Authors Note:
There is something resembling a lime in this chapter.
I didn't think it went over 'the-line' - but - if you disagree, let me know, and I can remove it.
Chapter Twenty-Seven: Good Company
Keigo sighed as he untangled the harness. All these months, and he still hadn't figured out how to make the task of getting the device set up easier. One of those backburner problems that'd just sit around until he was spurred into actively bothering about it.
Sitting on the desk in his office, Canary was acting utterly despondent and mopey. It was a problem with empaths. They either tended to feel emotions to the extreme, or they shut themselves down completely. They really had to be treated gently.
Haha—
Nope.
"Canary, that's enough."
Canary sighed heavily. "I know."
"If you know, then time to stop being a little mopey-shite, and get your act together."
"I know." Canary ruffled up his feathers.
Keigo flipped the harness over his head, tightening the belts before reaching for their packs to attach to the straps. Bubbles had headed off earlier that morning with most of their—her—luggage, deciding to take a plane. While she was an aviator, and while technically, she could fly long distances it really wasn't something she was used to doing, nor did she truly need to put herself under that stress.
Planes still existed. May as well make use of them. He wasn't going to fault anyone for using pre-quirk technology, despite how stagnated the entire concept was.
"Part of being a hero is accepting that sometimes, you just get the short end of the stick. So, suck it up. I'm leaving you in charge of my city." Keigo approached Canary, slapping hands on his cheeks, and squeezing them. "Someday you'll be running your own agency here, so, look at this as an opportunity to grow."
"Hawks, I'll never be good enough to run an agency under you, you know that."
"What I know is that you have all the qualities of a leader. You'll be a little mopey-shite leader, but one nonetheless."
Canary managed a small laugh. "It's weird that you really believe that."
"Because it's true." Keigo flicked his nose. "You're only nineteen, Canary, give yourself some time to spread your wings."
"You were eighteen when you started this place!"
Keigo finished attaching the last gym bag. "What do I tell you, Canary?"
"Chapter eight…don't compare, it is unbecoming, young avian." Canary drawled out in a bored monotone.
"Wow, that actually stuck in your tiny brain. Wonders never cease." Keigo kissed the air mockingly.
"Tosser!" Canary bounced off the office desk, launching at him. Keigo sidestepped easily and Canary landed on the floor in a roll.
"Do not go looking for trouble, Canary." Keigo pointed to him. "Please."
"I don't ever go looking for it. Trouble finds me." Canary protested from the floor.
"Ahah…sure…super convincing." Keigo glanced up as Medusa and Rilo entered the office. He headed for them, leaving Canary sprawled out on the floor.
"How is she, Med?" He took Rilo's cold, grey hand.
"She should be fine for the flight." Medusa assured. "Though, I do suggest unwrapping her when you arrive in Musutafu just to give her a break. Can't be easy being wrapped up all the time."
"I feel like one of those mummies." Rilo joked.
Keigo tried to smile. It wasn't as amusing as she thought it was, considering the situation. A mummy, after all, was dead—or zombified—he supposed it depended on the subject matter. Either way, it was an unappealing reference. He pressed a kiss to her forehead and tucked her beneath a warm wing.
"Thanks Med. Best Jeanist is meeting us at the hotel, so, it'll be good timing then."
Medusa arched an eyebrow. "I see. Another one of you and Tsunagu's home-remedy, free-style fix-fit sessions."
Keigo spread his hands. "What can I say, we're getting pretty good at them."
His medi-hero sighed heavily. The folding of his arms wasn't so much a show of disproval was it was a sign of concern. "I can't say I approve of the way the two of you are so dismissive of protocols. Especially Tsunagu, who practically preaches a code of heroic rules from a pulpit."
Keigo rolled his eyes. "I think his saying is; you can't tie yourself down to tightly, otherwise you'll miss the winds of change."
Medusa chuckled. "Of course it is." He loosened his arms. "Well, in any case. Tsunagu should be able to work on the inflammation. I can only see what is wrong, I cannot actually actively alter things internally." He sighed. "If I had that skill…well…what a medi-hero I'd be."
"You're the best medi-hero ever, Med." Canary bounced up to him.
"Oh, so now you're praising me." Medusa scoffed at the young sidekick. "Is this simply because you know you have a whole weekend of having to obey every word I say."
"Ah, no, I'm the boss." Canary puffed out his chest.
Keigo snorted as he lifted Rilo up. "Medusa is the boss."
"What! No! I'm totally the boss. I'm the aviator! Medusa can't even fly, he's scared of flying."
"He's still the boss this weekend." Keigo headed for the launch pad. "While you sense danger, Canary, you have a habit of running straight into it. Like a bird, hitting a window."
"Haha, that's not funny, Hawks." Canary stuck out his tongue.
"Medusa is here to stop you." Keigo helped Rilo into the harness.
"He's basically a babysitter." Canary pouted.
"Would you have preferred Mt. Lady?" Keigo pivoted on a single boot.
"Oh my gosh, no!" Canary flung his arms around Medusa, hugging him desperately. "Medusa is great. He's the best! I love him!"
"Laying it on just a bit thick there, brat." Medusa chuckled.
Canary hissed at him. "We need to make it convincing, otherwise he'll never leave, and we won't get to spend all the agency money on amazing takeaway."
"Chapter one, Canary?" Keigo's brow lifted.
Canary flopped around dramatically. "Don't mess with cats."
"Good." Keigo pointed to him. "Remember that and you should be fine, and I should return to a peaceful city."
Rilo waved to them both. "Stay safe!"
Canary climbed onto Medusa's back. "Bye! Have fun! I'll be cheering for you."
Stepping out onto the launch pad, Keigo handed Rilo her pink visor and she slipped it on. He cleaned his, trying to clear off all the annoying specs and gritty oil build up before pushing it on. He tapped his radio headset a few times, listening to the soft buzz.
"Alright…" He grinned down at Rilo. "Let's see if we can beat Bubbles on that plane she took."
"She has a half hour head-start." Rilo quipped.
