Chapter 3
Hours
.:+:.
I cannot do this with you again
Please don't make me chase you away... Not again
Please
.:+:.
The sudden strum of a guitar jolted her from something of a dead sleep, and set her heart and nerves running instantly wild. She flinched, the noise continuing on her ears and the light of the phone in the sheer dark of the room making her head hurt-
... What the fuck...? I can't have possibly been asleep that long...
"Back in black,
I hit the sack,
I've been too long I'm glad to be back,
Yes, I'm let loose,
From the noose-"
And then the words to the ringtone started up and she groaned, shutting her eyes against the light and hand reaching out to grab it. It was so, so loud-
Jesus
"- That's kept me hanging about,
I've been looking at the sky
'Cause it's gettin' me-"
The song cut off abruptly, sending the room into a blissful sense of silence that had been shattered so god damn annoyingly. She rolled over in bed to face the ceiling, her eyes seeing nothing but sheer dark as she brought the phone up to her ear.
I swear... Who in the fuck is calling me now?
"... Hello...?" She mumbled allowed, reminding herself to try and not be so bitchy- though it was warranted, for being woken up.
"Hello Animal Spirit, this is Director Jisou from the Central Events Coordination Center. Is this a bad time? I know you tend to Patrol during these hours so I thought it best to call now."
Actually yes- this is the fucking worst time you could have called... But now I'm already fucking awake so-
"No, no its fine... What can I help you with, Director?" She murmured, her free hand moving up to run her hand through her hair.
"Ah, I'm calling because we are in the middle of coordinating security for the UA Sports Festival coming up in a weeks time. UA has asked for our help in managing security around the school for the event, and we've been reaching out to Pro Heroes based in and around the area for assistance. If at all possible, and should you have the time- we would greatly appreciate if you were to help with security during the event." The 'Director' started in with little a pause, and Spirit stifled a yawn as she listened. "We do not anticipate much of any conflict, but none the less the Sports Festival is a national event and there will be no small number of the general population on site for the affair. The number of on-site spectators is expected to reach well into the 10,000's, and we'll need plenty of capable and experienced Pros on hand to ensure everything goes smoothly."
Ah... UA... The Sports Festival... Of course......mm... That is a lot of people...
"Given your impressive Resolve Rate and the ability you've shown for handling a number of situations- we would appreciate you lending a hand for the Event, Animal Spirit." The man went on, and to be honest she was only half-listening.
... Sounds like a lot of standing around...
"You will of course be paid for you time, should you agree."
... aaaaand that's all I needed to hear~!
"Yeah, of course I'll help out. Just tell me what time I need to be there- and I will." She replied easily, "And you'll want me to work for the whole Festival, yeah?"
"Yes, if that works well with you?"
I'll just have to put in to get off work early that day... Worth it, I'm getting paid and security is easy...
... Needless to say she was in a bit of a better mood now, from being woken up.
"Yep, not a problem." She hummed,
"Great. I have some documents and badges set for the Pros working security, I'll need to mail them to you-" He asked next, she paused. "-Given you don't have an Agency you're signed on with, I don't have a Forwarding Address on file for you, or much anything else... I actually had to ask another Pro Hero for your phone number." He commented,
"... Death Arms?" She murmured,
"Yes." The Director hummed, she nodded a bit to herself.
"To make things easy, could you just mail the paperwork and badge for me in the same delivery to Death Arms?" Spirit murmured, "Truth be told, I don't really have a mail address..."
Kinda need a mailbox for that... Or even regular mail service to where I live...
"... If that's too much work I can just swing by your office and pick everything up myself." She murmured, there was a pause in the other end- faint and quick- before the man spoke up again.
"No issue at all, I'll send everything to Death Arms." The Director murmured with ease, "That delivery is set to go out later today, it should arrive at Death Arm's Agency within the next few days. Thank you for your help, Animal Spirit- I look forward to seeing you at the Sports Festival. In the meantime, should I need to get ahold of you- I assume this number will be appropriate?"
"Yep."
"Very good, thank you for talking with me, have a good day, Animal Spirit."
"You too."
The call cut off and Spirit drew the phone back in front of her face to see the time, her eye twitching as she read over the numbers.
4:03
Oh you have got to be... I was set to get up at 4:30... But now I'm awake, so I guess fuck it
She let out an aggravated groan and pushed herself out of bed, walking across a cold floor in a near pitch black room and not caring to turn on a light- darkness never bothered her anyway.
Black was normal
She instinctively veered around the rice-paper privacy wall not far from the bed and headed straight (and slightly around the closet..) toward a four foot long 'hallway' that ended in a door. She pushed that door open and flipped the light on in the bathroom, before shutting it behind her and turning on the shower. She abandoned her phone on the counter across from the shower itself, pausing only long enough to turn on a news station- and only able to hear a low rumble of the words that came on over the water itself, not that she cared. She shrugged off her sleepwear and stepped into the water that was only lukewarm- and wouldn't be getting much warmer, no matter what she wanted.
As per the usual...
"... it was a slow night for most of our Pros in Hosu! Most went home with nothing to do, the only story of note is not so exciting- but interesting no doubt! Hosu was visited by not just one, but two unlikely Heroes last night, both who left their usual districts! Reports coming in say that the No. 26 Hero, Animal Spirit was seen in the company of the widely popular No. 24 Hero, Hawks!" The speaker on the news station came to life as Spirit ran her hands through her hair,
"... Pro Hero Hawks flew into Hosu last night in time to derail a group of Villains robbing Daiko Mall. The Villains themselves were all D-Class and stood no match against the No. 24, who apprehended 16 of them swiftly! In the midst of rounding up the bulk of the thieves, 6 of them managed a short-lived getaway to the Hosu Prefecture Parking Garage. From there the 17th level of the garage sustained minimal damage as the Villains were confronted by an on-duty officer- the Villains pinned that Officer for a very short time before they were confronted by Pro Hero Animal Spirit. Animal Spirit was able to quickly subdue four of the Villains on her own before Hawks reached the scene, and then rounded up the last two himself."
... oh good... they're not reporting I got thrown out of the building...
... well... this station anyway... no telling what the rest say...
