missing what?!" she pleaded to the pro hero between huffs from the effort of catching up to him, his back still facing her.
She watched with wide, curious eyes as Hawks' feathers all dissipated while he slouched his shoulders to allow his light brown hero jacket to slide off effortlessly before folding and draping it under his arm, with his free hand landing on his hip. Doing so revealed slender but strong shoulder muscles – the slick fabric of his black shirt outlining the specific shape of his back and slim, narrow curve of his waist.
Jun must have been eyeing him for too long, as Hawks shot her a knowing smirk over his shoulder while a stinging blush rushed to her cheeks from admiring his admittedly endless attractive qualities.
His feathers then collected back together to form constricted wings that then delivered one grand powerful flap to stretch out, his feathers puffed out and ruffling from the cold. Jun's avid steps then screeched to a halt upon gawking in puzzlement at the two large feathers unsheathing from Hawks' wings to clasp in both his hands.
"All you're missing," he muttered before finally snapping his body toward her direction in an amplified, exaggerated motion. "Is an archnemesis, hellbent on ceasing your do-gooding and meddling with my evil schemes at all costs!" He announced while spreading his legs apart and pointing the feather blade directly at her shocked form.
"H-Hawks, what're you-"
"Train with me."
"What?!"
"I wanna spar with you. A hero like you needs to train so you can learn to take care of no-good villains like me," he announced while pointing one of the ends of his feather blades to his cocky expression.
"W-wait, you want to train here? But it's so cold out!"
"Great! It'll keep us cool while I'm kicking your hero ass," he jested with a sly smirk and cocky gleam in his eyes. His neck cocked to the side rhythmically to crack it while rolling and shrugging his shoulders to stretch in preparation for battle.
Jun's mouth had been left gaping open this whole time, but it then shifted to a playful, toothy smile with a healthy chuckle to accompany it. She couldn't say no to his challenge, especially if the whole world and her hero reputation depended on it!
"Hold it right there, winged villain Hawks! I will not allow you to carry on with your evil plans!"
"Ohoho, you think you can?" he teased with an exaggerated stereotypical villain voice.
"I know I can!" she shouted back. "I must put a stop to you before you monologue me to death!"
"Heh. Your hands are empty. How're you gonna stop me?"
"Oh, uh, that's a good point." She scratched aimlessly at the back of her neck. "Psst, Hawks… could I borrow a weapon?"
Hawks laughed wholeheartedly and eased his stance before allowing one of the feather blades to hover over to Jun. His makeshift katana was just as tall as she was.
"Great. Now I'm ready! I'm gonna take you down, you vile fiend! With my trusty feather by my side, you don't stand a chance!"
Hawks then raised his own feather blade toward her competitively. "Hah, are you underestimating me? Cut the crap already, and let a pro show you how it's done."
Without missing a beat, Hawks disappeared in a blur, catching Jun by surprise by just how fast he was. Before she could even blink, he flashed in front of her in an instant.
"Boo."
"WHOA-kay," she yelled out of fright while hopping backwards to maintain a safe distance. "I wasn't ready for that. Leave it to a vile villain to use underhanded tactics."
"Heh, alright, alright." He waved her off with the back of his hand. "Make the first move, then. I'll try to act scared."
Jun began charging at him, his blade in her grasp wound back. While running she hopped in the air, giving herself extra power to deliver one grand swipe with both arms to strike him down. She had a good running start, so this couldn't fail!
"Pfft."
Hawks peered down at Jun almost in disbelief while his palm pressed effortlessly against her forehead, effectively stopping her in her tracks as she kept trying in little nudges forward to attack, but with no luck.
"This is gonna be harder than I thought," he purposefully thought out loud.
"I heard that!" Jun shouted between strained breaths.
The next few hours were filled with clashes of feathers and training tips, with hints of villain monologuing and cheesy hero banter sprinkled in. Eventually Jun was able to react quick enough to deflect a few of his blows, not all of them, but some. This was something he keenly took note of.
*SHING SHING*
"C'mon, faster!"
*SHING CLANG*
"Not bad, baby," he praised with a genial gleam in his soft expression, prompting a fierce blush to envelop Jun's cheeks at both his rare encouragement and bold 'pet name' he had for her.
"Congratulations, you passed the rookie stage." His benevolent features then morphed back to an intimidatingly competitive one as one arm lifted horizontally at his side as an extra-large feather detached itself from him and darted directly to his hand all while he remained completely motionless, his competitive gaze never leaving hers. "Now I don't have to go easy on you," he threatened playfully while bringing both feathers up to his face, hiding his cocky grin while still retaining that piercing glare.
Oh boy.
If anyone were to be speculating Jun's little reenactment with the pro hero, they would probably scoff or find amusement in watching a pair of twenty-something year olds playing pretend hero versus villain, but it was just what the two of them needed. It allowed Jun to capture a glimpse of what it felt like to be a hero, and it brought them both back to simpler times, together.