"Yeah, that's just asking for a race. I say we meet her at the airport, just to mess with her."
Rilo giggled. "You're pure evil sometimes."
"And you fucking love it." He sprung happily off the launch pad and jetted into the sky.
0000
Rilo clung onto Keigo's hand as they stood at the airport. He'd made good on his threat, and here they both stood, waiting for Bubbles at the arrivals bay. Keigo had even drawn up a mocking little sign with Bubbles name on it. The little pink love hearts around Bubbles name may have been entirely drawn by her though.
She—
She might have gotten in on the whole joke—
Just a little bit—
Because it was just a little bit too much fun—
People were staring at them both, and she was sure many photos had been taken, which was why she was so glad she'd bothered with her veil. She'd remain Hawks' very mysterious veiled lover until tomorrow.
Keigo had given her one of his rare genuine smiles, and her little internal spark burned just that bit brighter at his words. "Then the truth will be out."
The truth.
He didn't see any of it as a lie.
He'd made it their reality, and that's simply what it was going to be from now on.
So—That's what it was going to be—reality. She'd cement it in her mind, and believe it, because he did.
She wasn't Rilo, the generator—not anymore.
"Oh! I see her." Keigo pointed through the swirling crowd being released through two large gates.
"And she can see us." Rilo giggled, burrowing against Keigo as he started waving enthusiastically.
"Well, the wings are a bit obvious aren't they." He squeezed her hand before releasing it. He threw up the sign to wave it higher. "Bubbles! We missed you so much! Oh my gosh. It's been ages! I thought I'd never see you again."
Rilo covered her face, trying to contain her laughter as she buried herself into one of his wings. He was truly capable of putting on an act when he wanted too, and it was hilarious.
Bubbles stomped up to them both. Her watery hair had turned to foam that bubbled around her shoulders. She snatched the sign from Keigo. "You arsehole!"
Keigo tipped to the side, grinning his hero grin. He made a camera with both hands, mimicking a clicking sound with his tongue. "You should see your face, Bubbles. Priceless."
"I can't believe you both. Oh my, this is so embarrassing." Bubbles tore the sign up.
"Hey, we put effort into that sign." Keigo protested. "Rilo even drew little love hearts to show our deep appreciation for you."
"You know, you two deserve each other." Bubbles narrowed her glare at them both.
"Not entirely sure how that's an insult." Keigo whispered to Rilo.
"How fast did you fly, Hawks?" Bubbles fussed about with her foaming hair, trying to contain it.
"Er. About the same as usual." He shrugged. "The route is one I've gotten very familiar with. Don't fret, Bubbles, I didn't break the sound barrier." He gently urged her forward. "Come on, come on, let's grab the luggage so we can head to the hotel."
"What's your rush?" Bubbles protested. "We could get lunch or do something."
"Got that meeting with Best Jeanist." Keigo steered Bubbles around. "And to be honest, I'd really appreciate some time to relax before a weekend of being smothered."
"Sure, sure, relaxing is totally what you're wanting to do." Bubbles scoffed cynically.
"Careful, Bubbles, you could crack the glass ceiling with the sharpness of that sarcasm." Keigo quipped.
00000
Rilo sat on the large bed, staring at her grey, dull hands. They'd arrived at the very grand hotel that overlooked the dazzling, lit up convention centre where the ranking was being held. The entire area was abuzz with activity, and even now, she could hear a hum of noise through the open window that let in a gentle spring breeze. Bubbles had departed, excitedly bustling off after pratting on about expecting them down in the hotel foyer at six so they could all go out for a nice meal together that evening.
Keigo had simply looked at his sidekick with overwhelming distain. "Can't we just get chicken, and go eat in some park or something?"
Bubbles had laughed dismissively and walked off to find her own room. Apparently, they couldn't just get chicken, apparently Bubbles had everything arranged.
In the adjacent room, Rilo could hear Keigo and Tsunagu's murmuring voices, low enough that she couldn't make out their conversation, but loud enough that she knew whatever it was they were discussing was pissing Keigo off by his irritated tone. Their hotel room was less of a room, more of a suite. She'd never been in such an overwhelmingly impressive place. She wouldn't have said Hawks' had taken her to tacky, or cheap hotels, but he did have a particular taste. He liked simple rooms, and simple beds, and open bathrooms he could fit in—
And watch her shower, which amused her to no end.
But all this was a bit much in how luxurious and extravagant it all was. Cluttered and loud, with colours that just clashed very unflatteringly.
Her fingers brushed gingerly over the enormous bed. The covers were so plush and felt overwhelmingly expensive, though, they weren't silk—which—was almost a little disappointing.
Still—
None of it felt right.
Her skin crawled at just how uncomfortable the entire environment made her.
Somehow—
This just didn't feel like them. It was too much. Everywhere she looked was extravagant, needless pillage, and it made the whole room—the suite—feel too tight and choking.
Rilo tugged on the collar of her blouse, swallowing.
"What's wrong, love?" Keigo leant on the doorframe into the adjacent room, arms crossed wearily and wings limp around his bare ankles.
"It's all…a bit much." Rilo crinkled her nose. "It feels like a cage, Keigo."
He glanced around the suite. "I agree. Golden handcuffs, I think, is the phrase."
She frowned.
"Not sure if other heroes would see it that way though." He eased off the doorframe, his wings flicking irritably as his gaze shifted to the view of the convention centre far below their room. "This whole thing is a spectacle that the Commission throws, a way to lull the people into believing their propaganda. The streets are safe, as long as heroes patrol, and who controls the heroes…"
"The Commission." Rilo whispered.
Keigo tipped around. "Before I met you, I thought that was really as deep as it went, you know. Gods…" he flopped onto the bed, dragging his hands over his face. "We are so fucked, babe."
She pressed a kiss to his forehead. "Just hold the frangibleness of society together, Keigo, that's all you have to do. No one is asking you to save the world."
His roughened hands brushed her cheeks. "I ask it of myself."
"I know," she whispered.
"I want a world where our children will be free. I need that. I cannot let any child I have suffer what I've gone through."