"... all merchandise and money stolen in the theft has been reclaimed, and all Villains on scene have now been arrested. Despite what minimal damage the garage and the mall sustained, the police presence at the Parking Garage lasted much longer than normal, and there have been scattered reports coming in that a possible body was found in the trunk of a car in the lot. The police have strung up tape and cordoned off the area, and have thus far given no formal statement on the rumors- Hawks has made no comment on the rumors either, even as he made an appearance with media crews and photographers that arrived at the scene. Animal Spirit left the scene quickly once giving her statements to the Police, and there have been no further reports of the No. 26 Hero today- possibly marking an early night for the Hero who prowls the nightlife and early hours of our city."
... yeah... left early to sleep before I have to work again... and woken up half an hour earlier than I wanted to be...
Her hands moved up to rub at her face, scrubbing off the dark crimson paint drawn under her eyes and over her bottom lip and chin... makeup and 'fixings' for her Hero costume that had no place in the job she would be headed to soon.
"... Hawks took time to comment on his plans for starting up his own Agency. The No. 24 Hero broke off from his former mentor Best Jeanist and left his Agency to fulfill his own agenda and take his career into his own hands. This choice was admonished by many in the Hero community and Hawks has received no small amount of backlash, with many calling him childish and naive- and warning he's pushing things too hard, and too fast. There may be truth to these claims, but despite that- Hawks has continued to gain popularity and climb the charts despite his 'brash' behavior, and has in fact earned just as much praise for his independent behavior and willingness to challenge the norms. This mixed response to his decision to fly solo and manage his own Image draws many parallels to Animal Spirit, who in her two years since entering the Pro Hero game- has never once signed on with an Agency, and has in fact refused the offers she has received."
She paused slightly, her fingers running under her eyes and feeling the tired lines etched into her skin... Shit.
"... it is still unclear just what reasons Animal Spirit has to remain without an Agency, as she has never been quick to comment- which is a stark contrast between her and No. 24 Hawks, no matter how many people wish to compare the two. Hawks has openly stated his reasons for going solo and admonished the overbearing and restrictive nature of Agencies and their Policies as a key reason for deciding against signing with one. And despite having no formal Agency of his own yet, or even an established Office- Hawks has continued to manage his presence in the Media and fund a number of merchandise contracts all on his own, without the need for Lawyers or intermediaries that most Pros rely on. Despite his age and inexperience, Hawks has proven himself and incredibly capable Hero and businessman all in one."
Yeah... Though grant you a lot of that merch is still leftover from his time with Best Jeanist... All the new stuff is in a fledgling state... But even still...
"... He has shown an incredible amount of initiative and taken on the job of Hero, Agent, and Marketer for his own brand and namesake all alone." The station kept on, even as she turned the shower off. "His networth is in the millions and steadily climbing higher... Even with Animal Spirit's impressive track record, soaring Resolve Rate and continued successes time and time again through her deeds as a Hero- her popularity is only kept alive by the skills she possesses, and little else."
You know? Lately it didn't matter what station she put on, or what paper she read- somehow every single media outlet always included three things without fail;
1. Literally anything about All Might... No surprise there
2. Something about Endeavor's great skills as a fighter and a Hero- and an admonishment about how his personality didn't stack up (he was... Ah... Hard to like, as a person)
And 3. Hawks
'Hawks did this'
'Hawks is revolutionizing that'
'Hawks the rebel'
'Hawks the rising star'
'Hawks the lone wolf'
'Hawks is great'
... And on, and on and on- and oh! Who are we gonna compare him with?
Animal Spirit, that's who!
She was more popular now than she had been in the last year- and it was because of him.
... And being popular didn't do her any good. Whatsoever.
Her networth?
Well she was sure she had worth as a Hero and a name, but she had no brand, no contracts, and no running merchandise. She didn't go on shows or make big appearances for posterity's sake... she really was just popular for being good at working as a Hero. Catching Villains, working rescue operations... That was it. What little she did to preserve any semblance of an Image was to be kind to the fans and the people- small little words here and there, just enough to be likeable.
She and Hawks really couldn't be any more unalike... And still whenever he got brought up, so did she.
She tuned out the next few minutes of talking as she stepped out of the shower and across toward the mirror, leaning in as she checked to see if the paint had disappeared from her skin. Her hair stuck to her bare skin in tendrils, water dripping against the counter and floor as she grimaced at the bags under her eyes.
"... This just in from Hawks' blog! The No. 24 Hero has put a halt in his tour flying from country to country and will be taking an extended stay in the city!" The reporter switched gears,
"Does it say why?" Another reporter on the same station pitched in,
"All he mentions is scouting 'potentials' for his Hero Office."
"He must be looking for buildings then."
"Seems so!"
Spirit sighed, tapping the screen of her phone and cutting the broadcast off. She straightened up, the chilly air on her wet skin making her shiver slightly, her hands falling on her hips. She searched her body in the mirror, finding small, faint bruises along her ribs and around her torso- from ramming into the railing as she caught that boy, and when Muscleman grabbed hold and threw her... Respectively. And around her forearms were bruises like thin lines left from the Wire Quirk that had tied her up mid-charge.
"... Well... No rolling up my sleeves today..." She sighed to herself, her hands moving up to tie her hair back and out of the way.
She picked up a contact-case from the counter next, leaning in toward the mirror as she carefully placed the thin filmy discs in their proper place in both eyes... Her normal red gaze being lost behind the artificial color of the color contacts, and turning them grey-blue.
She let her eyes drop closed, blinking several times until the familiar irritation faded again. She turned from the mirror and finally grabbed a towel from the ring on the wall, pulling the bathroom door open- and it's light the only light afforded in the otherwise pitch black box she called home.
Well, it wasn't fair to call it a box maybe... Whatever
She started to hum under her breath, hanging the towel around her shoulders and moving to stand in front of her closet. She pulled out a pair of black jeans, a white button-up shirt and a vest with a blue tie, her teeth clamping down on the tie for safekeeping. She pulled open the top drawer of the dresser tucked away in the closet, hooking out a bra and underwear before pushing it closed with her hip. She slid the closet door closed again with a foot, humming still as she tossed the shirt, pants, bra and vest over the top of the rice-paper divider, the tie leaving her teeth and following suit as she slipped the underwear on and then used the towel to dry her hair.
Another day, another seven hour shift-
She pulled each item of clothing on, one after the other and still humming to herself.
-off at noon and back home so I can sleep until 5, then back to being...
She buttoned the vest up, flipping the collar of her shirt up and winding the tie around her neck as she fixed it up.
... No. 26 Hero, Animal Spirit... Until I have to give up that again, and it starts all over.
On and on... And on
Again, working two jobs sucks.
