Apologies for the delay in update! I've been on hiatus due to work and personal reasons, and I'm also waiting for the MHA manga to speed up. I appreciate your patience! I'm also transitioning to AO3 for the remaining of my fanfic; I highly suggest going over there for future chapters after this one! Find me there as user dme94.

I'm flying down the street alongside Keigo at the end of our patrol this evening. The summer evening feels cool as the wind blows the hair off my face.

"It's finally your season," Keigo comments. "You love the heat."

"I'm glad," I respond. "The cold hinders my quirk, so it's not ideal when I'm up against villains."

"That's why ya got me, right?" Keigo smugs.

"Right," I laugh a bit.

Up ahead, I see a lady jaywalking across the street at a green light. A freight truck is heading straight toward her as she's wearing headphones and is unaware of her surroundings.

"Jaywalker," I say. "Oncoming freight truck."

"On it," Keigo responds.

A feather darts through the air toward the lady, reaching her in time to carry her off as the freight truck continues down the road. The lady gazes around in confusion, spotting the red feather after it sets her down. She spots us and waves thanks as Keigo and I continue flying down the block.

"That's the last of our patrol for the night," Keigo says.

Our phones beep with a vibration. Both of us open up our text messages and see Yamato has messaged the agency group chat.

"Looks like the gang wants to go out to the bar," Keigo says.

"Sounds fun," I reply.

"We'll close up the agency and meet up later," Keigo texts back. "Alright. Let's head back."

Keigo and I change our flight course and head for the agency.

Keigo tosses chunks of chicken in a pan over the stove fire. The chicken chunks sizzle in the melted butter as he sprinkles seasoning into the pan.

"You wanna saute the chicken in garlic butter," Keigo explains. "That way, the meat soaks up the juices for flavor with the seasoning."

I watch while nodding, taking mental notes as I focus on what Keigo is doing. After the chicken is cooked, Keigo then turns off the heat and pours the chunks of chicken into another pan with pasta.

"Then ya toss it into the pasta and stir," Keigo instructs. "Pretty easy, huh?"

"Mm-hm," I'm focused and nod.

"Let's try some."

Keigo serves two plates of the chicken pasta, placing them on the kitchen island. A few of his feathers carry the dirty dishes into the dishwasher while we take a bite out of our warm pasta.

"How's it taste?" Keigo asks.

"Mm! It's delicious!" I nod and chew.

"Glad ya like it!" Keigo eats his own pasta.

I nod my head happily side to side as I continue to eat.

"There goes your little happy dance," Keigo chews. "You always do it when you eat good food."

After stuffing my mouth with pasta, I give him a nod and smile as we continue to eat.

"Pasta is a good choice before goin' out to drink," Keigo chews. "It helps lessen the harshness of a hangover."

"You've learned a lot more recipes," I say. "You're a natural cook."

"I wanna teach you now that you're on your own. You'll cook better food than the crap they gave you back at the facility. Though I'd love to cook for you all the time, at least you know more now that you've got this whole kitchen of yours," he gestures around us. "Think you've got it down?"

"Mm-hm! I've got it all up here!" I hold a finger to my head with a determined gaze.

"Next time it'll be your turn to cook, then," Keigo chuckles as he wipes some sauce off the corner of my mouth with a napkin.

I continue to eat happily while nodding side to side. Keigo leans his elbow on the island counter, resting his face in his hand as he watches me with a smile.

"Your pasta is gonna get cold," I munch.

"I can always make some more," Keigo keeps staring at me with a soft smile. "I don't get to see your little happy dance often."

"Eat!" I pick up some pasta with his fork off his plate.

Keigo laughs as I feed him, his face flushing a bit.

"Is the pasta still too hot?" I peer up at his blushing face.

"Guess so…" Keigo softly smiles.

I turn to the plate of pasta and lightly blow on it. Our phones ping and vibrate, and Keigo pulls his out while I continue to blow on his pasta.

"The guys are ready to meet up at the bar," Keigo says. "You ready to go?"

"Mm-hm," I nod after picking up some more pasta with Keigo's fork.

"Let's head out."

"One more bite," I insist as I hold the fork of pasta up to him.

"Alright," Keigo chuckles a bit.

Keigo eats the forkful of pasta and I eat my last one too. He glances down at my silver watch on my right wrist, taking a gentle hold of it.

"We're wearing our matching watches tonight, huh," Keigo smiles to himself.

"We always do when we go out with the gang," I reply. "It's the only time we get to wear'em, right?"

"Right," Keigo chuckles. "Let's go."

I nod as Keigo's feathers pick up our plates and put them into the sink as we head for the front door.

It's been about an hour since we've been at the bar. I'm standing next to Keigo while we're with the gang at a high table. The venue is fairly packed tonight as usual.