Rilo sighed. "Then perhaps you need to give some serious thought to what you're putting Izuku though."
His eye's clarified and he sat up abruptly. "What?"
She reached for his hand. "I'm just saying, be careful, Keigo…I know you and All-Might seem to think he's…sort of chosen or something, but…so where you."
His leg bounced, a sign of his introspective thinking. Rilo played silently with his fingers, tracing the scars and rivets of old wounds that marked the worn-down skin of his hand. Finally, his golden eyes flicked up, refocusing on her. She loved how the intensity of his stares could make her chest tighten up. She hoped the feeling of being his only focus, his whole, raw, all-consuming meal, never ceased being as thrilling as it was.
"Alright. Your point is fair. I will adjust my parameters."
Rilo smiled. He leant over, pressing a soft kiss to her lips.
"Thank you," he whispered.
"Always." Rilo nestled against the hand cradling her cheek.
A knock stirred them apart and Rilo glanced around. Tsunagu leant on the doorframe Keigo had vacated. He wasn't in his hero costume, though, naturally, he was in jeans. There was such a simplicity in his style. Somehow, he was always perfectly neat, but never overly flashy as if parading.
"Not interrupting, am I?" He graced them with a smile.
Keigo shook his head. "Nah. You managed to clear things up with Nathan?"
Tsunagu sighed, sweeping a hand through his hair. "Sometimes that boy is a genius, and other times he's an idiot. It's a roll of the dice with him."
"What was wrong?" Rilo asked.
Tsunagu shook his head. "Miscommunication with my sidekick. Anyway, the afternoon is now cleared."
"Thanks Jeanie." Keigo said.
"I know what this means, Hawks." Tsunagu stepped into the larger room. "However, in the end, Rilo. This is your decision."
Rilo looked between the two men in confusion. They were acting off kilter. Almost too cautious for their rather secure flamboyance that she had become familiar with.
"Ah…I don't understand?" She clutched a hand to her chest. "You said this was just a simple, five minute technique, Keigo?"
Keigo swung around on the bed, nestling up beside her. He took up her hands, and her breath hitched in her throat. He had that horrible, nasty, unsettling tremble in his touch that happened only when he was emotionally unstable. "Yeah. Yeah. It is…but…what I didn't say…is that it is going to hurt."
Oh—
Oh—
Okay—
That's why he was nervous. He was always so careful never to hurt her. She was wholly aware of how much he tempered his strength around her. He had endured indescribable pain, and it still broke her to know he endured it even now.
"And I don't mean…stubbed your toe, hurt, I mean…probably going to make you black out, hurt. So…" Keigo pointed to Tsunagu. "He can't do anything without your explicit, verbal permission. That's how this ball rolls."
Rilo nodded slowly, taking in the look in his eyes. She could remember it, they day they'd stood outside the medical wing at U.A, and she'd tried to tell him the extent of it all, that she had a shelf-life, that she was dying and he really shouldn't have gotten involved. She hadn't wanted to hurt him.
And in the end, she had.
She rubbed at her eyes as tears threatened to swell up.
Keigo cupped her cheeks. "If it's too much, we won't do it."
"That's…that's not it, Keigo." Rilo breathed out.
He frowned.
"I'm just feeling like I kinda broke you."
"Oh, no, no…" Keigo kissed her nose. "I was broken already, babe. What you did was shine a giant fucking spotlight into the depths of my soul, and now I know how broken I really am."
"That doesn't make me feel any better." She slapped his arm.
"It makes me feel better." He chuckled. "I am a selfish jackarse, after all."
Rilo giggled. "Okay, okay, true." She breathed in deeply.
"I'm going to have to hold you pretty tight to keep you still." Keigo lifted her chin. "I really don't want to scare you."
She crinkled her brow. "You've held me tight before."
He dipped his head to one side, managing a small smirk. "No, babe. I haven't. I've never even left a bruise on you. Well, other than when I first caught you, but, after that…" He brushed at her arm. "I was very careful."
Rilo blinked. Oh—wow—he was right.
She gave a soft sigh. "I guess it's fair, I mean, I am a lightbulb." She took his hands. "But it's okay, Keigo. I trust you to never break me."
"Fucking big responsibility, that." He blew back his fridge.
Rilo looked up at Tsunagu.
"This will help, right?" Sure, Keigo wouldn't have been suggesting it otherwise, but, she had to ask.
Tsunagu crouched down, placing his hands on her knees. "I am confident that I can relieve your symptoms considerably, at least for a few days. They won't be entirely gone, but I can release the pressure the mod is causing. It's a temporary fix, as the inflammation will build up again. Your quirk is trying very hard to fight the mod."
Rilo glanced down at her hands, clasped tightly in Keigo's. His touch was warm—no—not warm—it was almost furnace-like now, compared to her terrible chill. She pressed into his shoulder. "Will…will it mean that you'll get a break?"
He shook his head. "Since you're worried about me, yes, babe, it'll mean less jumpstarts." He kissed her forehead. "But that isn't a reason to endure pain."
"It is a reason for me." She whispered.
Tsunagu laughed. "Honestly, Hawks, she is just as stubborn and bratty as you."
"Hey." Keigo protested.
Rilo grinned. "Yup." She dipped her head, gathering her courage. These two men had faced more dangers and horrors than she could imagine, or ever comprehend, and they both seemed so afraid of shattering her.
"It's okay." Rilo steadied her breathing. "Tsunagu, I can take it."
"Alright." He spread his hands, standing to his feet. "As the lady wishes it, so shall it be."
Rilo looked to Keigo. "What I do?"
He lifted her shirt and she squeaked, slapping at him. "Nope!"
"Yeah, sorry babe, you're going to have to remove it."
"Not with Jeanie in the room." Rilo objected. "Can't he like, see through the fabric or something…"
Keigo snorted a small laugh. "That's cute, but no, Jeanie is not Medusa."
"Thank fuck for that." Tsunagu made a cross with his fingers. "I cannot imagine the horrors of what his eyes have seen. Makes me want to gag just thinking about it. The man must have a stomach of iron."
