Chapter 9

The pillar of boredom finally collapsed in his mind from the game. Leaning on his knuckles, eyes drooping from the lack of challenge until a sudden slumber hit. Snoring on his side beside the chest set with pieces long fallen over, and the game ending abruptly.

Ochako watched him like that for an hour now, the random twitches on his eyelids from dreams and the way one of his wings wrapped around his body like a blanket. The way the overhead light made the red coloring shimmer per breath, chest heaving softly.

She lay similar, knees curled around the board with a sheet drawn up to the bridge of her nose. Through the lack of action, truthfully she wasn't bored. Examining each detail of his peaceful sleep, lips parted with deep black trimmings over the edges of his eyes that made them more vibrant than the golden color that matched his hair. The warm, soft feel of it with a lock hanging down his forehead.

As long as they were together, somehow she felt at ease. No hint of worry to think about the future but only reminisce on their first encounters. So cautious and violent in fear of her life. To trust it fully in his hands. How strange to melt that guard down after firmly telling herself that she wouldn't. He was a villan. But something deep down argued that it wasn't true, there was more to it. There had to be. Villains weren't kind. They had no consideration for others let alone a captive, defenseless-with no understanding of compassion.

That's what she told herself when he'd walk through that door, holding a sweet smile to go the extra mile in the least bit entertaining her. Genuinely enjoying the company of someone that gave him nothing but an attitude when she settled down from trying to hurt him. The warnings washed away immediately.

The large wing lifted slightly to scratch his forehead, grimacing at an itch that came from the strand of hair dangling down. Not quite moving it out the way to return back in place, the feathers protectively nudging under his chin with the scowl remaining. She smiled, outstretching an arm to gently graze it with her fingertips. Gently tucking it back behind his ear as he let out a shaky breath, trembling from the contact.

Unable to hold back from the soft feel, she let her fingers trail down his jawline. Slowly inching their way down to brush along the edge of his bottom lip. Taking in how flawless the texture was of it in contrast to her pale skin.

"Do you enjoy touching me in my sleep that much?," he purred, her face twisting into shock, hand flying back to her side while he grinned. Finally opening his eyes, amused by her expression. He'd actually been awake for a few minutes now, careful to keep still enjoying the last bit of rest while also sensing her stare. Though not expecting her to touch him.

Butterflies knotted in her stomach in embarrassment, those alluring features springing to life once their eyes meet. Blushing under the white sheet that covered it from his melodic voice. So easy to put on a charm from sleep.

"Y-You're hair was in the way," she stuttered.

Hawks raised an eyebrow. "Was my chin hair in my mouth too or something?"

Her breath hitched, shooting a glare as he chuckled. Wincing at the way his body still ached, moving to sit up. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out his phone briefly to light up the screen, keeping track of the time. Thankfully it hadn't been that long since dozing off, feeling guilty he hadn't brought her any food yet.

"You must be starving," he said, peering over his shoulder at the girl who remained on her side, growing tired herself. Ochako nodded quickly, with he giving an apologetic smile.

"I'm sorry. How about I go get something?"

"Will you be out long?"

Tapping a finger playfully on his chin with a goofy expression, he tilted his head to the side. "Only if you want me to be," he teased.

She only gave a whining sound to edge him on at the growling pain in her stomach that caught both their attention, pulling the sheet tighter at the discomfort.

"Alright Alright, I'm going. I'll be back," he said, going to stand but Ochako immediately sat up to catch his hand. Wrapping her fingers securely around his own as he stopped to look back, eyes widened in surprise. She nibbled on her lip nervously, tugging on it.

"Will you stay after?..," she asked shyly, looking down at the floor while holding the sheet over her chest. Hawks blinked for a second, gesturing the request for the first time, it being his company.

She wants me to stay with her.

Squeezing her hand in return, he turned to kneel in front of her. Lacing their fingers together for a moment to give a reassuring smile at the saddened look in her eyes. "Is that what you want Uraraka?"

Ochako nodded, goosebumps rising on her skin at how loving the gesture was. If there was one thing she learned that could be counted on with his man, was the fact that he was sure to handle her emotions in the sweetest manner possible. Certain to make her laugh and dry the tears.

"I've got some things to take care of. Once I'm done, I'll be back as soon as possible. And promise to stay as long as you want."

