Healing

Hawks couldn't stay with Jun that night. There was so much he was juggling that she knew she couldn't complain. It felt wonderful just to be in her own bed again. As Jun cleaned the mess she left behind in the kitchen, what Hawks had told her before flying off rang in the back of her mind. He was a hero, after all, and she was an associate of the League of Villains. He could make no exception regarding the law. Everything would work out, he assured her. They could reach some sort of agreement, then Jun's new life could begin.

In the early afternoon that next day, Jun found herself standing beside Hawks at the police headquarters. The feathers containing the recorders were far from the meeting. Her back stood rigidly straight, nerves twitching anxiously as the chief eyed the report, his floppy ears and snout twitching with each sentence. Once in a while he'd pause to look at Jun, eyes squinting while scrutinizing her intently before returning to the sheet.

"I take it that since you were escorted by the Number 2 Pro Hero, you're expecting some sort of leeway, woof." The chief then blinked, putting down the report to stare at Jun sternly. "As a courtesy, let me remind you that you're associated with a wanted criminal organization – the League of Villains."

A thick bead of sweat trailed down Jun's temple as she shot Hawks a nervous look, completely unsure on how to respond. He stood tall with his shoulders back, seasoned and professional, as he listened intently.

Biting her lip, Jun's attention turned back to the chief, lids lowering shamefully as she nodded. "Yes, everything in the report is true, sir. I was affiliated with the League. I won't downplay it. I have enough self-respect to recognize that I wasn't falling for their manipulation. I'd like to think I'm at least smart enough to know when I'm being manipulated. I admit that I willingly joined the League on my own accord. And with that, I am sorry."

The chief lifted a white hand to signal for Jun to stop before folding his hands together, eyes softening slightly. "Regardless of what happens next, first I must thank you, for turning yourself in."

Jun nodded again, cautiously sniffing back the tears that threatened. "And I can assure you, I will never look back. Any punishment you have for me, I accept it."

Hawks blinked as he looked to her, a proud smile gracing his lips before the chief spoke again.

"My concern at the moment is comprehending the fact that you have been hiding this Quirk of yours all along, woof. Then when you finally do use it, it was to aid with terrorist affairs. The ability to resurrect the dead has wonderful potential. You must not waste it."

At that, Jun's fist tightened, electing not to mention that she hasn't been able to reliably activate her Quirk anymore. Not with the damage inflicted on them from the experiments.

"About that, sir," Hawks finally spoke, his professional tone full force. "I have reason to believe that Jun fully regrets what she's done, and she can make amends to the city. I'd like to propose a deal regarding her sentence."

With his eyes on Jun, Hawks passed her a small, pleased smile. "Please exempt Jun from jail time so she may work alongside medical and emergency technician staff. With her on board, it will give medical staff more time to amend patient injuries. She will save the lives of countless people."

Jun turned to Hawks in shock and whispered, "They can do that?" It was such a bold request to forgive all jail time – and to save lives in return? The magnitude of it all was completely incomprehensible. And yet, the mere thought of it filled her heart with hope.

Hawks then turned his attention back to the chief. "I'm also requesting that you consider keeping this report between us so that she may perform to the best of her ability, sir."

The chief thought for a moment, then turned his attention back to Hawks. "Such a request is unprecedented, woof. However, given that Jun appears to be remorseful for her acts, I will acknowledge the request. There's no need to bring this out to the public. I trust that you two will keep all of this under wraps. Starting tomorrow, Jun will begin working alongside emergency staff in the city of Jaku."

At the last word, Hawks suddenly perked up, seemingly caught off guard. "With respect sir, I'd like to request that she work within another city, one she's more familiar –"

"It's already a stretch to keep this incident between us, woof," the chief interjected. "Jaku City is at high risk and would benefit from her services most. Thank you, you are dismissed."

With his eyes hidden and lips in a slight frown, Hawks announced with a formal bow, "Thank you, sir."

Jun watched Hawks bow before absentmindedly looking back at the chief. It took a split second for her to double take in a panic at the hero's demeanor before scrambling into a bow herself. "Yes, th-thank you so much, sir!"

The chief dismissed Jun and asked Hawks to stay behind for a moment. As she left for the door, the chief eyed her back as he spoke.

"Hawks, how is it that you know letting her go is the right choice?"

At that, Hawks turned sideways to look at Jun. As he watched her leave, he grinned and his lids lowered warmly in content. "She would never hurt anyone. She's outgrown them."

Jun could never get enough of the feeling of familiarity and comfort when Hawks flew her home. She owed this next chapter of her life to him. She was to start her new job in the morning, the thought sending giddy shivers of excitement throughout her body.

Hawks on the other hand, was in turmoil over what his next steps were going to be. The attack on the entire country could happen any day now. And by happenstance, the first city planned for the Raid, the one most at risk…

…was Jaku City.