Rilo curled her fingers tighter around her blouse.
"He's only going to see your back." Keigo's feathers hackled in irritation. "That much I promise."
Tsunagu placed a chair behind them. "I don't want my eyes gouged out, Rilo. I rather like the ability to see. Hawks is territorial enough that I doubt even I'd be spared with my best friend pass."
She couldn't tell if he was joking, because the look Keigo was giving over her shoulder was scorching. With a defeated huff, Rilo yanked the flowery blouse over her head and glared at Keigo.
"There, we good?" she huffed.
Before he could retort some sarcastic, Tsunagu coughed in shock.
"Oh, gods…okay…that's something to take in."
Rilo started to turn around, only for Keigo to grab her shoulder and hold her against him. Oh right—she was half naked—yeah—whoops.
"Sorry, should have warned you, Jeanie." Keigo offered.
Tsunagu shook his head, dragging a hand through his hair. "I doubt even being warned would have helped."
Rilo sagged. "Does it look that bad?" she murmured fearfully, plucking at Keigo's shirt. She knew the condition of the mod-hancer wasn't great—obviously—but since she couldn't really see it without a mirror, it was always alarming to hear reactions to it. Keigo very rarely commented on it anymore, for both their sakes, though she knew he fretted over it each and every time he bound it.
"Not going to lie, yeah, it does." Tsunagu cracked his knuckles. "But that's fine, I just get to really delve into my quirk, and that's always interesting. It is in the unusual situations that our quirks truly shine."
Keigo removed his belt and held it up to her. "Okay, so, from personal experience, this will help."
Rilo frowned at it.
"Bite down into the leather. Trust me, it's saved my teeth on numerous occasions." He offered.
"And probably your vocal cords." Tsunagu said.
Keigo nodded. "He's right."
Rilo took the belt. This was not helping. In fact, this made it seem like a completely illegal, slapdash thing that—
Yeah—
This was totally what these two would do, now that she thought about it. She wondered just how many times Keigo had refused hospital visits, and painkillers, and Tsunagu had been the one to reset bones and fractures and reweave muscles.
Oh gosh. Now she felt sick. Quickly she stuffed the belt into her mouth.
"You ready, Rilo?" Tsunagu asked.
She nodded.
No—
No she wasn't—
Now she was scared.
"Hawks, don't let her move."
Everything in his gaze was apologetic and she wished so much to tell him it was fine, she didn't mind that it was his arms that twisted around hers like vices. Really—this was better—this was so much better than dying in a cold, steel room—alone—
Life was worth fighting for, and he'd shown her that.
Tsunagu's fingers so softly graced her neck.
Her muscles seized.
"Rilo, it's okay." Keigo's voice was all she could grasp hold of.
She bit down, compressing her teeth deep into the belt.
Was this pain—
She was really only able to comprehend the sensation as hot liquid, scorching her back, before her world turned white—
And then black.
00000
Keigo cradled Rilo's limp head against his shoulder as Tsunagu dropped back in his chair, cracking his fingers one by one.
Keigo breathed out. That had been a torturous five minutes he hoped to never relive, though, knowing they had the entire removal of the mod ahead of them, his prospects weren't looking good.
"Did it work?" he asked.
"Yep." Tsunagu cracked his neck.
The tenseness in his wings eased away, allowing him to finally relax.
"Look, she's already got a bit of a glow back." Tsunagu eased up and out of his chair, aiding in lowering her carefully onto the bed. "It's a good sign, Keigo. It means recovery is possible after all this."
Keigo brushed back her hair with a trembling hand. His chest was tight, and the awful feeling of knowing he'd had to restrain her wasn't going away.
"Keigo." Tsunagu's hand rested on his shoulder.
"I never want…" Keigo swallowed. "Shite."
"Lie down, get some rest. That probably triggered an enormous amount of trauma."
Keigo covered his face, his wings ruffling up. "Oh, yeah. I think I want to throw up."
"Are you going to throw up?" Tsunagu moved to reach for the wastebin by the desk.
"No. No." Keigo waved a hand. "I can handle it."
He breathed in deeply, focusing on the sensation of the cool, metal wing-links dripping down between his upset, irritated wings. Slowly—ever so slowly—equilibrium eased through his clenched limbs.
That had been fucking horrific. Which was throwing him off. He'd cleaved people in half, he'd tortured information out of subjects, he'd peeled concrete slabs off crushed children, sat in waiting rooms with grieving loved ones—the list of awful things that remained imprinted and burned into his mind forever was long—
But this—
He'd expected it to be bad after Tsunagu's explanation, but having to physically hold Rilo until she blacked out—
He brushed at his arms as his skin crawled from the sensation of bindings pinning him down, and pins beneath his nails. This just evoked something else entirely. "Aw, shite. I am so fucked up."
"Keigo. I said lie down. We have a very uncertain weekend ahead. You need to be ready." Tsunagu waved at the windows, dimming them by dragging across the blinds.
"Yeah, yeah." Keigo grumbled.
"I'll stay with you both. So you can feel safe enough to sleep." Tsunagu eased back in his chair, comfortably folding his long legs as he pulled out a book from his bag.
That had been Tsunagu's source of contention with his sidekick. Little Nathan had not been amused by Tsunagu's insistence on spending an entire afternoon remaining in someone else's hotel suite. Tsunagu had then been extremely unimpressed by Nathan's insinuation as to what they were doing. Keigo was beginning to wonder if Nathan realised his job was hanging on by a thread.
"Thanks Jeanie."
Tsunagu flipped open his book. "If we get even one article talking about a threesome, I'm firing Nathan."
"I'm fucking murdering him." Keigo folded himself around Rilo, encasing them in a cocoon of feathers.
"Hm, I might just let you."
Oh—
Yup.
Nathan had really pissed his boss off. Poor Nathan.