Her hip cocked as she stood there, tying the tie and knotting it before tucking the bottom end into her vest, and then buttoning up the cuffs... Tucking the shirt into her jeans.
"... Back in black...I hit the sack...I've been too long I'm glad to be back..." She mumbled, humming the next few lines and then skipping some... And repeating. Her ringtone now officially stuck in her head,
Yay
She hummed all the way back into the bathroom, her fingers running through the damp of her hair and stopping in front of the mirror again. She tapped her phone screen to life just to see the time, and then shifted her attention back to fixing her hair into a coiled bun.
The same drone everyday, hours working and hours sleeping... Always the same- until next week hit.
The UA Sports Festival... Haven't ever been to one of those... And to make it even better, I get paid~
She smirked wearily, rocking back and forth on her feet a little as she continued to do her hair.
Is it bad to be so thrilled at the prospect of a little extra money?
She paused, her eyes trailing over her appearance, musing.
Hmm... Nah
She picked her phone off the counter and turned around, unlocking it and scrolling through what few notifications (all of them news reports) there were since she'd cleared them last. Her feet took her toward the front entrance, pausing long enough to slip on her shoes and grab her wallet and keys.
'Endeavor apprehends three Villains on early morning commute'
'What we know about the Villain attack on the USJ'
'Hawks extending stay in Japan, pausing national tour'
'Possible homicide in Hosu'
'Car crash on Okoe Avenue'
She swiped through and deleted all of them as she reached the door. She went through it, locking it behind her and heading up the badly rusted stairwell sunken into the ground, climbing the steps up and toward ground level. The outside air was chilly in the early morning, the city still half-asleep but not quiet. Her ears rung with the sound of a gun firing off a few shots a ways a way, pausing at the top of the stairs but not at all perturbed by it. This part of the city was never quiet or still, there were always people, lurking and moving and stalking... Unseen things in the background, shadows of the darker parts of humanity that persisted even in an age of Heroes.
She let out a small sigh, immediately aware of unseen eyes on her from somewhere- always watched by someone, homeless or random, or sceevy, it varied.
Shinjuku Kabukicho
... Otherwise known as the Red Light District
"... Home sweet home..."
.:+:.
"... Back in black... Yes I'm... Back in black..."
She sent the glass sliding down the bar, hardly spilling a drop as the man waiting caught it on the other end. She set the liquor bottle down with ease and plucked up two empty shot glasses between her fingers- setting them in the sink and scooting down the bar a little further, humming. Yes, humming- the exact same line over and over now and she just didn't give a damn
"... hmhmm... Back in blaaaack..." She trilled under her breath, lifting a mug up and pulling the lever down for the tap as she filled it. The rumble of voices and music were drowning her out, the same playlist of sensual-subject songs and classic beats playing over the surround sound in the whole of the building- and would later include even more high-strung and less subtle songs once the day set in further... Not that she was ever here for the rush and bustle. The crowds and the drinking and the drunks- the shows and the whistles of horny men as they cooed and goggled at a parade of hardly clothed 'girls'. Drinks sloshed and ordered like no tomorrow, the lights dimmed and what little there was dancing from sequins and body-glitter applied way too fruitfully.
Cat-calls and touchy-feely hands where they shouldn't be- but no one ever stopped them unless they went way, way too far. Money tucked into waistbands and bras, fingers trailing over skin and girls straddling laps, spinning around poles... Others milling about chairs and tables, tray in hand and drinks with it. Lustful, wanting eyes among the customers and sultry smiles as they picked everything and everyone apart down to the bare bone with just a glance. The general hustle and bustle and conversation going on now that would get louder and more rowdy as the day drew further along- spiraling down toward the nightlife and bringing out even more people to goggle and enjoy the entertainment.
Which inevitably meant more noise, more rush, more issues- more mess. Food spilled, drinks sloshed, confetti and other bits of rubbish strewn around haphazardly- the workers struggling to keep some sense of order in the midst of the height of the evening. The Security always got a workout, and the girls too, keeping the customers in line-
Not~ My~ Job~!
No no no- her shift ended hours before the height of business, which meant she avoided the worst of the people who ended up here.
Oooh yes~! Good thing too, I will not deal with any of those ass hats, not a chance!
She barely had the patience for the regular drunks she had to deal with while she was manning the bar. Not only were they drunk- they were also prone to (attempting!) to treating her like one of the dancers.
I'm sorry, what about my attire gives you the impression I'm up for grabs?
I can quite literally break your hand, easy
... Ah the perils of working in a 24/hr stripclub/bar... And not having anyone know just who you are, hmm?
Mmm... Or more the perils of being a woman in the lowest end of the Red Light District?
She stopped the tap and set the mug down in front of the intended recipient- easily picking up the abandoned glass and moving down the line to pick up a few more- whilst also nodding toward the old man at the very end as he raised a hand as signal for another.
"... Yes I'm back in blaaaack..." She hummed, rocking back and forth a bit as she filled a few mugs again. Her eyes flicked from filling the mugs and toward the clock on the counter.
10:45
She let out another humm that was more sigh than anything else, turning back to the bar and passing the drinks out to those waiting for them. She grabbed a sake bottle and moved to the end of the bar, refilling that old man's glass and earning a rough grumble of... Something. She didn't bother to figure it out, she just moved back to the center of the bar and started washing glasses and tidying up a bit.
"... Yes I'm~" she mumbled softly,
~currently doing anything to keep myself awake right now, and I still have over an hour left on my shift~!
She swept a few used lemon slices off the counter and into a bin with one fluid motion.
And once I'm home, I get to sleep again until heading out for Patrol~
She smirked wearily to herself, stacking the now clean glasses back up and aware of the two men that staggered in the entrance- and headed straight for the lounge, and the dancers.
"Kage, I heard you asked for a day off next week."
Spirit's inane humming cut off at the question, her eyes shifting sideways and toward an older woman dressed in a tight corset and shorts too short to be called such- showing off a large area of skin that was par for the course of the establishment. Her heavily-lidded eyes matched with Spirit's lazily, the woman taking a seat on the stool at the end of the bar nearest the entrance that lead behind the counter, a cigarette in hand.
"Same day of the UA Sports Festival... Busy day for a bar... And you still plan to leave us hanging, Kage?" The woman murmured slowly,
'Kage' was the name she had here, every dancer and employee had a name that wasn't their actual name. As per policy for the club, everyone gets paid in cash, no questions get asked- and no one knows who everyone else really is. Which was perfect, since she couldn't go around as Pro Hero Animal Spirit working at a shady stripclub in the Red Light District... Oh the stories that would start at that.
