POSSIBLE SPOILER, THOUGH I ASSUME IF YOU'RE READING THIS THAN YOU'VE READ THE MANGA SINCE HAWKS ISN'T REALLY IN THE ANIME YET.

Chapter 6

The city nearby where the league inhabited rarely received villan activity ironically, with the last few days along with Endeavor's horrid battle with the nomu topping the charts in the media. News broadcast had been crawling with it nonstop, and the thought of Ochako's kidnapping went unnoticed. Along with the fact that the police didn't have all the details to really give other than scowering the last place they knew she had been, hence the broken cell phone left behind. Yellow tape to keep civilians out of the way had been placed over the alleyway, and pro heros working around the clock to walk to the streets in case of any more league related incidents.

While he watched from afar, Hawks couldn't help but feel guilty for leading such an atrocious double life, and wondered if the day ever came where it was revealed, if the rest would forgive him. Miruko was among them, her vigilant rabbit senses in good use with ears perking through the vibrations of busy streets to listen in on anything suspicious. A few others he also recognized with upset faces, a secret not yet told to the public among the group of pros about a recent friend gone missing as well, with the way his home was trashed, they assumed the worst. And each had questions spiraled as to the leagues involvement or if these cases were related. People had gone missing left and right.

Today's patrol was short thankfully, sure to let Dabi know that he'd be gone longer in the next span of days to come in order to also act as a hero out there, ordered to stalk the streets with Endeavor once more after his swift recovery. And the sight of him only turned his stomach further with disgust, aware that he was in on that. The strongest, intelligent nomu that nearly ended the man he idolized life and gave a forever reminder, with a deep indented cut to his face. Something Hawks would look at daily.

He was grateful at the lack of a sour mood Dabi had given him at the mention, considering the recent deed he acted out just as ordered. Delivering a large buffle bag, stuffed with the body of the recent pro hero, Best Jeanist. Sure to trash the place beforehand as even when wounded, the man put up one hell of a fight. If he recalled, it was the same day he had slightly put his hands on the girl that had tried to stab him, earlier on put in a dreadful state to begin with. Already tainted with the blood of someone else, shame becoming best suited for Hawk's personality upon description, a plan degenerate. And each day he was sure to remind himself of that.

But there was something else he had to do before allowing himself to sink further into the darkness of his mind once alone, which was spend time with her. Make sure Ochako was alright and given a proper meal, without harm from the brutal villan he had regrettably left her care in. Not that he had much of a choice as of today, flying higher into the sky in the cool evening air on his way to the compound. Taking one last look at the scene below, giving Miruko a gleeful wave as she noticed him from the ground.

Surely it hadn't been too bad, and if so then Hawks made sure to plan a small treat just for her at his arrival soon. Smiling thoughtfully at the minor gift that was still warm in the fold of his inner jacket, sure not to squish it so it'd be in perfect condition. Struggling mentally not to devour it as food never did last very long in his company.

They had all asked if he heard anything, aware that he was known for eavesdropping on the streets. Careful to get in with the outcast of society to receive leanint information regarding rumors. None had any leads on the girls though. Or the leagues whereabouts, which in a sense was good and bad. Good because his boss would want him to remain undercover for longer. And bad because it meant no excuse for a rescue raid for Ochako.

The HPSC was not much help in any of these situations no matter the fuss he made, turning off the communication even when he was away from the league. Still resenting any authority they had, forcing his back into a corner at each step he'd take. Lying to Endeavor. Lying to Ochako. Lying to the League. Lying to the same people he swore to protect, using them as pawns when in need of a distraction. And when the day would begin, it's how it'd start. Listening to that girl's heartfelt voice and knowing that it was the only thing that made him grow a genuine smile throughout it all, in a world that the lines blurred so frequently, Hawks hadn't known fact from fiction any longer.

It was quiet, the outside and once in, interiors of the building he had entered. Dabi wasn't in the living quarters- panic sparking at the fact that he wasn't lounging around like usual. He half expected the guy to barely pay her any mind, leaving in a matter of seconds after doing what he had to. But it was eerie, the silence that greeted once the front door opened and he sprung forward. Flying down the hall in the blink of an eye to punch in the security code, heaving inside the second it opened at the sound of her loud shriek.