00000
Bubbles tapped lightly on the door into Hawks' and Rilo's room. They'd been due down for an evening meal fifteen minutes ago. Sure, Hawks hadn't exactly sounded thrilled about heading out to a nice, tasteful restaurant, but she thought he'd do it, just for the experience. Well—she figured he'd do it mostly because of Rilo. She'd looked a bit hopeful at the prospect at seeing new things, and anything that brightened Rilo's eyes, Hawks seemed rather more lenient on. It was going to be a power Bubbles would have to use sparingly, otherwise, he might cotton onto her abuse of his love of Rilo's glittering happiness.
As the hotel room door clicked open, Bubbles prepared herself to dive right into a lecture about punctuality, only for it to dry up immediately, along with her hair.
"Oh…Best Jeanist." Bubbles sucked in a sharp breath of surprise.
She did not feel at all appropriately dressed to be faced with Best Jeanist—fashion icon. She'd known Hawks was meeting him, but she'd not expected him at their hotel suite. She'd never actually meet the extremely popular man herself, despite the connections between their agencies. She'd only ever had dealings with his numerous sidekicks, all whom started off rather rough around the edges, but ended up as very upstanding gentlemen by the end of their tenure at the Jeanist Agency. Suddenly—she felt—incredibly, overwhelmingly shy in front of the tall number three who so casually leant on the doorframe, looking down at her with warm blue eyes and a tint of amusement touching his lips.
Bubbles tugged on the hem of her mesh shirt. Perhaps she should have worn something a little more proper and less hip—but—but then—she never really got a chance to wear what she wanted.
"Good evening, Bubbles."
Oh—goodness—his voice was so much softer than she'd ever expected it to be in person. Best Jeanist stepped to the side. "Please, come in. Hawks and Rilo are just getting up."
"Getting up…" Bubbles frowned in confusion as she stepped into the hotel suite.
"I let them nap for the afternoon." Best Jeanist eased shut the door behind her. "Apologise for not waking them sooner. I got a little distracted by reading a novel, and they really did need the rest."
"I'm fine, Jeanie." Hawks' voice called out from further into the hotel suite.
Best Jeanist' brow lifted in amusement. "Yes, completely fine."
"Oh, fuck you."
Best Jeanist gave a chuckle. "You're always just fine, Hawks."
Bubbles followed Best Jeanist through the entrance way. She looked around the hotel suite. Did all the heroes get entire suites? She only had a basic room. This was very—
Not Hawks—
To many furnishings, and gold trimmings, and hideously modern paintings on the walls. Things scattered about for his wings to bump into. It was all exactly what he'd described never wanting the agency to look like.
In the main bedroom he was sitting upright on the bed, wings in a complete disarray as he tugged on his favourite boots.
"No, Hawks, you promised me jeans." Best Jeanist pointed to the walk-in-robe.
"I am not putting on jeans, you arsehat." That—that was practically a whine from him.
"I endured torturing your wife. So, jeans. Now."
Hawks tipped backwards to stare at Rilo. "The things I do for you, babe."
"You look very delicious in jeans." Rilo ruffled his hair.
"Okay. Guess I'll put on some jeans." Hawks heaved himself off the bed and vanished into the walk-in-robe.
Rilo giggled.
Best Jeanist held out a hand to her, aiding her out of the bed.
"How are you feeling?" With several flicks of his fingers, he smoothed out the wrinkled-up state of her clothes.
Rilo's hand touched her chest. "Like…like I can breathe again." She managed a watery smile. "And a little warmer."
"You do have a little bit of your glow back." Bubbles offered.
Rilo glanced down at her arms, turning them back and forth to reveal the softest sparkle of the intricate patterns beneath her skin. "Oh, Jeanie, thank you…"
Best Jeanist hugged her gently. "Darling, it was worth it. Always know, I'd do anything to see you and Hawks happy and free."
"When did I blackout."
Bubbles stopped breathing at Rilo's words.
Wait—just what had they done? She glanced to where Hawks had vanished into the walk-in-robe. She really hoped he'd had Medusa's approval.
Best Jeanist tapped his chin. "Rather early on, so, to be honest, you didn't really suffer much."
"I don't even feel sore now." Rilo rolled her shoulders.
"Oh, goodness, no." Best Jeanist frowned. "I'm not as skilled as Floral in nervemancy, but that doesn't mean I can't perform it as a Fibre Master." He made quotation marks with his fingers. "Pain is a very personal thing to every individual. I still haven't work out Hawks' issue, but you, dear, yours is a giant industrial mod pressing into your central nervous system."
Rilo snorted in amusement. "No, really?"
"Really." Best Jeanist mocked back.
"Was Hawks' alright?" Rilo whispered.
"I was fine, babe." He called out.
Rilo gave an annoyed huff at his ability to hear so well.
"It'll take him a few days, but he'll recover." Best Jeanist offered. "He'll be a bit clingy."
"Oh, well, I can deal with clingy." Rilo smiled.
"Right, sure, let's just all have a chit-chat about my apparent need to reaffirm physical touch." Hawks emerged from the walk-in-robe, carrying a large, glaringly lavish puffer jacket and a smaller red leather one.
Rilo looked towards him, tears shining against her cheeks. "I'm sorry, Keigo, for putting you through all this."
He arched an eyebrow at her. "Babe, what have I told you about the whole apologising thing?"
"I know." She sighed. "That just couldn't have been easy on you."
Bubbles sensed his gaze flick towards her momentarily.
Oh—
He was very aware of her presence then.
Was she, intruding?
By that, she had to presume that Best Jeanist was far more involved in Hawks' life than she'd ever known. He was obviously someone Hawks trusted.
"I can deal with some nightmares, love. What would be worse is losing you." Hawks threw Rilo the puffer jacket, turning to Best Jeanist and motioning to the jeans and collared black shirt he now wore.
"Seriously, Jeanie…did you have to bring your entire spring collection."
Bubbles sucked in a sharp breath of excitement.
Wait—
What was in that walk-in-robe?
She jerked her head to the puffer jacket Rilo was pulling on. That had to have been entirely designed with the young woman in mind, considering it fit her perfectly.
Best Jeanist smiled. "I just wanted to make sure you were both seen in my latest fashions. Keeps my sidekicks employed when my brand sells well."
