Chapter 4

Dabi watched the news on the television, draped across the leather couch in the living room area of the warehouse, satisfied to say the least with the progress they made into the media. Talks of the league involvement with a U.A. students kidnapping once again reeking havoc on the school's reputation, also cautious not to release her name or identity. Smart move on the press not press their luck with the girls unknown situation.

He'd gone sneak a peek at her earlier to find that she finally bathed, and had fallen asleep. Thankfully the room was sound proof to prevent them having to hear her scream or complain about anything. It'd be a problem he'd be happy to fix with a threatening rage.

The front door slide open, with Hawks walking through, strangely enough in the early hours rather than the late sleeper he was, preferably coming around after noon. Though he said nothing, hurrying down the hall into Ochako's quarters. Dabi smirking to himself on the tight leash this situation had given the bird, a wonderful bargaining chip to keep him in line.

Hawks quietly entered, stepping inside lightly at the sight of her sleeping form. Flinching as the door slid back in place at the sound, causing her to stir. Brows furrowed with a twitch of her face, lying on her side under the thin sheet. He had made sure to wake extra early, and would do so from now on to get a head start on her care. Making certain Dabi would not have a reason to interfere and cause harm.

In his arms he carried a small box of fruits to offer for breakfast just in case, smiling the closer he got at the sight of the empty takeout plate on the floor. He placed the box down beside the bed, scooting the other away to throw later when he left. His eyes watching her per move in case she'd wake up. Surprisingly enough she was the deep sleeper type it seemed, which he envied.

Kneeling beside the bed, he rested his chin in his forearms on the mattress. Staring at her content face, trying to hold back yawns at how utterly exhausted he was. Creases from worry and lack of sleep similar to her own, thanks to stress and anxiety. This was the first time he'd seen her relaxed, lips parted taking long breaths with small strands of hair stuck to the corner of her mouth. Drooling slightly onto the pillow. Cheeks back to a rosy color that suited her complexion, except for blue bags held under her eyes.

His eyelids grew heavy, blinking slower and languid. Head beginning to tilt to the side. Under it all his nose twitched, picking up a heavenly coconut scent coming from her. Definitely different than the plan bottle in the bathroom he'd last seen, probably an extra one carried in the duffle bag.

Hawks let out a low yawn, nuzzling his head closer to her. Feeling jealous of the soft mattress and wanting nothing more than to join at least for a little while. Well, while she was quiet and not trying to hurt him. He tried to force his eyes open to prevent sleep as his vision skimmed over her thin black tank top, a shoulder exposed under the white sheets that held goosebumps. Noting how she shivered. It was a little cold in here he supposed, nor could that offer much heat. He'd have to get her something else, though Dabi would wonder why he even bothered.

Sighing, he raised an arm cautiously to grab the sheet, lifting it higher onto her body. In return Ochako began to move, brows knitting together as she whimpered. Her hand rubbing her face hard, barely blinking the sleep away as his face came into view. Ridiculously close to hers.

"You know you're super cute when you're sleeping," he whispered, causing her eyes to widen.

As the words processed in her mind, she shrieked, pushing herself away from him abruptly until her back slammed into the wall. Grabbing the sheets to cover her exposed cleavage, panting.

"Why are you so close to me!?"

He only looked at her lazily, leaning his cheek onto his palm. "You smelled nice."

She could only remain frozen in place, mortified at the thought of him sniffing her while unconscious. Taking a mental note not to sleep as much any longer just in case. Though oddly enough he appeared gloomy today in contrast to the overjoyed persona he held yesterday. Maybe it finally got through that she disliked him enough to backoff, even if personal space was step two on what they needed to work on.

He pointed over his shoulder at the box on the ground. "Got you some fruits. Wish you'd tell me what kinda food you liked.. Girls have strange taste buds soooo."

She leaned forward to look, eyes flickering between him and it while still holding the sheet close to her chest. Which he noticed, eyes skimming down to it.

"You shouldn't wear stuff like that if you're shy," he said flatly, disregarding the hard blush that spread onto her face.

"Has anyone ever told you that you're really rude?"

"At least once a day."