"Can you believe it, Hawks?!" Jun beamed, stepping foot into the living room and crashing on the couch. "This morning I woke up thinking I was going to prison, and I came out with a job – a job saving people! I don't know what I can say to you except – thank you!"

Hawks walked in shortly after, stopping at the entrance to the living room. He didn't look at her, yet he forced a smile. "Great, now you're the hero you've always wanted to be."

But his tone was off. His face was serious. Jun could tell he was trying to formulate something.

At that, she crossed her arms and rested her head on them over the armchair, looking up at him. Orange streaks of the setting sun glistened the room, accentuating the outlines of Jun's face.

"Can I ask you something?"

At that, Hawks brought his attention to her as he leaned against the wall leading to the kitchen, crossing his arms. "Sure."

"What's it like?"

"Hm?" Hawks perked up. "Being a pro hero?"

"No, being the kind of person you are. Always having something on your mind. Yet never thinking about yourself."

The gentleness in Jun's tone persuaded Hawks to look back at her. Her skin looked bright; the soul returned to her eyes the moment she came back home. He momentarily weighted his options before nodding his head. "In that case, I'll tell you." He eyed the empty spot on the couch before relinking his eyes back with hers. "If that's alright."

Jun thought about it for a moment, letting her silent nod speak for her – and he laid beside her. She could smell him – the earthy, wooded scent of his feathers enhanced by the faint traces of sweat emanating from his muscular forearms. Being on his side of the couch after so long almost felt foreign to him. His wings stood high on guard, as if he felt they had no right to touch her.

In a strange twist, Jun made the first move to test the waters of where she stood with Hawks. Removing her hands from the armrest, her body turned over as she curled her legs up onto the couch. Slowly she moved closer, testing to see if Hawks would allow it, before slowly lowering her head to rest on his shoulder.

Neither of them blinked. For a moment, the room was silent – the only source of noise stemmed from each other's steady breathing. Telling from the strained muscles in his chest, Hawks was still on edge.

"What could I get for you to relax – a coffee? A humongous pile of fried chicken?"

At that, Hawks let out a pleased chuckle. Seeing Jun back to her old self in no time had reassured him to no end. His amber eyes glowed in the shaded room; the only source of light emanated from the shimmering streaks of the setting sun that would break through the curtains.

"Nah, just this is more than enough."

His body began to slack, melting into her touch. Jun adjusted and rested her head in the crook of his neck, and he couldn't help but let his face press against hers. Warmth radiated off his body like a smoldering fire, the radiance in his skin reminding the two of them of the bond they once had. It was still there, just beneath the surface, but suppressed by circumstance and trust that needed time to heal.

Both their hearts were still fragile after everything they had gone through together, but it was a heathy step forward.

"Hawks. I know you. Listen, you don't have to tell me anything, I respect that. But you do have to trust me. Trust that I can handle myself. Whatever it is you're thinking, I promise that I'll do the best I can from now on."

He ran his hands gently through Jun's hair and sighed, leaning his forehead against her shoulder.

"Thank you," he murmured before standing up, his back facing her. His alarm rang, signaling a meeting scheduled to go over the attack planned within the week.

"I have to go. I know you'll do wonderful tomorrow, but…" Hawks looked over his shoulder, passing her a gentle, closed-eye smile. "Whatever happens, just be safe, alright?"

"Patient is in critical condition. The motor vehicle accident inflicted several lesions to the body," the first responder reported through her radio. "His chances don't look good…"

A second later, the radio buzzed back, "Keep them stable a little longer. An ambulance with a special new recruit is on the way."

It had been a few days since Jun began her new job assisting medical emergencies. The first day thankfully had no deaths to treat – the prospect of having lost control of her Quirk still heavy on Jun's mind. This call, she lamented, sounded dire.

The ride came to an abrupt stop as the doors in the back flooded open, revealing a blinding light as Jun jumped out. Her eyes adjusted to a scene with scattered metal and glass on the road, with flashing sirens closing off the area. She was quickly ushered to the patient surrounded by first responders.

"The special recruit is here," one of the responders said. "Clear the way, quick!"

Before Jun could process it, she found herself on her knees and, as if on instinct, raised her hands over the man's torso. Blood soaked his dark blue shirt, and Jun couldn't help but notice that he wasn't breathing. With all eyes on her, the trembling in her hands grew worse as she wished – begged for her Quirk to activate.

Please. Just this once, let me save someone the right way. Just this once, show everyone I'm a good person. Please!

As Jun's mind raced, sweat began rolling down her cheek as her hands, now riddled with the man's blood, remained lifeless.

Whispers then flooded all around her.

"What's going on?"

"Is this part of her Quirk?"

"Why is nothing happening?"

Each one cut Jun deeply. Her eyes shut, doing everything in her power to focus. Why… why did I have to get mixed up in the League? My Quirk's broken, and it's all my fault. I should have known better.