"Sorry for missing your wedding," Keigo apologizes to Minoru. "Nova and I were off on a mission that day."

"Nah, don't worry!" Minoru replies. "Your gift for our honeymoon was enough. Our trip to Italy all last week was great! Thanks again for that."

"I'm glad you enjoyed yourselves," Keigo smiles.

"Besides - you've gotta run the agency on top of your work for the Commission."

"Seriously! Don't you and Nova ever get a good break?" Hiroshi asks.

"Well, that's what we're striving for…" Keigo turns to me. "We're working hard to make a world where heroes have nothing to worry about. Isn't that right?" Keigo smiles at me.

"Mm-hm!" I have a bubbly smile.

"Gee, Nova, that's your fourth cocktail since we got here," Hiroshi points out.

"Who's counting?" I retort as I keep my bubbly smile.

The gang chuckles as I remain oblivious, sipping on my drink.

"Nova's definitely picked up on your sarcasm and sassiness," Yamato laughs.

"Guess she's an asshole like me now," Keigo shrugs.

"You're more open about it. Nova is unaware when she comes across as rude," Minoru says.

"I have no idea what you're talking about," I smile.

"Exactly," Minoru chuckles.

"I'm heading to the restroom. Keep an eye on her, will ya?" Keigo says.

Keigo heads off after the guys give him a nod.

"How's the weather for ya, Nova?" Minoru asks.

"Great! No complaints!" I smile.

"Criminals better watch out since your quirk works best in the heat," Hiroshi jokes.

"You have no idea what I'm truly capable of," I smile.

"I don't doubt that!" Hiroshi laughs.

I sip from my drink and see I've finished it as I stir the ice with my straw.

"I'm getting another cocktail," I turn and leave.

"Need one of us to go with ya?" Minoru asks.

"Nah! Be right back!" I wave.

I make my way across the venue toward the bar counter, passing groups of people.

"A vodka cocktail on the rocks, please," I lean on the bar counter.

The bartender begins to work on my drink as I happily wait. The music mixes with the faint chatter of the crowd around the bar. A random guy approaches and places his left hand on the bar counter behind me as he leans in closer to me.

"Hey there," his breath smells of liquor. "I'm new to Fukuoka. Do you recommend any good spots to have a good time?"

"Anywhere but here and away from me," I retort with a bubbly smile.

"Aw, don't be like that! Lemme buy you a drink."

"Already got it covered," I don't even gaze at him.

"Come on, lemme see that pretty face," he grabs my chin.

His hand behind me makes its way on my lower back as he grabs my face and turns it up to him. Annoyed at this, I swiftly elbow his arm away from my back and latch my right hand on to his neck with a vice-like grip.

"What do I have to do to make myself clear?" I keep a bubbly smile.

The man chokes up as he struggles to breathe. Minoru, Yamato and Hiroshi approach and surround us, Keigo now also arriving.

"What's goin on?" Keigo questions.

"Nova came to the bar for a drink," Minoru replies. "We came over as soon as we noticed this guy all over her."

"Oh…" Keigo glances up at the drunk guy as he struggles under my grip to his neck. "Seems she's got it handled."

"P-Please…" the drunk guy chokes. "H-Help."

"You're lucky she's been drinking," Keigo responds after he clicks his tongue and shakes his head. "Otherwise, she wouldn't be holding back."

"This is her holding back?" Hiroshi has a sweat drop.

"I'm being nice," I smile.

"Um…Your drink is ready…" the bartender nervously says behind me.

"Ah," I let go of the guy's neck and turn back around. "Thanks!" I give the bartender a bubbly smile.

The gang watches as the drunk guy coughs and scurries off out of the bar.

"You'd think guys would recognize Nova by now," Yamato shakes his head.

"Well, she does look different in her civvies," Minoru replies. "We all do. The only one recognizable is Hawks because of his wings."

"That's true!" Keigo nods.

"Still doesn't excuse forcing yourself on a lady," Minoru crosses his arms.

"He messed with the wrong one," Yamato laughs.

"You okay?" Keigo gets closer to me.

"Happy as can be!" I chirp before taking a long sip of my drink.

"A round of beers on me!" Yamato exclaims.

The bartender serves the gang bottles of cold beer. Keigo watches me with a soft smile as I happily sip away at my cocktail.

I push the front door of my abode open, tottering inside after I trip over the threshold which causes me to chortle.

"Watch your step, will ya?" Keigo teases after closing the front door.

"I'll watch mine, and you watch yours," I slur with a smile.

I scurry up the stairs to the second level, tripping after the first few steps.

"Watching your steps, huh?" Keigo teases again.

"I'm okay…" I drunkenly laugh as I crawl up the stairs.

We make our way to the upper deck outside as I fumble around. I wobble a bit as I attempt to stand firm.