This demeanor had begun to bother her a little, an uncomfortable tension at how to deal with this new person who seemed to pout. Something clearly troubling him. Could he really expect her to come out and ask what was wrong? Expect that she cared or would coddle him?

Her fingertips brushed against the end of the plastic fork she hid under her pillow, the movement going unseen by him. It wasn't a good plan really, but it was her best shot. There was nothing else useful in here nor was her quirk made for combat purposes. Maybe now that he seemed distracted, she could strike. Catch him off guard.

Hawks sighed suddenly, roughly raising himself to his feet in a loud stretch with his arms above his head. Grimacing at the muscles pulling before dropping them back to his sides, glancing back to her. "Please eat. Like, right now so I can go. Promise I'll be back later."

"You don't have to come back," she said, trying to seem genuine. Though his eyes squinted at that comment, lips pulling into a smirk. This sarcastic routine was rather amusing he must admit.

"You know I'm a master at deception so you've gotta do better than that," he said back in a cheeky tone.

Their eyes remain locked as her heart pounded against her ribcage, her mind screaming at her to be brave. Not to waver. He was the enemy after all and wouldn't hesitate to kill her.

Hawks raised an eyebrow as she scooted off the bed, slowly walking up to him. The sheet uncovered her matching short cotton shorts that rode up, strange enough that she'd let go of that awkwardness of her body from just a while ago, already letting her plan be known to him right off the back. His smirk only widened, for she had no idea how easy it was to read people. After all, that was part of the job. A handy ability.

Though it did catch him a little off guard, feeling her arms snake around his waist with her face buried into his chest, mentally laughing at how mediocre this attempt was while also knowing damn well this disgusted her. He, disgusted her. Yet she forced herself to touch him. Clever girl, but not enough to rise to meet him.

"Thank you.. For everything you've done for me," she whispered, hugging him tighter.

So he acted along, resting his cheek against the top of her head with his arms circling around her back, feeling how tense she immediately got. It was becoming hard not to bust out in laughter.

"You're so welcome," he whispered, keeping himself still to sense her right arm being raised.

In a flash before she could process another thought, she was pinned against him. Crying out as her back pressed into his chest, arched painfully with her arms twisted behind her back, forcing her to drop the fork. The back of her head jammed into his neck as he leaned down, his hot breath by the shell of her ear while she panted hard. "You could've at least been more seductive when trying to kill me," he mused, tightening his hold while yanking her arms higher as she screamed further, struggling to free herself.

"L-Let go!," she demanded, letting out a shaky breath. But he only snarled into her throat with his mouth pressed under her ear, a vein forming down the center of his forehead trying with all his might to control the anger brewing inside. True, he understood her motives and found them quite reasonable. But today he awoke annoyed from the start. And this ploy was rather pathetic.

"I think I've been kind enough princess," he shoved her hard into the bed, as she immediately scrambled to get away. Pressing her back to the wall with her expression bewildered, in wonder at what he'd do to her. Though Hawks looked away, growling with his hand covering his mouth, biting into the glove, less he do more that he'd regret.

Ochako fought back the tears trying to remain calm. He hadn't hurt her yet, even though it was clear that he was pissed. And could've, but stayed away. Just enough to calm himself down. What kind of villan was he? "I'm… S-Sorry," she whispered, waiting to see his reaction, best to apologize now before he did change his mind and hurt her.

The sound of her voice, quivering in fear made him turn to look at her. The fury so evident it was almost dark, causing her to tremble. Hawks took a step up to the bed, slamming his hands down so hard on either side of her that she gasped. Leaning so close that their noses were an inch apart. "If you ever force my hand like that, making me become that type of man again, I'll make sure you live to regret it," he warned, irises turned into slits. A bird's-eye prey, the last devilish thing they saw before being torn apart. A little mouse pinned underneath a raptor.

The terrified look in her eyes only defeated him, that gut wrenching guilt forming as he dropped his head, leaning his forehead on her knee to relax. Of course the emotions bested him, though steadily this girl was bringing out the worst. Worst in each other really. "Please," he whispered, trying to think things over to get back to the start. Turning it around for them both. "Don't make this hard on me.. I don't wanna hurt you."