And she needed the job, so even if it wasn't all that reputable- she dealt with it. Because though she was sure there were unsavory things going on behind closed doors- this was the Red Light District, it was inevitable... And she was fairly sure the owners of this club only got involved in booking and prostitution. No murder or Yakuza as far as she knew, and she'd talked with and kept an eye on all the girls enough to know they were willing participants and not caught up in human trafficking.
So anyway- Kage was the name she had here, and the one near everyone in the Red Light District knew her as if she were to pass them by in the street, or in the market... Etc. No one knew her as Animal Spirit, and that was how she planned to keep it. (Thus the color contacts and never, ever using her Quirk around here...)
Anyway, that woman? The name she had here was Tenshi, and she was the oldest of the dancers- and in some ways senior... Sort of their appointed 'boss', though Tenshi didn't have any more authority than the rest of them.
Spirit picked up a shot glass and a liquor bottle, moving toward Tenshi and setting the glass down to fill it up in front of her. "You planning to go and watch?" Tenshi murmured, moving the glass closer once it was filled.
"You really think I have the money to pay for what few tickets they reserve for the general public and not for Pros or Recruiters?" Spirit replied easily, Tenshi let out a breath and Spirit set the bottle down. "And I doubt I'm leaving anyone hanging, I'm sure Jeriko will be happy to fill my shift that day and earn some overtime." Tenshi shrugged slightly, picking up the shot and downing it in one go with complete ease.
"You're a much better bartender than Jeriko." Tenshi murmured offhandedly, Spirit smiled wearily. Tenshi stood up from the stool again and stuck her cigarette between her teeth, turning to leave but pausing as she cast a sideways glance at her. "You look like shit, Kage." Tenshi murmured dryly, Spirit stiffened. "Hell, maybe you do really need a day off." The older woman muttered, waving a hand behind her nonchalantly, Spirit remained in her spot as she watched the woman move away and back toward the lounge and other few dancers on shift at the moment.
Spirit's shoulders sank a little, her eyes dropping closed and earning a faint bit of irritation in them from the contacts- which happened everytime she blinked, actually.
... I am getting tired of people pointing it out...
"Oi, gimme another one." A man behind her ordered lowly, breaking her from her thoughts and the annoyance that flared in her core.
... I really need sleep... maybe I'll just skip out on Patrol today?
"Have you heard anything about the Hero Killer Stain?"
"Reports of his activity have been steadily growing closer to this part of Japan, and it's likely he'll attempt to enact his so-called 'justice' on one, or maybe even several of the Pros that patrol this area."
... I probably shouldn't skimp out on Patrol... just in case... not that I'm looking to get murdered... but...
"You hear me?" The man asked, almost irritable and Spirit nodded.
"... yessir."
.:+:.
She left bar-tending behind at 12pm sharp
She went back home and shrugged her shoes off in the entrance, and headed straight for bed and let her body fall on top of it like a sack of potatoes. She didn't even bother to take her work clothes off, five seconds after hitting the bed- she was out. Floating in an endless, empty black dream of complete nothing... and then jolted awake again and into a very dim apartment by the sound a guitar strumming, and the by now all too familiar lyrics of 'Back in Black' she had been singing on a loop for six hours straight.
... I need to change my alarm... and ringtone... before I hate this song... forever...
She dragged herself from the intoxicating softness of her bed, her body aching and protesting against it- but she still got up.
... woooooow... I feel even more tired now... what the fuck...?
Getting changed into her Hero Attire was a daze.
She took the color contacts out that she'd neglected to before falling asleep, leaving her eyes their natural crimson red and setting to work on painting her usual makeup under her eyes on her her lips and chin. She worked her hair from the bun it had been in and braided it back into a ponytail instead, slipping on her sleeves and winding the straps around her thighs. She put her phone in the pocket of her suit and headed toward the one single window in the whole of the apartment. High up and touching the roof, little light coming through and not a surprise- it was ground level with the alley outside... you know, since her apartment was underground... and in fact the basement of the building.
Payable rent though, given her minimal income- and she didn't need much.
She pulled her boots on that had been abandoned there at midnight, before reaching up and opening it outward, and hooking her hand on the edge. Her body melted into a haze as she Shifted into a cat and hoisted herself over the ledge, and ducked under the glass into the alley. She didn't bother Shifting back to close the widow, she hooked her paws on the glass and shut it with ease. And she stayed a cat as she walked down the alley and toward the street, head hanging slightly and tail drooped a bit- yawning.
Her few (regular) hours of sleep between noonish to her alarm at 5pm were usually enough.. usually restful and had her feeling fine... but not today apparently.
Oi... taking those overtime hours just messed up my sleep schedule... I hate myself.
She kept walking without really paying attention, aware of those same unseen eyes always present in Shinjuku Kabukicho... Only now they were less prying, seeing as how she appeared as a cat and not a person. She just kept on, drawing further toward the edge of the District and eventually leaving it behind for another... The neighboring city of Hieku and home to Kiyashi Ward- that District in which she was most active through her exploits as a Hero.
In general terms all Heroes had assigned cities or separate Districts they operated out of normally. They did most of their work there, knew the layout, whatnot. They were mostly expected to stay in their 'Area', but it wasn't unallowed to go other places even then. But these assignments were mostly coordinated through Hero Agencies. And since she wasn't a member of one, she didn't technically have an Area of her own... She just sort of chose one to work out of usually, and Hieku was it.
Because you'd be damn sure she wouldn't work out of Kabukicho. Not only was it a shit place to work as a Hero- she lived there, and she really didn't need to have people work out that 'Kage' and Animal Spirit were the same person.
But even as she entered Hieku and Kiyashi Ward- she still kept walking, alert and on the lookout, but not pausing... She just moved through the bustling, business-oriented and commercial driven Kiyashi Ward and out of Hieku altogether, drawing closer and closer to Hosu instead.
The daily grind of Patrol...
... Mm... I have to take some time in the next few days to visit Death Arms' Agency...
... Maybe we'll catch up some too... I haven't seen him in awhile...
Remember what she said about not making a habit of making friends with other Pro Heroes? Well that was mostly true, but there was the one exception of course- there was always some exception to everything, and appropriately so in this case. Of the few people she ever actually tolerated in her school days- he was one of them... And the only person from high school who'd graduated the Hero Course and done well. Well, besides her- but what she beat Death Arms in Rank, he beat her in actual income.