"I'm not your personal fashion doll."
"I'm happy to be." Rilo piped up, spinning around and bouncing in glee.
Hawks glared at his wife.
"Ah, but you are, Hawks. You are." Best Jeanist held out a hand, summoning a jacket from the walk-in-robe and handing it to Hawks. "You're honestly the best sort of man for it, with your lifestyle. Also, the shirt pairs with this jacket."
"I hate you." Hawks held up the trimmed jacket.
"Lifestyle?" Bubbles looked to Rilo as she buttoned herself up in the enormous coat. "What lifestyle? Hawks has a lifestyle?"
"Minimalist." Rilo shrugged. "The concept of only needing a few items that you just rotate, everything else is just wasteful."
"Oh." Well, that explained so much about him.
Bubbles squeaked as Hawks flung the red leather jacket at her. "This one is yours."
"What? No…goodness, I can't wear this." Bubbles spluttered. "It has to be worth several of my pay checks."
"Make the most of Jeanie's generosity, Bubbles." Hawks snatched up his gold chain of keys, looping them around his waist.
"Alright." Hawks held out a hand to Rilo. "Let's hit this town."
Rilo swept happily up to him. "Oh, exciting!"
00000
It was apparent that Hawks did not appreciate fine dining, and there had to be a deeper reason behind it than just a dislike for the environment it put him in. It wasn't as though he didn't look the part, or was incapable of slipping into a role. Yet, whatever the reason was, Bubbles knew she would likely never know it.
And so, she put it aside and simply let herself enjoy the very delightful experience of not thinking about work for just one evening.
They'd all ordered their meals. Best Jeanist had a glass of wine, and Hawks had his coffee. Bubbles thought it was all rather pleasant. This was how she'd always envisioned things would be. Maybe the weekend wouldn't be awful after-all.
That's right.
It'd be fine.
"Oh no." Rilo squeaked.
"What?" Hawks paused from sipping his coffee.
"Endeavour just walked through the doors. Quick, I need to leave, or I am going to die of embarrassment."
Hawks' grin widened. Beside her, Bubbles heard Best Jeanist begin to laugh softly.
"Oh, dear, Rilo. When did you learn about his underwear collection?"
Bubbles blinked. Wait—what? Underwear collection?
"Hawks ruined everything!" Rilo punched Hawks' lightly in the arm.
"No, I improved your life considerably." Hawks kissed her cheek before heaving himself out of his chair.
"What are you doing?" Rilo snagged his arm.
"Going to say hello, duck." He quipped down at her.
"No, don't, goose."
He bent over her, grinning. "Oh, so you don't want his autograph for your super, special collectors' book?"
"Hawks!" Rilo melted into her chair, groaning as Hawks swept away.
Bubbles watched in amusement as he so casually and brazenly strolled up to Endeavour, engaging the elder hero in conversation. Honestly, Hawks was incredibly talented with people, though she was beginning to wonder if it was less talent and more a taught skill he'd drilled into himself. Did he have a default setting, she wondered, that was more reserved? Did Rilo and Best Jeanist see that man—
Did they know Keigo?
Bubbles looked back at Rilo.
"Okay, I noticed something. Hawks doesn't seem to call you lightbulb as much anymore?" she asked.
Rilo brushed her hair behind an ear. "Ah…he does, in private. It's more of a bedroom term. If you ever hear him say it, it means he's in a frisky mood."
"Ah. I see." Bubbles cheeks flushed. Well—that was—er—handy to know.
Best Jeanist chuckled. "It is technically what some would call…hm…locker-room slang, yes? Which is most likely how Hawks is familiar with it."
Bubbles scrunched up her face. "How is that relevant to how Hawks would know it?"
"The police station." Best Jeanist arched an eyebrow at her. "What…you don't think a meta-human teen hero in a police station full of quirk-less, received a shite-ton foul language flung at him, let alone heard every derogatory term under the sun for every quirk category?"
Bubbles glanced at Rilo, noticing her gaze had shifted to Hawks' back where he was standing beside the much taller and larger Endeavour. She had to admit, it was always so hard to picture Hawks as a teen hero, struggling to integrate himself into the police station at Fukuoka that had become like a second workplace—full of people she was proud to work alongside of.
"He worked hard." Rilo breathed in deeply. "He calls himself lazy…but he's not."
Best Jeanist smirked. "Could you imagine if he was actually lazy?"
Rilo gave a giggle.
Best Jeanist tapped the rim of his wine glass. "Though, it is interesting. I am unsure of the origins of the term lightbulb." He tipped his head to one side. "However, knowing just some of the research Hawks and All-Might have managed to dig up on the original treatment of electric type-quirks, and their continued abuse by the system…perhaps that is simply where its origins lie. It seems a little to on-the-nose."
Rilo nodded. "That was Hawks' tangled mess of thoughts one night too." She winced when she eased back in her chair, obviously pressing against the mod-hancer. "I told him I really didn't care, but, despite his disposition, he does care about things a lot."
Best Jeanist's brow lifted. "A truly charming thing, that, isn't it."
"Well, yes, until it's three in the morning and I can't get him to sleep because he's fixated on a detail about a mission."
Best Jeanist flipped a hand about. "That's your problem, Rilo. Not mine. I bequeathed him and his limitless mind to you upon your marriage."
"Wow, thanks Jeanie." Rilo touched her chest. "So honoured."
Hawks rejoined them, setting down drinks for himself and Rilo. He handed her an autographed card and she grinned up at him.
"Thank you."
"Figured I should get that for you now, before he learns about the whole…" he waved his hands at her playfully, "You being All-Might's daughter thing. They've got this weird rivalry going." Hawks rolled his eyes.
"Did you invite him to join us?" Best Jeanist asked.
"I did, but he's meeting some big-wig executives. Sounded very important." Hawks slid into his seat.
"Of course it did." Best Jeanist snorted.
Hawks nursed his coffee. "You know, you could try to get along with him a little more, it'd open up opportunities. You guys have strong agencies."