Hawks stood with a bewildered expression panting hard as Dabi stood there. Grinning down at the girl he held by the nap of her hair with an iron grip so hard that she screamed. Trying to pry his fingers off while she sat on her knees, cheeks puffy with tears and a single trickle of blood down her chin from being striked.

His face hardened while she looked at him with eyes that pleaded for help. "What's going on here?," he snapped, taking a step forward that only amused Dabi further. His fingers dug into her scalp tighter at the sound of Hawks harsh voice with a wicked grin.

"She mouthed off to me. I figured you won't break her in so why the hell not," he hadn't shown any care over the threatening way Hawks appeared, and if anything he enjoyed this. Waiting to use such a sweet pawn to their satisfaction to out him as the traitor he saw fit.

There was a strong moment to remain calm, compose himself before doing anything brash. After all, if he acted now, Dabi could simply torch her starting head first. Nor would he put it past him, she wasn't that valuable to any of them. Just an annoyance that he had begun to understand, was used simply to keep him in line. So he took a deep breath, unclenching his fist. Burying these feelings down for later.

"I'll handle it. She's mine after all, right?"

Dabi raised an eyebrow, carefully considering things on how to react with the fun cut short. Loving more than anything the way this man had to fake the calmness at the sight of this girl's tattered form. But true, now it would grow boring. And not in the mood to physically fight just yet.

So he dropped her, releasing his hand from her hair as she let out a loud grunt of pain, immediately scooting back from him. They remained that way for a second, both men staring each other down until he gave in. Placing his hands back into his pockets, stepping around Hawks with a hard shoulder bump. Agitated that the bird would not fall for such with no reaction before leaving.

Once the door slid shut, she began to break down. Trying not to hyperventilate, thinking that that man would have killed her otherwise the same way the people on the streets burned, bodies charred beyond recognition. "H-Hawks..," she whimpered, crawling over to him as he immediately flew to her side on the ground. Scooping her up against his chest, their hearts pounding at the intensity they had been met with. Her small arms wrapping tight around his neck as he let out a shaky breath he'd held in, eyes wide still in shock at seeing her handled that way.

Nuzzling his nose into her neck, grimacing at the sound of her soft cries pleading onto the collar of his jacket that she clung onto so dearly. His arms secured around her, letting her know it was alright. He was here now.

"It's gonna be okay now.. He's gone, I'm here," he tried to sooth, but she only scooted further into his lap. Her thighs clinging around his hips with large wings instinctively meeting their bodies for security, folding around them.

"P-Please don't leave me again," she choked out, coughing on the sobs in the back of her throat that had been built up. "I called out to y-you, but you d-didn't come."

Ochako trembled in his arms, as the sound of the words she spoke pierced his heart so deeply that he physically winced, clenching his eyes shut to hold her fiercer. His nails digging into the leather gloves, the grip tightening. Someone needed him, the second top hero. And he wasn't there. More importantly it was her, this frail girl in his arms that must have been terrified in the care of a monster. And there was no promise of the days getting any better, because that would be a lie. One he couldn't keep.

"I'm sorry," he mumbled against her throat, just imagining how that scream for help must have sounded. All of this was by his accord and he could not make it any better, with these days to be greeted with his constant apologies and her sobs. "Did he hit you?"

Her head weakly nodded.

Slowly he pulled away, forcing her to look at him with wet eyes, lips quivering as she hiccuped. A trail of blood starting to dry left on her chin from a partially busted bottom lip, Dabi had struck so hard in anger it already began to bruise.

Hawks brows furrowed in sadness at the sight of just how defeated she was becoming more and more each day. Small hands still fisting his jacket for support, legs locked around him not wanting to come undone just yet.

He raised his arms from around to cup her face in his hands, licking the tip of his thumb to gently graze under her lips. Slightly able to wipe the blood away, staring at one another with a look in her eyes growing hazy. Head spinning from not only agony at the throb of a headache, but a certain sensation at the way he handled her. So kind in spite of everything that's happened between them and the position each was put in. Knowing that just a while ago, he would have defended her. She'd seen it in the way he stood tall.