Ochako relaxed a little, undoing her clenched fist from the sheets. Though uneasy at their close proximity. Her heart raced at his touch, warm and gentle even if barely. How much larger this man was than she with his broad shoulders heaving a husky sigh. The wing span so massive while closed that it cast a shadow upon them. Hawks could smell it again, lulling his sense of self to more peaceful with the coconut fragrance entrancing him. She was just a girl, frightened and alone. And he'd have to do better for her.

Pulling away to meet her gaze, their faces inches apart, he paused for a second. Quick to throw her off guard with his tongue propped out, giving her a goofy expression. Light lit in his eyes as she choked back a laugh, catching it before it could escape.

Hawks threw himself back onto his feet, pointing an accusing finger at her. "Gotcha! Made you laugh!"

She blushed, stampering on words to argue. "Y-You did not!"

"Yes ma'am I did!," he cheered, reaching over to open the box and grabbing an apple. Tossing it over to her as she barely caught it. "Now eat! My reward for earning your laugh."

Ochako eyed it, curling it around her fingers. "But you didn't. Not completely."

"Oh yea?," he challenged, slowly turning his back to her. She watched him curiously before he suddenly whipped back around, with an outrageous expression. Causing her to choke back in a fit of giggles, unable to hold back.

Hawks smiled brightly to meet hers, proud of himself. Step one accomplished. Make her smile. At least for now, with the tense air clearing between them. Maybe this could be easier than he thought, with a little more effort put. And when she wasn't trying to stab him.

"T-Thats not fair!," she wheezed, struggling to contain it. "You're so weird."

"Am I?," he teased, plopping down onto the bed on his side, hitched up on an elbow as he stared up at her lovingly. "Or am I just that charming?"

Giving him a smart face, she replied, "No, just weird. Weirdest person I've ever met." Ochako couldn't hold back a small smile, feeling a little more comfortable as she bit into the apple. Enjoying its sweet flavor.

Hawks gave an uncanny toothy grin, the light reflected off his unusually sharp canines that she finally acknowledged, paying closer attention to his features. The odd way black marks highlighted his golden eyes that matched his hair color. A vibrant dirty blond, swept back perfectly. The color scheme of his clothing all matched too well to blend with the blood red wings he had, so long that they reached the heels of his boots. She wondered how they looked outstretched.

With his eyes following hers, feeling prideful that she was at least giving him a chance. Noticing the way she admired his wings, which most people did. Always quick to give compliments, though the main rule was no touch. "Wanna see them?," he asked, pulling her out from her thoughts still chewing.

She fidgeted nervously, being caught red handed. "Umm.. Yea I guess."

Hawks raised himself from the bed, standing proudly in front of her. Slowly outstretching them, careful not to slam them into the wall with the full length not even able to comply into the small room. Bending at the edges once out as far as he could make them go.

He winked at her, loving the serious way her eyes took in the sight. Observing each detail in awe with her lips lightly parted. Eyes widened, taken back by the magnificence.

Inside she wouldn't admit, but it was a shame that he was playing for the wrong team. This guy was a sceptical to behold and truly she felt breathless by how insanely beautiful it looked. How kind he'd been. And how strangely comfortable she was beginning to feel.

She scooted further to him, tossing her legs over the edge. "Can I.. Touch them?," she asked shyly. Disappointment gracing her features as the question immediately triggered him. Drawing the wings all the way back.

"Nope," he reached down, grabbing an apple and plopped back beside her. Sticking his tongue out to mock her as she frowned.

"Why not?," she asked curiously, leaning closer with her eyes fixated on the soft feathers.

Hawks could only scoot away, controlling the panic in his eyes. "Because."

He'd never say just how sensitive they were. Enough to have him screaming in agony or pleasure, which for future reference, she didn't need to know either. Sure to hold one or the other against him.

She decided not to press her luck further, biting into the apple once more. Goosebumps rising on her skin at how exposed her attire was, which not that he was complaining. If he had to say, her body type was truly alluring. But, Hawks was not cruel. Having forgotten earlier when he first came in how cold she looked.