"And I could also try to loop threads around the moon." Best Jeanist sipped his wine.
"Okay, okay." Hawks blew into his dark black brew. "It's just bizarre, you know, that the number three, two and one all have a dick measuring contest whenever they get in the same room with each other."
Bubbles looked expectantly at Best Jeanist and he raised his brow.
"Contrary to popular belief, Bubbles, dear." Best Jeanist set his wine glass down. "We don't all get along. It's a very difficult industry you're in. Be careful over the next two days with your networking. I've warned Nathan as well to be cautious about who he talks too. It is easy to end up getting taken advantage of."
Bubbles frowned at the advice.
"Money, Bubbles. It's a money game." Hawks held out his hands. "The higher you are in the ranks, the more money you receive for your good deeds to society."
"I know that." Bubbles tried not to sound offended.
"The top ten is where the stakes get higher." Best Jeanist glanced out the large windows to the night skyline, his gaze growing forlorn. "What would happen if you dropped in rank, and lost that higher income…your sidekicks could become unemployed, or you'd struggle to supply them with good gear, and medical supplies and housing. This could drop you lower in the ranks as you're not doing hero work, but focusing on the business side of things. It becomes a complicated balance, and it's extremely frustrating…it's a business…it's not…helping people."
This was something he must have thought of often. He'd been number three for several years now—Bubbles had to wonder if remaining at that rank was wearing.
Hawks pointed to her. "See why I hired you now, and why I didn't immediately jump onto the rank bandwagon, despite you insisting I could."
Bubbles nodded slowly. "You wanted a foundation laid first. Something solid enough to maintain, even if your rank fell."
Hawks nodded. "Having a good rapport with the police, and the people of Fukuoka, that's what is really important in the end. Don't forget that."
"I won't." She assured him. "But I presume changes are going to be coming with how our agency runs?"
"I suppose so, can't be helped. Depends where I land on the ranking tomorrow." Hawks shrugged. "We might have to be a little more professional."
"Does this mean I get Hawks merch?" Rilo grabbed Hawks' arm. "Do I get to design the plushies. Hawks!" She began shaking him. "I want to design the plushies. Please!"
Hawks had to set his coffee down to stop it from spilling from her enthusiasm. "You know, the way things are going, babe, you'll probably end up with your own…ohhh…" he stopped and sucked in a deep breath. "…lightbulb…moment."
"What?" Bubbles stared at him. His eyes had focused into tiny little pin-pricks.
Hawks grinned, bending towards Rilo, whispering into her ear. His feathers picked up around him in boyish delight.
Rilo gasped, shoving him back. "No! Bad, Hawks, bad!"
Bubbles looked to Best Jeansit, figuring he most likely knew what Hawks' clearly dirty mind had cooked up, considering the level of their friendship.
He smiled at her. "Glow in the dark plushie."
Bubbles burst out laughing. Oh—oh no—oh—that was—that was actually genius.
"Bubbles!" Rilo covered her face. "How could you!"
Clutching her stomach, Bubbles wiped away tears. "I'm so sorry, Rilo. It's just too adorable, even for a stick-in-the-mud like me."
"All three of you are evil, and I hope your food comes out burnt." Rilo huffed.
000000
For being fancy restaurant chicken, it hadn't been half-bad. Keigo couldn't understand why they'd wrapped the chicken in bacon, that seemed like a needless step, but, he'd appreciated the different approach to a familiar food.
He'd let Bubbles and Tsunagu have the win on this one, as Rilo was greatly enjoying being somewhere that wasn't the powerplant. Everything was new to her, which, was a rather odd thought. Somewhere along the way, he'd come to consider life rather pointless—not depressingly so—more questioning and hungering, wanting to grasp hold of things that slipped through his fingers like clouds. He'd started viewing everything through a colourless tint, and nothing had seemed fresh, or new. Perhaps Rilo thought he was being dramatic when he said that she'd shined light into his soul—and perhaps it was all rather corny—but he couldn't envision it any other way. He didn't feel so weighted with the oppressive darkness that had shrouded him.
Rilo's hand had kept slipping beneath the table all evening to clasp his twitching thigh, as if she was anxiously trying to reassure herself that he was solid, and right beside her, and not imaginary. Despite the smile she wore, and the sound of her laughter at Tsunagu's stories, he could tell that she was wary.
Every new person that entered the restaurant caught her eye.
She was scared.
Even with him sitting right beside her, she was scared.
She was not free, and she wouldn't be, until he broke her out.
He understood the feeling only too well.
Keigo jostled as his mobile jingled in his pocket. He tugged it out, answering it.
"Hawks—"
"Yo, pretty birdie."
Keigo blinked. Not a voice he'd ever expected to hear on his private number—ever—
Slowly he eased out of his seat. He pressed a kiss to Rilo's temple. "Sorry, I gotta take this," he held up his mobile.
Rilo's hesitantly nodded. "Okay."
"Won't be long." Keigo headed for the alfresco doors of the restaurant's balconies, slipping out into the cool spring evening. Wearily he slipped his headphones on and tapped receive on the call.
"Okay, Dabi, how the fuck did you get this number."
"Floral." The pyromancer's tone was disgustingly cheerful.
Keigo rubbed the bridge of his nose in frustration. "Of course she did."
"Hey, hey, hey…before you hang up…" Dabi clicked his tongue. "You know that building you've had me watching."
Keigo stood up straighter. "Technically I haven't had you watching it."
"Ah, well…I got bored. Noticed you and your bird vacated it a couple days ago."
He gripped at the balcony railing. Had he been getting too distracted lately to sense someone watching him. That was shameful. Obviously, this entire situation was messing with his ability to focus. Was this what Madam had meant, all those times she'd warned him about getting involved in domestic affairs, in allowing emotions to seep into his life?
No—
There had to be a way to blend the two worlds—
He simply had to find the right balance.
This was still all new to him. He'd figure it out.