It was then, the commotion all around Jun faded into nothing. Her own thoughts blurred, a singular masculine voice in her mind was the only thing she could process.

Everyone deserves a second chance. Especially you. You know that, right?

Hawks' words echoed through Jun's mind like an elegant melody. Then, her own words returned to her.

If you really see me as someone who is bright – someone with a promising future…

…then that is who I will be.

It was as if all the tension in Jun's body melted away, giving into a rush of power that shot directly into her hands. A familiar green glow radiated from them – only this time, the sickly green transformed into a deep, strong green akin to a lush forest.

A heavy sigh left her body as her hands pressed to the man's chest, the radiating glow absorbing into his body. The crowd went silent, eyes wide as they watched the man's eyes squint under his lids before they lifted to reveal the life returned in them.

"He's back. He's alive! Get him stabilized and he'll be alright."

And just as quickly as Jun met him, he and the ambulance was gone.

A few responders stayed behind, their hands quickly found her shoulder as the crowded around her.

"That was incredible!"

"Where have you been all this time?"

"Welcome to the team!"

The unusual attention was overwhelming, but knowing what she did to help sent waves of overwhelming pride in Jun's body. Her eyes welled up as she peered at her palms.

Everything's alright. I'm alright.

After a moment, Jun looked up at the birds gliding across the sky, a relieved smile crossing her face.

I hope… everything's alright with you, too.

"Places, everyone. There's no more time to spare. The Raid begins today. This is where us heroes will take a stand against this new threat. Everyone in Jaku Hospital are on standby. Hawks, status report."

As Hawks darted to his destination, the wind cut through his wings as his finger pressed the device against his ear. Where he was going, he couldn't risk bringing his cell phone to give away his location. "I'm en route as we speak. There's no need to summarize anything here. I know what to do."

"Very good. Best of luck to you."

"Yeah, luck," Hawks muttered despondently under his breath as he took his finger off the device. As he looked down, he found an old payphone at the edge of the city, mere minutes from the hideout.

"That's what I need about now."

~RING~

The vibrating in Jun's pocket startled her. Not being used to receiving phone calls, she hesitated pulling it out of her pocket. Her shift was about to end – she just exited the hospital when the unexpected call stopped her in her tracks. The number was unrecognizable, yet something urged Jun to answer it as she brought the phone to her ear.

"H-hello?" Jun heard herself say.

"Hey," A familiar voice responded. Telling by their tone, they sounded surprised. "Didn't think you'd pick up."

The tone of the voice was casual, not unlike an open, friendly conversation. But there was something more behind it. Something full of concern, and maybe even with just a hint of sadness.

"Hawks!"

"Heh, what'd I warn you about accepting calls from strangers?"

"You're not a stranger. You're anything but."

The line on the other end sounded muffled, as if there was an old or bad connection. For a moment she'd swear that she heard remnants of a broken, longing chuckle on the other end.

"I'm glad you recognize my voice. It's good to be able to talk to you."

"Hawks I… I don't know if I'm ready for phone calls again."

"I know I have no right to speak to you. I'm sorry. I'm being selfish again."

The silence carried on for several long, unnerving seconds. A trembling voice answered back, and Jun could feel the quivering of his lips behind the phone.

"I just… really needed to hear your voice."

A small gasp was Jun's only response. She knew better than to press him about what was going on, but hearing his voice in such a state of vulnerability… the corners of her eyes clouded with tears.

"I… needed to hear yours, too."

Nodding softly, Hawks fought to hold back the tears lining his eyes. "And your Quirk?"

"It's… going great," she lied.

Jun could feel Hawks' frown through his words. "This wasn't part of my plan. You should have been safe. If this goes well, everything should be fine, but if it doesn't, then…" Hawks sighed, his grip on the wired phone squeezing tighter. "Listen, if you're still in the city, I need you to grab as many people as you can and find shelter underground. It's too risky to try and leave now."

"But what about you?"

"You know me, I'll find a way. You know I will."

Hawks' voice was low and tight with pain.

"But if I don't… there's one other thing."

"What's that?"

"Please be safe," he said quietly, a line of tears seeping through his cracked voice.

"…I love you, Jun."

With this, the line went dead. As Hawks hung the phone back in place, he put his hands in his pockets. He was shaking as he gathered a running start, kicking off a nearby railing to get a strong jumpstart and took flight once more.

And the Raid began.

On the other end of the city, Jun's phone remained up to her ear, struggling to process the conversation that seemed over as quick as it began. His words struck her hard, something inside her raw and alive. Jun stood there for a while, staring at the phone with a heavy heart.

There was no time to process his words. Directly behind her, the windows to the hospital blew apart, shattered glass raining around Jun as she sprinted out of range. Yells from inside met her ears, and quickly she put together that this must have been what Hawks was referring to. People began flooding to escape the hospital, bumping and pushing Jun out of the way as she contemplated going inside in case anyone needed her.

That was, until the buildings began to crumble around her.