Endeavor and the HSBC would love nothing more than to bite his head off at this point, he was positive of that. Somehow, already conjuring up a plan to weasel out of both just to rush back to her side. Patrols were also due today but he'd have to leave that to the number one hero or anyone else in the vicinity that shared the same town. Using an injured excuse would serve as well, still reeling from a few cracked ribs that he tried to ignore.

"Do you promise?"

Hawks grinned, raising her hand to kiss the palm. "Yes ma'am," he whispered, slowly pulling away from her, their fingers unwinding as he walked away. Giving a loud stretch to help wakeup as he punched in the numbers on the keyboard, exiting the room.

For some reason she could feel her heartbeat pounding, heat rising all over her body in foreign ways that her mind couldn't comprehend. It was a short same since their meeting of course, at least she thought so unable to tell the time precisely. But it was doing something, a sensation indescribable to argue all the time she'd spent beside Deku. Practically imprinted with reddened cheeks when the boy was around. Though now thinking back, none of it, not a single bit could even compare to the very brief touches the man had given her. Still feeling them on her skin that was set ablaze, wanting to have his head resting on her chest once again. The sound of his voice heard in dreams that she wished could last forever, only to hear them when she woke. And wondered if he'd go as far as to spend the night with her, embraced in the same bed with he conscious of it, if she dared ask him to.

Ochako nearly felt guilty for thinking that way, burying her face into her hands to ask what the problem was. Why was her heart so tempted by a forbidden force of all things, that easily made her forget that she was the prisoner here. On walls void of light, when he'd enter, the time they'd spend together would become her sunlight in an instant. Drowning out the outside threat who would come in to haunt her from time to time.

But her stomach shot another pain throughout her body, heaving forward in agony. It'd been over a day since she'd eaten after all, hoping that Hawks wouldn't take as long. Not that she wanted to implore it and seem rude after the horrific state he showed up in. Allowing him to rest it off that night, and a tad today.

"I hope it's more mochi. I could eat so many right now..," she said to no one, clutching her arms around her abdomen.

The door slid open as her eyes shot up, quickly scooting back further onto the bed until her back hit the wall. Watching Dabi enter, a smile tugging at his lips upon seeing her clad in Hawks tan, leather jacket. Even a board game on the mattress for entertainment.

How sweet.

A shiver ran down her spine, knowing Hawks was far away and wouldn't be back for sometime. Though now, regardless of how she felt, she would keep her mouth shut. Careful not to antagonize this guy further than he already would be. A malicious expression gracing his face as the door slid shut, stepping inside further. Hands into his pockets, staring her down.

"You hungry?," he surprisingly asked, watching her brows knot for a second.

"Hawks is going get me food. He's gonna be back soon."

His smile widened, holding back a laugh. Teasing the air at just how pathetically trusting she was. And if he would've cared to play his cards right, he could've become the one she adored. Not that he wished for such, simply being he found the girl sickening and weak.

"Hawks huh? Hmmm," he pondered, mockingly glancing around the room. "He's a nice guy isn't he?"

It was an obvious trap that she wasn't falling into. Choosing his words purposely to spite her and get a reaction. Her nails dug into the sheets, agitated at the tone and hoping it'd be over quick, whatever it is he wanted.

"He's been good to me," she replied, testing the waters.

"Oh yea? Must really like the guy to wear his clothes even. Or what was it I found you guys doing the other night? Really sweet how you held him like that."

She gasped, a deep blush flooding her face. Unaware that he'd come to take a look while they were asleep last night, and hoping it wouldn't prove fatal.

Though Dabi didn't seem angry or upset this time. In fact, the smile while she knew wasn't kind, it was genuine for something. An unknown thing about her that was amusing him.

"Tell me," he began, voice darkening. "How does it feel to hold a murderer in your arms? I mean, he's pretty infamous. No one's caught him yet though."

A chill made her shutter, confusion plastered on her face as she shook her head. Already losing the battle of composure. "I don't know what you're talking about. Nor do I believe he's hurt anyone."

Dabi couldn't contain a loud howl, cackling as he gripped his side. Heaving forward to catch his breath from the laughter that rang out so coldly she held back from trembling. Running his hand through his hair, he glanced up at her in sheer taunt. Eyes watering from how hard it was to control himself.

"Really!? You really think he's innocent?!," he shouted loud enough that she jumped. Pressing harder against the wall. "Did he tell you about the little mission I made him do to prove his loyalty not that long ago?"

Ochako cautiously shook her head, trying not to lose a grip on herself at the bad feeling coming from this. Not brave enough to face the facts, but also knowing it was for the best for this fantasy to crumble now before it was too late. The side of rationally screaming, reminding that it told her so from day one.