But despite that, she and Death Arms were the top two out of their old school.
She wove around people and their legs, drawing closer toward the center of Hosu and the bustle- the buildings growing steadily taller on either side. She was aware of passing other Pros by on the sidewalk, familiar faces in Hosu where she wasn't... Well-liked Heroes, but by no means popular.
Popularity doesn't define capability though
Her walking came to a slow halt as she came upon a square packed with people and cars and shops- the works. People avoided her and went around as she stopped on the edge of the sidewalk, her crimson gaze traveling over numerous heads she couldn't hope to count.
Hosu is always so busy
Her head tilted up, looking over her shoulder and toward the top of the multistory building behind her- overlooking the square.
... Hmm... That's a good vantage point of the area... I could just sit up there and watch. I could probably see several streets over from there too.
Take a break, you know... Just sit down and watch
... Damn that sounds glorious.
Her feet were killing her, heavy and hard to lift even if she forced herself to keep walking. She turned toward the building and walked along it up the sidewalk a bit, intent on finding an alley she could slip into- and passing a food stand on the way. She could hear something sizzling from it, the air heavy with the scent of spices and salt and meat... Her stomach rumbled and she bit back at it.
... Come to think of it, I totally forgot to eat today, huh?
Her walking slowed unconsciously as she passed it by, her eyes lingering- before she realized what she was doing and shook her head at herself.
You're working
She trotted away and didn't let herself look back.
I really do hate myself sometimes... Gahhhh
... I'll... I'll just stop and get something on my way home to change.
Yeah, totally. I'll have time... If not... I'll just eat something at the club
She veered around the corner and into a side street- already Shifting again into something else that would get her to the top of that building in no time. Alone and able to see and hear everything- perfect vantage point.
.... Better than just walking senselessly... I'll let the rest of the Pros in the area do that today. If there's trouble, I'll notice- until then, this will be good.
People-watching... Who knows, maybe I'll see something interesting
... Mm... But not as interesting as last night, okay? I don't wanna get in an all out fight again... But if it has to be that way, so be it. Who am I to complain?
This... Is my job. I chose this.
... Yeah, how have I lived this long?
She lift off into the air, wind catching under her wings as she Shifted into an eagle and started to climb.
One of the world's greatest mysteries, I'm sure...
.:+:.
... Mystery I'm sure I'm not the only one asking...
"... And I'm back with a madness...I'm a champion of the people who don't believe in champions..."
Hmm?
"... I got nothing but dreams inside, I got nothing but dreams... I'm just young enough to still believe, still believe~"
Huh... I know that song...
"... But young enough not to know what to believe in... Young enough not to know what to believe in, yeah~~~"
It's gotten popular recently... Since they translated from English...
"...If I can live through this,
If I can live through this,
If I can live through thiiiis,
I can do anything~!"
... Where the hell...? It's... Super quiet I can barely hear it...
She felt something on top of her head, rubbing behind her ears gently, affectionately... What...?
She felt groggy as hell, still hearing the music but it was so soft and quiet... Little but a low rumble from far off and she yawned. She lift her head, whatever warm weight on top of it lifting with her as she blinked her eyes open to harsh orange light, grumbling.
... Where is that coming from... And what's touching me...?
Must be my pillow... But why is my room so bright? It's never this... Bright...
She yawned again, her eyes shutting against it before breaking off with a sigh, blinking several times to rid herself of the haziness of sleep she didn't remember falling into.
But damn I needed that... Odd though, I don't remember getting back from...?
The blurriness faded from her eyes and time stopped altogether as her red eyes met dark ones, straight in front of her.
W..wha...?
"Hehe, have a nice nap?" A voice asked brightly, and all too amused.
Jesus... Fuck..!
Did I seriously...?!
Her eyes shift sideways to see open air and the tops of buildings taller or just as tall as the one she was laying on the edge of, the sky turning a blinding orange shade quickly getting red then violet as the sun sank away. She could hear the sound of people and cars and commerce below, well above what hushed song was playing in the background now... 'Champion, Champion~' humming from his headphones though he didn't seem bothered.
And speaking of him-
Those bright red wings were pulled to his back as he sat cross-legged on the wall in front of her, one elbow on his knee and cheek in his hand- while his other was extended forward and rubbing the top of her head like... Like she was some soft of pet!
"Hmm, sleeping on the job, Spirit?" Hawks hummed playfully, his hand still in her personal space and making no move to leave it.
I fell asleep on Patrol?!
SHIIIT
She jumped onto her paws, bristling and ears pressed flat against her head as she batted his hand away from her head with unsheathed claws.
"Who the fuck do you think you're petting?!" She snapped, her claws catching on his jacket sleeve only slightly- he pulled his hand back and toward him with complete ease, not at all bothered by the puffed up and arch-backed cat in front of him. "I'm not some stray you can do what you please with, Feather-Fuck!"
"Such a bad mouth for such a cute kitty~" Hawks hummed playfully, his elbows in his lap and both cheeks between his hands, smiling. She bristled further, her tail lashing behind her in annoyance and teeth bared.
"Do not call me Kitty!" She snapped, "Or cute! Who do you think you're talking to?!" He chuckled,
"Animal Spirit of course." Was the easy little reply, she growled.
"Why are you here?!" She demanded hotly,
"I was out on my rounds and decided to do a quick flyover of Hosu." Hawks replied easily, "I was minding my own business, just keeping an eye out- and then I saw this cute little black cat curled up asleep on the edge of this Building~ All the way up on the roof of a fifty-story structure and I thought that was odd for a cat. Maybe it got stuck? Someone trapped it up here? Maybe it's lonely~?" He smirked, clearly teasing as Spirit's ears pressed back against her head harder. "Well anyway, I figured it would be bad of me not to make sure it was okay- and then I recognized that cute kitty as the No. 26 Hero~! Lucky me, I didn't think I'd be seeing you again so soon, Spirit~"
Cheeky, childish, nosy little-
"Anyhoo~! You looked real comfy, so I wasn't gonna wake you up." Hawks went on, straightening up a bit and crossing his arms about his chest.
"... You've been sitting here watching me sleep?" Spirit deadpanned,
"I wouldn't say watching you- just keeping an eye out, making sure nothing came along to disrupt your little nap." He hummed, "You were out pretty good ya know, totally missed a whole pileup down there in the square. Six cars, no casualties- few bumps and bruises, a broken lamppost. I popped off down there to lend a hand and when I can back up you were still fast asleep." He told her brightly, her red eyes went wide in shock.