"Made it!" I put my hands on my hips.

"Barely," Keigo scoffs with a smile.

Keigo glances up at the roof.

"I've got a better spot in mind," Keigo says.

"Hm?" I raise a brow.

Keigo scoops me up and flies us up on the slanted roof. After setting me down, he holds me steady as I wobble a bit.

"Warn me when you'll do that, will ya?" I laugh.

"10'clock," Keigo glances at his watch. "Brought you back right on the dot!"

"The guard at the gate didn't look too approving of you being here this late again."

"As long as we follow the curfew, right?" Keigo shrugs.

"Right," I laugh.

Keigo sits to my right, our arms touching as we rest our arms on our slightly bent up knees. The cool summer breeze gently brushes our hair as we gaze up at the bright moon in the deep blue sky.

"That drunk guy at the bar earlier," Keigo brings up. "He didn't make you feel bad, did he?"

"Nah! I'm sure he learned his lesson," I shrug.

"Sure did… I'm just glad you're able to hold your own when it comes to those kinda guys… I wouldn't be able to control myself if a guy took advantage of you."

"How so?" I tilt my head.

"If a guy were to force himself on you…and manage to have his way with you… I'd probably kill him," his serious gaze lowers.

"Keigo…" I take a hold of his hand. "I wouldn't want you ruining your hero image for me…not after you've worked so hard to get where you're at."

"I'd give it up for you," he softly gazes at me.

"Don't…" I shake my head. "You've come so far from where you came from."

"Where I came from, huh…" Keigo lowers his gaze.

I watch as Keigo is quiet in thought, his face scrunching up a bit at himself as he balls his fist.

"Born from a serial murderer and a neglectful mother…growing up with nothing…That's where I came from," Keigo begins to tear up. "A good for nothing…that's what I am…" he buries his face in his hands.

"Keigo…" I place a hand on his arm and the other on his head.

"I am!" he cries. "I can't even protect you from pieces of shit who try to take advantage of you… I can't even face my own past!" He scoffs at himself. "Some hero I am! All I'm good for is following orders…like some Commission dog," he waves his hand.

"Keigo…you've always protected me…" I caress his head as my eyes tear up. "After blowing up villain bases, you were the one who came for me… You saved me from the dark, even after all I've done."

My eyes are watery as I stare into Keigo's teary eyes.

"It aches my heart… to see you in such pain," a tear rolls down my cheek. "You don't deserve to feel that way…when you've got such a beautiful soul."

Keigo's lips quiver after hearing me say that, his eyes still watery. He rubs his face and turns to embrace me, resting his head on my chest as he holds me tightly. I hold him close while continuing to caress his head. I watch as his wings gradually relax the longer we embrace, his feathers no longer stiff and flared.

"You're my shining light, Keigo," I softly say to him. "Don't ever forget that."

"Please…stay with me…" Keigo whispers. "I don't think I'd be able to handle losing you."

"Losing me?" I'm confused.

"If I get too carried away… I won't see you again."

"What?"

"It's not easy hiding my feelings…" he mutters.

"Then don't."

"But if I don't hide them…I'll lose you…so I'll suffer either way…"

"Keigo," I glance down at him. "Where is this coming from?"

Keigo continues to sniffle and doesn't respond. Not wanting to pressure him, I remain silent and wait patiently as he calms down. His hold on me continues while I lean my head on his. After a moment, he lets go and pulls back after rubbing his face.

"I'm sorry…" Keigo finally says. "I guess the alcohol got the best of me…" he shakes his head.

"Don't be sorry…" I reassure him. "You bottle up your emotions… You don't have to hide them from me… I want you to let them out."

Keigo turns his gaze to me, his brow furrowing a bit. I stare at him, seeing a hint of sorrow in those golden eyes of his. The same sorrow I recognize often whenever he seems depressed. I wonder if it's because of me.

"What is it, Keigo?" I plead.

Keigo just stares back at me with that same sorrowful, teary gaze before turning away.

"It's just another emotional breakdown of mine…" Keigo rubs his face. "Like you said, I hold in my emotions…it can get the best of me…and I only do it with you."

I stare at Keigo, wondering more if I'm a trigger of his emotional turmoil.

"Why?" I ask.

"Because I trust you…" Keigo gives me a teary soft smile as he caresses my cheek.

After gazing at Keigo for a moment, I hold his left arm and lean on his shoulder. I can sense he's not telling me something, but I can't seem to figure out what he feels. Feeling frustrated at not being able to understand, I can only wonder if I'm causing him more pain.

'I'm sorry, Keigo…' I think to myself. 'I'm sorry for being such a burden…'

I keep my hold around Keigo's arm while leaning on his shoulder. He leans his head against mine, his left wing embracing me as we sit in silence. I only wonder what I can do to be less of a burden to Keigo.