"Oh man this is gold. Well, it's better if you hear it now I guess since you're so stupidly trusting," he added, watching closely for the reaction she was about to provide. "Best Jeanist is dead. The body was delivered to me actually, guess who you think killed him?"

A cold sweat broke out on her body, lip quivering in fear at the very thought of what was implied. She didn't want to hear this. Couldn't take it. Her heart already began cracking before he'd even finished.

"It was completely mangled too from tons of cuts. I doubt he put up much of a fight with only one lung as Hawks carved him up to bits. You know why? Simply because I told him to. And he did it with no hesitation, brought the body back crammed into a shitty duffle bag."

Floored. It was the best to describe the feeling slamming into her chest that all amounts of air left, suddenly suffocating with her eyes too wide in terror to react. The warmth leaving in an instant, trembling in extreme anxiety. It was too detailed of a story to be a lie. But something protested no. That it couldn't be true. Not him. Not her Hawks.

"I-I don't b-believe you," she muttered, shaking her head in disbelief. All feeling in her fingers numb from how hard they gripped the sheet.

"You don't believe me? That's fine. Wait until he returns, then ask him yourself. Make sure you catch onto that moment of hesitation before he lies straight to your face," he snapped coldly, quietly stepping back to exit the room.

Ochako could only stare blankly at the spot Dabi last resided, ignoring the small tears that fell down her cheeks. Hyperventilating for air at the thought of Hawks being a cold blooded murderer. It couldn't be true, he was nothing like that man. A vision of him, towering over another with that same charming grin, now devious and evil. The same one he used towards her with a loving charm. The red wings, now reminding her of the blood of victims.

"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"

"No!," she screamed, clutching the side of her head in denial as those words rang back into her mind. The one time he did threaten her, sure to act kindly after to replace it. But it surfaced now, clenching her teeth. Trying to block it all now, but thoughts of him in the same light as Dabi washed over repeatedly with his kiss to her wrist now turned to the venom of a snake. "N-Not you.. p-please."

oo

"Where have you been!? We received a report of you flying off, gravely injured. Now you finally pickup without any explanation, like everything is okay?!," the president of the HPSC shouted over the communicator, holding it firmly to his ear to listen as the chants of civilians were heard in the distance.

Cheering and waving to get his attention from below the ground, flashing a bright smile their way to pretend everything was alright as he sorred back on his way to the compound. A bag in tow with styrofoam plates of takeout, a quick choice since he neglected to handle it yesterday and today so far.

His wings flapped harder in annoyance at the way the old woman spoke to him, not like he hadn't expected it though.

"Relax. I'm fine. If you've forgotten, I've got a mission to take care of."

"That's no excuse for making everyone assume you were in danger. Endeavor has been scouting for you."

"Oh well. Tell him to keep lookin cause I've got something to do."

He could hear her sigh at his stubborn behavior. It being some time since they'd actually spoken from the beginning of this undercover work. Still resenting the fact that they wouldn't let him intervene sooner just to get better knowledge on the league, at Uraraka's expense.

"Anyways, give a statues report. How's the girl doing?"

Hawks scoffed, rolling his eyes at such a stupid question. "What do you care?"

"That's enough of your childish behavior Hawks. You're an agent, act like it."

His lips tightened, furrowing his brows for having to speak about Uraraka like a pawn. It was the same sense Dabi did, feeling like he was the only person right now that gave a damn.

"She's alright for now. We had an incident the other day between she and the fire user Dabi that gratefully I was able to stop before she was gravely injured. I'm on my way back right now as a matter of fact. Though I highly recommend you allow me to retrieve her and make our leave to somewhere safe and secure before they end up killing her. The line to keep her alive is blurred."

"That is not an option right now and you know it."

"And just what more do you want? For them to use her body as an amplifier for another nomu? I can't continue patrols so leisurely and fly back and forth. It'll look suspicious."

The old woman paused, knowing that he had a point. Though it would have to be risked for now, able to grant an excuse for his absent ways whenever other heros would ask. Also to take his name off of list each day for who would be around to patrol.

"Make sure that doesn't happen then. She's in your hands. Report back with more when given the chance," she added, the line cut and conversation ending.

He harshly ripped it out his ear, shoving it back into his jacket in agitation. It was cruel. Point blank. They hadn't witnessed what he had first hand, nor could anyone understand the anguish portrayed from it all. If something else were to happen to her, he wouldn't be able to live with himself.