"You should give it up and go back to being a hero," she huffed between shallow breathes. "Don't you have an old lady to rescue or something?"
Hawks chuckled. "Is that jealousy I hear, chickadee?"
"H-hey!" Her pointer finger darted dramatically in the direction of the smug hero in accusation. "Don't break character!"
Hawks took pride in Jun's strong, clever, and competitive soul. He was delighted that she was eager to keep up with him. He had always asserted that he wasn't one for teaching, but there she was, putting his past values to the test. He didn't mind it. Any free time spent with Jun was precious in his eyes.
A short time later, the clashes and blows lessened more and more, and the sound of heavy breathing took their place. Both Jun's hands rested on her knees while engulfing labored breaths from the effort of training so intensely.
At the sight, Hawks yelled in exhilaration, "You can't be tuckered out, we're just getting started!"
A strong buzzing began emanating from the pro hero's pocket, prompting him to suspend his feather blades in midair for a moment to check it, his exuberant demeanor melting away into that of dread in an instant upon recognizing the ID.
'LoV'
Hawks sighed as he permitted his wings to droop. The fun was over.
"Hey baby, we gotta get going," he voiced in a blend of seriousness and melancholy.
"Oh! Um, is there any way to tell your work that you broke a wing and can't make it for the next, like, week? Even though that's basically impossible for you to do… but still!" Jun clasped her hands together and pleaded with a deceptively innocent smile, earning her an understanding and doting chuckle from him.
"Don't think the higher-ups would be pleased if I put them second on my list again. But the second I'm free, I'll come find you, babybird."
"Fiiiine, that's faiiiiir…" she uttered in defeat. "…but, Hawks? Could we… do this again sometime? I think I'm really starting to get good!"
Hawks observed Jun's contagious enthusiasm with upturned eyebrows before exhaling through his nose and cupping her cheek tenderly with a benevolent smile. "Of course, babe. And here," He enveloped her fingers with his before curling them around the feather blade she was borrowing. "Just in case you get the bright idea to stir up trouble when I'm not around. This way you can defend yourself and stall them until I come save the day," he winked.
The flight home was much different than the way to the beach earlier that evening. There was a tender glow around the two. Even though they didn't quite make their relationship explicit, there was still mutual understanding in the air surrounding the two. Her feelings for him. His feelings for her. That spark was there and it surrounded the both of them in a fuzzy warmth that they had never felt before.
It felt wonderful.
With one arm latched under her bent knees and one supporting her back, Hawks glided effortlessly through the clear, starry night sky. Jun watched his face in deep relaxation, but his slightly upturned eyebrows and doting grin indicated that something was definitely on his mind. His head then turned upwards to gaze at the passing stars, their luminescence and sparkle reflecting off his visor as he studied them contently.
He had spent countless hours looking up at the stars during his nightly patrols admiring their dazzling beauty, but something about tonight made them shine even brighter, he mused in delight. Up to that point, Hawks wanted everything to be under control in his life. All that was missing was the peace of mind to enjoy it. But never in a million years did he imagine that another piece missing in his life would turn out to be in his arms.
Jun took that fleeting moment to absorb and truly admire the winged hero's face. The stars mirroring off his visor while he admired them calmly yet so intently sent a rush of blood to her cheeks. Embarrassed by the inability to stop herself from blushing, Jun buried her face into his chest, electing to peer down and watch the small town below as they passed it at a comfortable speed.
Feeling the gentle pressure on his chest, Hawks peeked down at Jun, his relaxed expression melted further into that of sheer content and adoration for her upon watching her sigh in pure bliss at the peaceful sight.
Hawks' breath hitched as Jun rested a hand on his chest, but he was pleasantly surprised that she was initiating physical contact with him. With her eyes shut, Jun thought about how safe she felt in his arms as her body shuffled even tighter against his, prompting a subtle blush to develop on his cheeks at their newfound openness to physical affection.
It was almost mesmerizing from feeling his muscles move and ripple under his tight shirt, complete with the strong beat of his heart against her ear made Jun feel so safe and protected…
…and loved.
Content with her thoughts, a pleased and fulfilled sigh tumbled from Jun's lips before shutting her eyes to drift to sleep.
"Baby. Wake up, babybird," he cooed softly to ease her awake.
Jun slowly returned to consciousness to find the steady wind still lapping at her hair while in mid-flight.
"This is your pilot speaking, letting you know that we will be landing soon," he winked then chuckled as he watched her once confused face contort into bemusement.
Though they both knew that she loved his silly antics.
Hawks then adjusted his soaring position from leaning forward to standing upright as he prepared to land on the railing by the window. His crimson wings beat powerfully with the effort to slow down and settle on the small outside balcony. His head and wings dipped forward as his feet settled on its surface, accounting for the extra weight he gladly carried around with him, like she was delicate china. He then straightened out his back as his wings folded backward to reveal Jun, her expression he could only be described as starstruck.