"Seriously...?!" She breathed, him still smiling so, so casually and calm as can be.
How in the hell-?!
"Nah, not really." He hummed, Spirit stiffened. "Buuuut, the point stands- you've really been out of it for awhile now." Spirit bared her teeth at him, huffing as she lashed her tail once.
"Git." Spirit hissed, he quirked a feathery brown at the insult, but still not bothered.
"Hmm, anyway Spirit~ It's been about 19, 20ish hours since I last saw you- I'd have thought you'd caught a few winks already, but you're out here fast asleep~! What've you been up to if not sleeping, huh~?" Hawks asked, Spirit growled and looked away from him.
"Correction, nosy git." She muttered hotly, missing the all too amused smile he had upon catching the comment. Spirit sat down, her body and figure wavering, distorting and fracturing at the edges as Hawks lost sight of her in a haze of black-red, and that cat that he'd been talking to turned into woman. Spirit crossed her knees over each other, her feet hanging off the edge of the wall and her arms crossing about her chest as she let out an aggravated growl. "... I slept." she muttered lowly, pointedly not facing him anymore or glancing his way.
"Hmm, really~?" He hummed,
"Yes really."
"Then what's with sleeping out here like a log~?" He hummed, his head tilting a bit to get a better look at her face as his eyes flashed. "You sick or somethin', Spirit?" He asked, his tone dropping a small fraction of that carefree casualty it seemed to have at all times. Her head tilted, imperceptibly so in his direction at the subtle change in his voice, her eyes shifting toward him in a sideways glance.
... Weird...
"I'm not sick." She mumbled lowly, almost stubbornly so.
... I did nod off in the middle of Patrol though... Jesus hell...
"You sure about that? You do kinda look a bit pale." he added softly, she grimaced.
A rush of wind swept up from below them, bringing with it muffled noise and scent of people and places and food...
Spirit stiffened, sweatdropping when her stomach growled- loudly.
Hawks blinked, a little taken aback at the sound for a few fleeting seconds- before he grinned, entirely amused. His hand came up to cover his mouth and stifle the laugh that rose in his throat, Spirit grimaced her head tilting down and out of his view to keep him from noticing how flushed her face got.
Fuck. Me.
"Heh... Eh, you hungry, Spirit?" Hawks asked, his voice shaking as he swallowed back the chuckling- fruitlessly so. She shut her eyes against it, she could just imagine what entertained smirk he had on his face.
I'm gonna jump off the building-
"Hehe... he... uhm... ah, when's the last time you ate~?" Hawks asked, still barely holding back his laughter and Spirit grumbled more.
"Fuck off." She shot back lowly,
"Ah, don't be hostile, it was a simple question~!" Hawks laughed,
"You're nosy as all fuck, Bird-Boy." Spirit muttered lowly, "-And you're acting like you and I are all chummy. We're not friends, we are hardly even acquaintances, I only met you last night."
"Ah, but what's wrong with being friendly~? And nosy isn't the aim, it's totally justified for me to ask you when you last ate when your stomach is making whale noises~~!" Hawks hummed brightly, her face heated up a bit at that, crimson eyes glaring at the street far far below. "Oh~! Speaking of whales, is that one of those animals in your repertoire?"
Honestly what is with this guy? He's so cheery and familiar and childish- it's like everything is a joke to him... and it's not making a difference no matter how much I snap at him, or get pissed- he just brushes it off like nothing... oi
Why did he end up flying over this building of all buildings? Right when I was on it?
Her eyes trailed up toward the horizon and the setting sun,
... I fell asleep for a few hours at least... damn it...
... hmm... maybe being all pissy and bitchy just doesn't help anything... and he's too much a child to really be anything more than just plain, simple 'curious' I guess
"... yes." She grumbled lowly, Hawks perked up at the low answer. "... and... yesterday, probably... for the food thing..." She paused, her arms crossing over her chest a bit more tightly as her eyes dropped closed, pensive as she quickly recanted her steps in her head trying to come up with the actual when... and couldn't. "... I think... maybe... I honestly don't remember..." She admitted quietly, Hawks' eyes flashed, his expression crossed over by clear surprise and even wonder. He paused, his eyes scanning her up and down and the very closed off posture she had- and the way she was avoiding looking at him, his expression falling flat for a few seconds, before smiling a bit.
"Well, have no fear, your friendly neighborhood Hawks is to the rescue~!" He told her, his hand digging in his pocket and wings fluffing up and he beat them once- Spirit's eyes trailing toward him in interest and confusion. He pulled his phone from his pocket and started tapping his thumb across it, typing something- but her eyes got diverted from that toward the single vermilion feather that suddenly detached itself from his wing and floated forward to rest in air at his shoulder. The top of it tilted forward, almost like it was leaning in to watch what he was typing on his phone.
... okay...
"I know this great place, takes text orders- it's over a few blocks, I stop there a few times a week, the owner always packs the boxes extra full for me~!" Hawks hummed happily, "You like yakitori, Spirit~? This guy makes the best yakitori on this side of Hosu, and he's not ridiculously expensive either- not that price really bothers me, good food is good food~!"
Spirit didn't answer and Hawks wasn't seemingly looking for one either, he just kept typing and talking away like it was normal for him to drone on in some sort of... one-sided conversation. And she was honestly more interested in the fact that that feather that had broken away from his wings suddenly zoomed off on it's own and was quickly lost from sight.
Where in the hell...?
"I'll have him fill out two orders, and throw in a few sodas~! You like melon flavor yeah~?" Hawks hummed, his thumb still tapping away on the phone screen. "So, you can turn into an eagle, a cat, a rhino, a bear and a whale? So you're covered on small land animals and big ones, and then sky and water- so you could work in any environment or type of rescue operation with little problem, huh~? And even in places where it does little good to be full on Shifted into one animal or another, you can choose to just Shift parts of your body instead or separate bits you don't have yourself~ So does that mean if you needed to be able to hold your breath under water, but it would suck to weigh like ten tons as an actual whale- you could Shift enough to earn that quality?" His topic of conversation on food suddenly shifted toward her Quirk and her searching gaze for the feather turned to him again. And he was still looking at his phone, talking, multitasking- musing.