Hawks noticed the way she was looking at him, unable to move just yet. Frozen in place with the feel of her breath hitting his lips the closer she leaned in. Her vision with passion and his with slight panic, the ends of her bangs tickling his nose. It was all coming to light at their awkward position, her thick thighs clenching him so perfectly it was hard not to grunt.

Ochako's eyes closed, pulling him closer to her with a grip among his jacket that he couldn't fight back. Their faces not even an inch apart with his heart dropping once she moved past him, going to lean her head onto his shoulder. His irises into bird slits staring at the wall beyond her, breathing hard and shuttering, with reddened cheeks as she nuzzled her nose into his neck, sighing contently. Thankful that he assumed what she was about to do, wrong and unable to deny it if it would have happened.

"I don't feel good," she murmured, a very tired feeling of her body over exerting itself starting to take over. It was late into the evening, and she hadn't eaten all day. Not that Dabi offered anything after their negative encounter, and after being hit, she wanted to sleep.

He wondered just how hard she had been struck, worried if he needed to be concerned about a concussion. But possibly for now he could distract her with something else now that she had stopped crying, with a monotone mood.

"Are you hungry? I brought something extra special."

She nodded sluggishly, yawning as she pulled back to sit up. Watching his face grow excited as he reached into his jacket, taking out a small white baggy. Studying her expression closely while undoing the stapled top, each look caught as her eyes lit up upon seeing the Mochi he had brought just for her.

"That's my favorite food," she whispered, too in awe to smile as she slowly took the bag from him. Peeling the paper back to examine it, not believing that it was real. It felt like too long.

"Oh I know."

"But how-?"

"Cause I'm the smartest bird in the world sweetheart," he said cocky, giving a wink with a flashy smile at the blush on her cheeks as she took a bite. Humming contently at the delightful taste, basking in the soft texture.

At this point mastermind or not, it was working. Every sentence, every small gesture and the sublime presentation of a gentleman was all eating away at any rational thoughts that had kept her grounded from falling for this act. If that's what it was. But Ochako hadn't the strength to deny it any longer. Whoever this guy was, he was all she had. And it was a marvelous painted picture he was creating just for her in the contents of this small room that took away all amounts of pain or loneliness, it's colorless texture becoming distant the second he walked into the room. To hell with sanity for the time being. It did no good shrouded in the depths of a skyless white prison.

Hawks grinned widely at her as she swallowed, a small smile gracing her lips to show appreciation at how delicious it was, and thankful that he even thought of it. "Thank you.."

"Next you gotta tell me your favorite drink or something! -," he began, but paused as she moved in. Cupping his face in one hand as she leaned in, pressing their foreheads together with her eyes closed. That smile remaining, grown wider at the contact.

He faltered, staring at her with parted lips at how strange she was acting, rather touchy feely than the norm. Which he noted yesterday, allowing him to barely make contact. Though at this present time, it was all her in a clingy fashion. Not that he minded. She hadn't even brushed away his hands resting on her hips.

"Is your name really Hawks?," she asked suddenly, finally pulling away to look at him. Though he only raised an eyebrow at the personal question.

"And since when are you interested in anything to do with me?," he laughed.

"Since now," her voice was playful, glad to see that the events from a while ago weren't getting to her as much. Or maybe she was shoving it down for the time being. With himself, becoming her new security blanket, now present.

He glanced around the room with his bottom lip poked out, making a goofy face while pretending to be distracted as she giggled. "Hmm what do I get if I tell you?"

Placing her finger on her chin, she pondered for a second. Wondering what she could possibly offer, not like this man was very picky having such a child like personality. "You can call me Uraraka," she stated, watching as he blinked a few times appearing disturbed, though it only made her insecure. "Or not.. If that's not good enough."

Hawks remained that way for a moment, watching her fiddle about until he could not contain amusement that built up inside, unable to hold that serious face long before he busted out laughing. Catching her off guard until she scowled.

"You don't have to laugh at me!," she snapped, punching him in the chest as he pretended to be in pain.