Soon enough the structure came into view, trying to bury down the negative emotions before seeing her. Sure to keep that happy facade on for as long as possible, landing on the ground to hurry inside.

It was quiet as he entered, no comment from Dabi who sat smugly on the couch. Not bothering to glance his way as he thought strangely at why the guy appeared in such a cheery mood all of a sudden. Usually they'd greet with something snarky or quick to challenge him.

But Hawks shrugged it off, no longer caring to consider it as he made his way down the hall with more important matters. Punching in the keycode and entering the room.

"Sorry if I took a while, this will make up for it!," he sang, walking in with no reply from the girl who sat curled up on the bed. Her head resting on her knees that are drawn up, hugging them.

His smile faded, taking a few steps closer to place the bag down. His movements cautious.

"What's wrong?," he asked, noticing the tremble at the sound of his voice. "Did Dabi do something while I was gone?"

He stepped closer, but she shrieked, "Don't you come closer!"

Ochako slowly looked up at him, scowling through the tears on her puffy cheeks. Anger seething in mistrust, for the first time in days reverting back to the old way she viewed him. A vibration in her heart at the way his eyes widened, looking at her confused.

"I need.. To ask you something."

Hawks could feel himself grow uneasy, watching her hesitantly scoot off the bed. Careful to keep a good distance with her stepping a few feet away from him, holding his jacket in her arms no longer being worn, replaced by one of her shirts now. If anything she appeared scared at the sight of him, knees ready to buckle at any moment.

He stepped closer in return but she immediately withdrew back. Almost flinching at the small movement, his eyes widened further with betrayal.

"I w-wanna know the t-truth," she stuttered, bravely confronting the worst fears to examine his face for any lies.

"What's this about?"

She bit her lip, trying to hold back the tears that wanted to choke out as she drew in a sharp breath. "Did you kill Best Jeanist?"

The color in his face went white, shaded by shock at the question that she knew too well with his fist clenching tightly, proving it to be true. Otherwise he wouldn't have reacted that way, both of their hearts pounding wildly at the tension in the air.

"Uraraka," he warned, wondering how to get out of this. Surely he couldn't tell her the truth and risk Dabi catching wind. For it'd risk her safety and his own, being booted out with the mission gone to hell. All of this for nothing, no matter how much he wanted to explain. To tell her all the answers to everything, to shout that he was a pro hero and would protect her. Who'd never do such a horrid thing. But, he couldn't.

"Don't come near me!," she screamed out, choking on words as she backed away from him in fear.

"Please, you don't understand -"

"I don't want to! Get away from me!"

Hawks went closer, outstretching his arms to try and grab hers. Panic flushing over his face to make things right or offer comfort in the only way he knew how.

But she'd have none of it, harshly throwing the leather jacket at him.

"Uraraka I can explain, just give me a chance," he pleaded, the feel of his fingertips barely grazing her shoulders enough to make her scream at the thought of the same hands who took the life of another so mercilessly.

"I said get away from me!," she raised one of her hands in reaction to the touch, colliding into his cheek with as much force as she could muster. Panting hard to see the way he stood, too stunned to move. Not comprehending that she'd struck him, of everything they'd build. The trust crumbling away into nothing in one instant, one violent act that was well deserving.

When he didn't back away enough, she began to shove him angrily. Forcing him back as he didn't even try to fight or look at her. Too ashamed to meet that terrified expression as he stumbled. Listening to the sounds of frustration.

".. I'm sorry," he whispered, raising his hand to hold the imprint.

"I hate you! I hate you so much! I hate myself, you're sick! A disgusting person and I never wanna see you again!," she screamed, crumbling to her knees as the tears felt overwhelming, a burn choking in her throat. Sobbing uncontrollably, feeling as though she could pass out at any moment. The world crashed down, the carpet ripped out from under them in one fell swoop that could never be repaired. And her heart could burst open in shreds, pieces scattered to never be found as she heard the keypad. The door sliding open. More alone than she'd ever felt before in her life.

oo

I'm really glad at the people who like this story so far! Thank you for the support! A chapter for Eight Months will also be posted soon!

Tbh Ochako is a hard character to write correctly for me. She's not like, bad or anything. I just find her kinda bland and her personality surprises you sometimes with the blunt honesty, but also that typical girlish sweetness. I try to keep her in line while also using appropriate reactions as realistic as possible. Though sometimes it's challenging unlike a person like Hawks or Aizawa that's pretty much set in stone lol