"And are the perks and attributes of all those animals of the same caliber as an actual animal would have, or are they more enhanced for you? Like a bear can lift... mmm... 500-600 pounds, so can you lift that much when you Shift into a bear- or can you lift more than that, cause of how your Quirk works?" Hawks asked next, "And that whole partway Shifting thing, like with the wings and the sense of smell- can you manifest different features from several different animals at the same time, or is it a one at a time sort of thing? And from what you Shifted into last night, and the news-reports, you don't ever really Shift into a bunch of different animals in quick succession of each other, huh? Is that intentional or coincidence? Like you have some sort of limit on the number of Shifts you can do in a certain time period?"
Spirit's eyes narrowed slightly at him, a bead of sweat falling down her cheek.
"Ah, and you said you slept huh~? Clearly it wasn't very long, given your catnap just a bit ago- and I haven't seen anything about you working today in the news, so you weren't out on Patrol or anything. So what else do you do with your spare-time, between sleeping and not eating and Hero work?" Hawks asked lightly, his eyes finally darting up from his phone and toward her, their gazes matching as she sat there, expression neutral and quiet. There were a few seconds of simply looking at one another, and she blinked.
"Oh I'm sorry, is it my turn to talk now?" She murmured lowly, he smirked.
"Hmm, I told ya I'd come up with more to ask." He replied, she let out a quiet breath.
"... look, you clearly aren't bothered by me snapping your head off, or telling you to fuck off, Hawks. So I'm sure you're gonna keep on trying to be 'friendly' no matter what I say, because you are a nosy, stubborn, cheeky git." Spirit muttered, her tone exasperated. "And I might, eventually, be compelled to be a little less frigid and a bit more friendly in return- but you are jumping the gun, Bird-Brain. Just because you wanna act like we're on familiar enough terms to be talking about our personal lives and everything else- does not mean we are. This is the second time we have met, I am not going to tell you every single detail about my Quirk, and I am not going to relay my personal life to you either." He tilted his head, the brightness of his carefree demeanor dimming a bit, but the smile stayed. "You and I? We are not on the level of being friends, got it?" She mumbled, gesturing between herself and him slightly. "It's gonna take more than handling a few cops for me to get to that level. A lot more, if it ever even gets that far between us. I don't have a habit of making friends."
"Oh, so there's a chance we'll get to that level then?" Hawks asked with ease, Spirit bit the inside of her cheek.
"Do you just pick out the parts of a conversation you like?" She mumbled,
"So if covering for you with the cops and sweeping up to catch you midair isn't enough, is keeping you company and ordering you food gonna get me enough points~?" Hawks asked, Spirit grimaced at him.
"Catching me in air earned you no 'points'." She corrected lowly, "... and I'm not letting you pay for food-"
"Too late, already did." He cut her off with ease,
"-then I'll pay you back." She muttered lowly, he hummed.
"How about you buy food another day? That'll work for me~!" He told her, "Mochi, a drink, more yakitori~! I'm flexible~"
"... you're a child..." Spirit mumbled, "Are you even old enough to drink, Bird-Boy?"
"Of course~! How old do you think I am?" He chuckled, she sighed.
"How old I think you are, and how old you act, are two different things." She muttered, "... and fine, I'll pay for food... though you're not very subtle, you know. Why are you so insistent on getting to know me?"
"You're an interesting person, why wouldn't I wanna get to know you?"
That's a very roundabout answer-
"Besides, you and I have a lot in common~! And I'd really like to see what else we've got between us, you seem like a fun person to hang around, talk to, work with~!"
"We are not working together, I don't work with other people unless I absolutely have to." Spirit said plainly,
"Ah, don't say that~! I think I can change your mind~!" He chuckled,
"Doubtful." She deadpanned, and still his smile never faded.
"Give me a chance, Spirit~! I'm lots of fun to be around, promise~!"
"The fact that you think that, makes me think it's not true." She quipped, "And you have already have a bad reputation for working with other people, everyone you've ever worked with has admitted they did not like working with you. At all." She shifted slightly facing him a bit more and red eyes flashing. "You always leave them behind and run off to do your own thing, you jump ahead of everyone and blow through enemies or a crisis at breakneck speed and you don't look back. You're abrasive and you are easily distracted, and you're not patient in any sense of the word-"
"Ah come on that's not fair, all those guys just couldn't keep up with me~! I bet you could though, easy~" He corrected, all too lax with the criticism, Spirit shook her head slightly.
"You shouldn't judge the worth of other people on whether or not they can 'keep up with you'." She told him lowly, he blinked. "And you really shouldn't rush ahead into everything, eventually it's going to bite you in the ass." She warned softly, his eyes flashed, the faintest hint of surprise dawning on his carefree expression at her words.
"Hmm." He mused, glancing back to his phone that he'd been holding aloft in his hand during the entire conversation. His smile widened a bit, his eyes glinting as he nodded, just once. "Noted. So will you give me a chance at being Partners in crime if I work on all of that, Spirit~?"
She sighed, her head tilting back and exasperated as all hell- her hands uncrossed and met the wall behind her to prop herself up a bit.
Hopeless... seriously hopeless
"... bloody hell... you're insufferable..." She muttered to the air, Hawks' head tilted in intrigue. Her head tilted back down looking to him again and red eyes glinting. "... no, no chance for you... not right now. You remember what I said about levels? You need to reach a level of it being acceptable to be even casual-professional between the two of us before I would even consider working with you. And you, Bird-Boy, are not there yet."
"Even with food?" He smiled, she frowned.
He is a fucking child
OI
"Yes, even with food. We are not even passed 'uneasy acquaintances'." She replied lowly, he shrugged, glancing down at his phone again.
"Fair enough I guess~" He said easily, "Sooooo, ya wanna exchange numbers~?" He asked brightly. Spirit stiffened, her eyes widening at the question. She growled, her hands lifting as she crossed her arms over each other in an 'x' formation.
"What part of the whole level of familiarity thing did you not get?!" She snapped,
"Hmm, okay, maybe not numbers just yet~ How about Line?" He mused, his eyes casting up toward Spirit who just gave him a flat stare. "I'll take that look as a no... hmmm... How about Instagram? Do you have one~? I know there's a lot of fake accounts under your name from your fanbase, but I haven't been able to track down an official one~!" He earned another flat stare and his jaw dropped slightly, "No... you don't have one..?!" He breathed, Spirit let out a breath.