He hunched forward with a fake cough, gripping her hips harder before rolling backwards. Listening to the sound of her gasp as he forced her to move along with him, laying on his back with her straddling his hips. A deep blush spreading onto her cheeks at their position, hands pushing onto his chest to get off, squirming back. But Hawks held her there, giving a coy grin at the sight of her embarrassment.

"Uraraka," he purred, drawing her attention back as she stopped fighting. The seconds halted like an eternity in such a basic embrace of a shared glance that she nearly couldn't breathe. Trapped by not only his hands but the hypnotic sound of that voice, so alluring drawing her heartstrings at a precise rhythm that had never been strummed that way before. "I think it's an excellent exchange."

She swallowed, noticing the way his large red wings had spread out in contrast to the white flooring. Like a blood bathe that shimmered so elegantly, it almost wasn't threatening at her small stature. "What's your name?"

"Keigo. Keigo Tamaki. Though honestly, I'd prefer if you called me Hawks. No one ever uses my real name, I nearly forget what it is."

He reached down for the mochi, shoving it back towards her face as she caught it. "Now finish this, it's killing me not to down the whole thing."

"Do you wanna share?," she offered, extending it out to him. But he denied, shaking his head while not admitting that he'd eaten several before coming.

"Oh now you wanna eat after me? I thought I was some disgusting beast at the way you refused to use the fork I ate off of. And You were the one with that idea in the first place ma'am."

Ochako took a bite, puffing her cheeks out. "I don't think you're that bad anymore. Just rude. But, I can forgive you now that you've given me mochi."

Hawks was ecstatic inside at the way she teased back, finally seeing more sides to this girl than awful tears or resentment. Sometimes it could be easier than he thought. Give a girl the right food, and they open up like a book. Maybe taking advice from Miruko wasn't so bad, even though she desperately wanted to know why he was asking questions about the opposite sex, hurry to fly off before getting cornered.

And before long she finished, crunching the paper up and tossing it onto the ground with a yawn.

"Hey I've gotta pick that up you know."

"Well it's the job that you vouched for," she sassed back.

"Fair enough." He watched her begin to rub her eyes, the blue bags underneath with constant yawns telling him that she was tired. But knowing to stay awake in case he'd try to leave, not wanting to be alone.

Grunting, he rolled back up. Snaking his hands to the back of her thighs to hoist her up as she gave sounds of protest, lifting them to stand with her legs wrapping around his waist. "Don't start that, let go."

"No!," she whined, locking her arms around his neck. "You're gonna carry me to the bed, then say you have to go!"

Hawks laughed, taking steps up to the bed. "That's because I do have to go. It's getting dark and someone's too sleepy. Besides, I thought you didn't want me around?"

"I changed my mind!," her grip tightened, fear coiling in her abdomen at the idea of being alone with nothing to fend off Dabi or any of the others.

"Tell you what," he said softly, bending down to place her on her back. Hovering just enough until her muscles couldn't contain the weight any longer, with the help of his hands prying her off. She whined as he draped the sheet over, followed by his jacket that had been left behind on top for the comforting weight. "I'll stay until you fall asleep. That's the best I can do though. Deal?"

She scowled at him, nuzzling into the fur with a heavy sigh of frustration. He'd go regardless, smoothly or not. And she'd once again be left alone to deal with the terror outside that door.

He walked up to the bathroom, flicking on the inside light before motioning towards the main one to turn off. The room barely illuminated now as his darkened form approached, taking a seat on the floor beside the bed. Leaning his forearms on it, followed by his chin. It was quiet as she glanced at him briefly, seeing he too was quite exhausted looking. Deep indents under his black lined eyes that drooped. Surprisingly enough, this man wouldn't let it be known. Not an ounce of complaint over a task that he didn't necessarily need to do for her. It was a conscious decision out of kindness.

"Goodnight Uraraka," he whispered, watching her eyes shut at the voice of his voice.

oo

Okay no one knows if Best Jeanist is alive or dead so I'm just gunna go with whatever until I've gotta cross that bridge in the story lol personally no I don't think Hawks really killed him, but, who knows. Sorry if that spoils anything but if you're reading this with Hawks in it while he's not in the anime yet, I best assume you've read the Manga lolol