He placed the apple onto the sheets, sitting up to begin wiggling out of his jacket. It being harder than most people to slip his wings out from them as she raised an eyebrow. "What are you doing?"

He grunted, cursing under his breath. There were many tailored to fit him specifically, so going without one wouldn't hurt. Though she'd probably whine being as the back was widely cut open. It'd serve for now.

Finally out, he heaved. Already feeling tired, moving closer to drape it around her shoulders. His scent flooding her nostrils. A mixture of outside, which she guessed was from flying, and cologne. "Take this. I'll bring a better blanket for you next time."

Her face reddened, hesitantly nodding. While genuinely appreciating the sweet gesture, taking note of the deep indented scars he carried up his defined arms. They were littered with them from battle. "Thank you.."

"No problem!," he grabbed the apple before standing. "In exchange, don't try to kill me anymore. I'm going now, I'll be back with a case of water or something. I'm sure drinking out the sink isn't sanitary," he teased, laughing at the sound of her embarrassed gasp from behind as he made his way over to the door.

oo

Aizawa rested his face in his hands, the frustration of the room nearly exploding at the school's private meeting. Each member in an anxious wreck at the knowledge of another student being taken and how they'd handle this to the media. Ochako's parents were interviewed by the police, and soon enough later would be on their way here for answers that he couldn't give. Not he, nor the principal. Who remained quiet in his seat, everyone feeling defeated.

"It's time! Who the hell is it huh!? Someone in this room is to blame and we need to hash this out NOW!," Mic shouted, causing his headache to worsen.

"Real quick to point the finger aren't you?, just like before," Midnight added, glaring hard at the blond who shot a nasty look back.

Aizawa had long given up trying to cool the situation down. Each had a right to be suspicious at this point with yet another student taken. But truly there wasn't much that could be done, other than have each teacher and student wear a tracking device. Eavesdrop on privacy. They felt like the inside of their halls were being torn apart with the students being immediately called back into the dorms, and to remain there until further counseling with Ochako's identity still not released. Though for his class, surely it'd be obvious right now.

"We've got to give the media something. Otherwise the school will be shut down," All Might said calmly, trying to defuse the tension. Yet it only made Mic stand, slamming his hands onto the table.

"Funny how all this started when you showed up."

"What? Are you seriously accusing me of being involved with the league!?"

"I don't know. Are you!?"

"ENOUGH!," Aizawa shouted with his eyes red and hair standing. "Mic shut the hell up. You aren't helping. No one in here is suspected. I don't know who to trust but that doesn't mean I'm gonna start throwing my friends under the bus." he spat at Mic who sulked back into his chair at being reprimanded. Thickness in the air growing per second.

Aizawa sighed hard, rubbing his temples. "What are we going to tell her parents?"

The Principal only stared coldly at the floor. Even the mouse had a sense to feel outweighed, drowning in a tarnished reputation which personally he felt was well deserved. "We're going to promise them.. That we'll get their daughter back. A sense of peace with an apology. It's really all we can say now.."

Mic scowled hard, "What!? That's it!? We're WELL past a sense of mind! That wouldn't bring anyone comfort and honestly, I've about lost faith in all you." the answer didn't sooth anyone, and the mouse knew it. He was at a loss of words, and no one had a proper answer nor did they know where to begin. There was no comfort. No tranquility in the halls. Only resentment as Mic stood, storming out of the room with the doors being slammed behind him.

The silence cut deep, no one daring to look at each other with Midnight being next. Quietly rising in her seat to also leave. Followed by Cementtoss. Then Snipe. Until Aizawa, All Might and the principal were the only ones left, trying hanging onto faith in their school by a thread. One that was soon to be cut by the holder of the sharpest pair of scissors among them in disguise.

oo

J'espère que vous appréciez tous cette histoire jusqu'à présent!

Espero que todos estén disfrutando de esta historia hasta ahora!

Slow build up definitely but, it won't be boring forever. There's definitely in tune for some dark themes up ahead, which is usually my specialty. But I promised this one would have a happy ending. Maybe lol