"Why would I?" She grumbled,
"Because you're the No. 26! You're a celebrity Spirit, you gotta keep up with the world and all your fans~! You have an Image Spirit, you're a top Hero! Don't you think all your fans wanna see what you're up to, in to, or just wanna celebrate you~?!" Hawks said quickly, almost hysterical now. "Please tell me you have a Twitter at least~? I couldn't find that one either-"
"Nope." Spirit deadpanned, he seemed to pale, his jaw dropping further and rigid.
"HOW?! How can you not have an Instagram, or a Twitter...?! How are you the No. 26 Hero and have no Social Media outlet at all?!" Hawks squawked, his wings fluffing up behind him in animation. "I thought I just couldn't find your official accounts, but they just don't exist~?! Spirit~!? Why not~?!" He sounded almost whiny at the end there, and she sweatdropped.
"It's not my thing." She replied lowly, his wings stuck straight up.
"What do you mean it's not your thing~?! All Heroes have some sort of Social Media for the world to check out! Even the ones who don't hit the top 100! You're the top 30!" Hawks snapped, "This is you getting back at me for the snoozing through a pileup thing, right~?!" She grimaced, a vein ticking on her forehead.
"I don't do social media! I don't care about being popular on the internet, or posting about what I'm eating, or other random thoughts for all the world to see- I don't do photoshoots, I don't do interviews or tv shows, I don't sign autographs- I'm not you!" Spirit snapped hotly,
"But that's all part of being a Pro!" He retorted, "People look to you as an icon! You're a fan-favorite! I can't even count the number of people out there who put you in their top-ten Hero list! Plus you're one of the few Heroes in Japan who has a flawless Capture rate! Every Villain you have faced you have caught, the first time! You've never had to chase someone down again cause they got away! Even I can't attest to that~! And that's a stat not even All Might has anymore after that Sludge Villain thing~! People are super in to you, Spirit~! You gotta keep up with the digital times, let the world be in to you- you gotta stick with it~! Put yourself out there~! Take a step into the spotlight~!"
Spirit blinked, brow quirking as he suddenly fell into a... rant, his hands and his wings moving in motion and animation as he kept talking- no longer looking at his phone anymore.
"You've got a stellar track record, you're strong as hell, you're quick and you're resourceful and you get the Job done! And your Quirk looks cool to boot~!" Hawks went on, "And you! Despite being grumpy as hell in person, you do make little appearances in the public- small, sly, coy little things and that just adds to the whole mysterious allure you got going on! That's an angle you can use! And people love that! Especially since despite being all secrets and shadows and things- you're always friendly with the general public! You've got the whole 'dark and mysterious but with a heart of gold' bit going~!" he raised his hands up and swept them across a line in air like he was gesturing toward some headline.
"But even that isn't gonna keep everyone happy for very long~! You got to give them something, throw them a little tidbit- give a comment to a newstation, pause just long enough for a good paparazzi photo~! Doesn't matter what, just give the world a tiny little glimpse more into their Hero Animal Spirit~! Keep their attention, keep them interested and vying for you~!" Hawks hummed, his rant breaking off for a second as his attention shifted toward that single vermilion feather that had flown off a few minutes before. Spirit glanced toward it, her eyes finding the handles of plastic bag threaded through by the tip of the feather and carrying it. He smirked, extending a finger as the feather dropped the bags in it- and he set to work pulling out the boxes filled with food and the drinks tucked away inside. He handed her a box and a soda without a word, practically dropping them in her hands and pleased as pleased can be when he saw the way her eyes lit up as the smell of food hit her.
Oh lord... this smells fantastic...
He took a minute to revel in the way she paused with the food in her hands, her eyes fixed on that and not him as he pulled a box for himself from the bag and set his own drink on the wall in front of him. That single feather that flown away and returned with the food, replaced itself among the many others in his wings, Hawks smirked a bit more as Spirit's hands fell lightly on top of the box, hesitating almost. "Eat up~!" Hawks chirped lightly, she bit the inside of her cheek, her eyes falling closed and grumbling- but she opened it up and slowly picked up a kebab of the takiyori, biting into it. He smirked at the breath she let out, before waving a hand in front of him a bit.
"Anyhoo, back to what I was saying~! You're so popular now without even trying, imagine what you could do with just a little fanfare~! You don't even need to open up and string some story or some detail about yourself, you're a badass, capable Hero who is easily one of the more attractive female Pros in Japan!" He went on brightly, biting off a piece of his food and chewing nonchalantly even as Spirit stopped chewing in an instant. Spirit stiffened, feeling her face flush suddenly at the words and her heart skipping a beat at it.
I-I'm sorry what..?!
"You've already got your hooks in a large majority of the public just for your looks! You can afford to flaunt it a bit more, that'd easily bump you up a few Rankings~!" Hawks hummed brightly, "For someone with such a bad mouth you really are pretty modest with your Hero Attire you know~! You could easily show off some more and get away with it, you'd look great no matter what you wear~! And your fans would goggle for a bit of variety right now, it'd be new and fresh and it would really catch eyes~!" Her eyes snapped up from her food and toward him, only his were closed as he munched on his food thoughtfully- a lull coming again in his long-winded mutterings and she just stared.
Okay, this went somewhere I am not comfortable with-
"I mean don't get me wrong, your Hero Outfit works really well for you~! And I like it too, it's slimming and shows off enough of the right things, but you can always-" He went on in his carefree manner and Spirit swallowed, her hand snapping forward to snatch a stick of takiyori from his plate, to which she promptly stuffed into his mouth and cut him off. Hawks jumped a little at the action, his words breaking off in a startled breath of air that sounded more like sputtering- his eyes moving toward her as Spirit pulled her hand back and shot him a very flustered glare.
She couldn't see her own face, but judging by how hot she felt right then- she knew she was blushing, and she cursed herself, and him.
"We are not having this conversation!" She told him lowly, he just blinked once. "I'm not about to take publicity advice from you, nor outfit adaptations! Now just... just shut up and eat your food Bird-Brain!" She huffed and looked away from him indignantly, intently focused on her food and not on him- not for anything. Not even as he sat there looking at her in silence and that kebab still hanging in his mouth, and Spirit ate her food in silence, still not looking up at him again- but Hawks saw the red dusted over her cheeks and in her skin, and he paused. There were a few seconds he sat there, just watching- before his lips curled in an amused smirk and he reached up to grab the stick in his mouth, starting to chew.
"As you wish, Spirit~!" He hummed around the mouthful, she shut her eyes against the cheeriness and mirth in his voice.
Damn you, Feather-fuck
Hello~!
I hope you enjoyed the Chapter~!
Please follow, Fav and Review if you can~! Thanks!