Hawks flashed her a knowing smirk. "Alright, ride's over, you freeloader," he joked as he stepped into their shared home and using stray feathers to close the blinds.
"You mean that was it? That was the lamest ride I've ever had," she jested back. "I wasn't even offered any drinks! What kind of flight business are you trying to run here?"
At that, Hawks laughed. He threw back his head and his eyes shut as he wholeheartedly cracked up from Jun playing along with his ridiculous nonsense. It was so genuine, and it was all because of her. She couldn't help but notice just how attractive and incredible he was, and finally, she could admit it to herself –
This was what love felt like.
While in the throes of the moment, Hawks couldn't help but dip his head forward to deliver a simple peck to Jun's temple, snapping her eyes wide open and gasping in shock at the sudden unexpected contact. A fervent, confused blush also invaded both their faces.
"Ah, going too fast. My bad," he hurriedly scanned her face to decipher her thoughts and reaction to his bold move.
To Hawks' shock, Jun didn't recoil or demand to be let go after his unorthodox show of affection. Instead, she began to lean upwards toward his face while still in his arms. His softly glowing eyes widened as her hand reached up to lift the visors away from them to rest on his forehead. His lips split open faintly at the sight, blinking softly with brows raised in gentle surprise before leaning in to meet her halfway in a delicate embrace of lips.
His lips were chilled from the moonlit winter air, yet Jun found herself reaching out to press her lips insistently to his. With her hands wrapped tightly around his neck, she began to tear up at the unexpected kiss and overwhelming emotions the two were just discovering they both had. After trying to repress it for so long, Jun and Hawks finally allowed that blooming feeling to surround their hearts, and they welcomed it with matching joy.
Their heads twisted gently together as Hawks melted into Jun, tightening his hold on her while his strong wings curled inwards to intertwine the two of them together, enveloping her in a passionate embrace as the pressing of their lips deepened; her heart swelling with joy and passion at the overwhelming emotion that was only beginning to bubble to the surface. With a bit of a stumble, Jun found herself bending her head up to his, arms wrapping around his shoulders, hands splaying to rub blindly at his back.
It was difficult to pull away from each other, but the heat of the moment forced Jun to pull away, both for a breath of air and to calm her mind and heart from the new, powerful sensations. All the while, Hawks gazed down at Jun as he caught his breath. His lips were parted slightly and the blush shrouding his face matched the crimson color of his feathers. His intense expression read that he was completely and utterly smitten with her.
"I…" Jun whispered when she finally pulled away from him to look into his eyes. He reached out a shaky hand to caress her cheek gently, allowing her to savor the lingering trace of his scent. Hawks leaned forward, gently bumping his forehead to hers, eyes shut, completely lost in the moment.
Just when Jun thought Hawks couldn't possibly look any more awestruck than he was now, he began to slowly nuzzle the side of her head, pushing away the locks of hair gently. Her eyes fluttered up to his, smile widening at the look of utter adoration he gave her. It was the most satisfying feeling she had ever experienced.
"How the hell could I have waited this long to kiss you?" He breathed, leaning down to press a light, yet careful kiss to her lips again.
Jun swallowed and then the blush grew even deeper. "It...was so unexpected…" she panted. She felt him nod his head at her words, and he went to repeat the action himself, only to be interrupted by something on his wrist.
Once the heat dissipated, Hawks' yearning expression eased and passed Jun a more serious look that was teetering on bittersweet.
"I have to go baby." He hesitantly set her down while she peered up at him with a heavy blush and stars in her eyes.
"H-Hawks," Jun heard herself say, still trying to process the sparks of joy coursing through her. "What is this? What… are we?"
Hawks' eyes remained half lidded as he scanned her face. His thumb stroked over her cheek and jawline, the gentle glow in his face diminishing slightly. And yet, he didn't answer. All his life he had avoided relationships and labels, because he could never promise anything. He could never promise to return home safe, to be there every night, to be the partner she deserved. But that wouldn't stop him from trying his damndest to make it happen.
"We can be what you feel is right… baby…girl."
"H-Hawks… I've never felt this way about someone before. I want you to be my new family, but… I'm terrified. But at the same time… is it supposed to feel this amazing? Is this okay?"
Hawks chuckled, his hand still cupping Jun's face and brought her into a tight embrace, and he held her there for a minute. She didn't ever want to move. Finally, he reluctantly pulled away.
"I'm gonna make it okay," he said softly and offering her a smile, drawing an X over his chest as if crossing his heart.
He delivered one more swift peck to her lips before readjusting his visors and taking off into the starry night, leaving behind a light coating of red feathers to sway around Jun as she watched him soar with adoration surrounding her heart, blinded to the impossible weight Hawks had just set upon himself. Now added to the extensive list of things he'd sworn he'd never do.
He made a promise.