"Wow. Okay. So, you noticed we left. Congratulations. What'da want, a medal of participation?" Keigo drawled out. He glanced back inside to the warmth of the restaurants interior. Rilo was laughing at something Jeanie had said, and Bubbles had a very putout, pinched look on her face, obviously not approving at all.
"Nah. I just figured you'd be interested to know about these nasty white vans I'm staring down at right now, and the ugly arseholes trashing the place. Want me to blow the joint now—"
"No." Keigo quickly interjected, his entire attention snapping back to the conversation.
Shite—
The Bureau had actually made a move.
He'd been expecting it, but still—
This made everything suddenly real.
It meant—
They were probably already here—
Watching somewhere—
Keigo glanced back at Rilo.
If he got this wrong—
His stomach clenched tight.
What if they just shot her.
"No?" Dabi toyed. "I mean, I could…"
"You could, yes, but that's not strategic, Dabi." Keigo sighed heavily at the incompetence. Honestly, he was a little disappointed Dabi hadn't noticed it sooner. "And I'm rather confident you understand the concept of strategy, despite your obvious shortcomings. Blowing up the building now would the equivalent of me declaring war when no gun has been fired. I want them to fire a gun first, so all my actions henceforth will be justified."
"Well, fuck…" Dabi whistled. "Kinda feel like I should do these guys a favour and kill them all before you get to them," he joked.
Keigo glanced around as the balcony door opened and Rilo stepped out. He held out an arm and she tucked herself up against him. "I appreciate you calling about it."
"Yeah. Yeah. Don't need gratitude, pretty bird." Dabi's tone dropped its playful banter. "These guys look serious, and they look pissed. When this goes down, it is going to go down hard, and fast. You better be fucking sure that first bullet misses you."
Keigo glanced down at Rilo. Despite the ache in his chest, he smiled at her. "That's not how this play goes, Dabi."
"What?"
"Never mind, you'll hear about it, I'm sure."
"Oh fuck. You're going to be an idiot. Aren't you?"
"Depends on the definition, I suppose." Keigo tipped his head to the side. "Actually, on that note, you wouldn't mind making sure my sidekick isn't snooping around the eighteenth sector, being an utter idiot, and looking for Porcupine?"
"A favour, you're asking another favour."
"No, see, I'm letting you—a psychopathic murderer—roam around in my city, because you're couch-crashing with reformists that I happen to be pretty good friends with. Be a good boy and fucking do what I say, or I'll hunt you down, slice you into a million pieces and feed you to a pig."
"You really know how to turn a guy on, you know that."
"What I know, Dabi, is how to take down arseholes like you, very, very well. Do not mistake my lenience for anything more than that."
"Alright, alright. Seesh, you'd think I set your pants on fire—"
Keigo hung up and flipped off his headphones. He sighed.
"What is it?" Rilo asked. Her hand had slipped beneath his jacket and she was gently rubbing the junction point between his wings. Her hands were cold against the heat he naturally emanated. Every so often her fingers tangled up in the wing-links and she'd fiddle around with the jewellery, making him tip back.
"Keigo?"
How was he supposed to approach this, without terrifying her any more than she already was terrified, or perhaps she'd cope with it fine. Maybe he'd simply have to trust that she was strong enough to manage with it all.
He sighed. "The Bureau have noticed your absence from the powerplant."
Rilo tensed up beside him.
He reached for her hands. "This is something I was expecting, so, it's not surprising, okay."
"They…they were there…at the apartment?"
He nodded.
"They could have taken me away." She started shaking.
"Hey. Hey." He grabbed for her cheeks. "No, none of that, babe."
Her eyes refocused on him. "I'm scared," she whispered.
"I know. Babe. I know you are." He gathered her up against him. "And I cannot promise you absolute safety, you know that, right?"
Rilo nodded against his chest.
"But I'm here, right now, and we're together—"
Her hands around the collar of his jacket dragged him down and he melted into the kiss she demanded. He let her take it, and whatever comfort she was seeking from the connection.
Her hands slipped from his collar, bunching up against his chest as she curled up against him. Keigo laughed, hugging her tightly.
"You're fucking adorable."
"Thanks, Keigo."
"It's alright, babe. I know you're probably not feeling it at the moment."
"Nope. I'm not." She popped her lips. Her head lifted off his chest. "Who were talking to?"
"Ahhh…" he blew a rasp. "That pyromancer I ran into the other week…"
"You mean the one who hurt you?" Rilo gasped. "Why are you talking to him?"
Keigo brushed her cheeks. "Because, babe, I'm making the most of the resources I have available."
"A villain."
"You'd be surprised how resourceful they can be."
"You threatened to feed him to a pig."
"It's a very efficient way to get rid of bodies." He tossed out a hand. "When I'm too exhausted to take a trip over the ocean to dump a body, there is this delightful old man who runs a pig farm…" he grinned down at her.
She covered her face, groaning into his chest. "There you go, telling the truth, and making it sound like some fantastical story."
"And I love the fact that you don't hate me for being what I am." He studied his hands. They really should have been as red as his wings, and dripping in blood. Why was he going to be standing on that stage again tomorrow?
Oh—
Right—
Because of a fabricated illusion that he'd crafted for himself. A lie.
Rilo pulled away, her eyes narrowing up at him.
"What?" he arched an eyebrow at her. He was either going to get lectured—or—
Oh nope—nope—
Her hands reached up, tangling up in his hair and gripping tight. Tight enough that he flinched.
"I was just thinking about how amazing you are." She whispered.
"Ah, really? Amazing, am I?" he gave a lazy smile.
"Yep." Rilo stood on her toes. "Amazingly stupid."
His wings ruffled in amusement. "Stupid?"
"Hmhm." Her grip on his scalp did not loosen as she shook him back and forth. "See, I recall some stupid goose telling me only a few days ago about how I was totally his wife and like, that's what I had to put my trust in…and now…" she pushed up against him. "He's being very naughty and thinking it doesn't go both ways."
Ah—
Right. He could see where this was going.
"You are my husband. Be you Hawks, or Keigo, or the sword of the commission, you are all my husband." She pressed tight into his arms. "Your job, Keigo, is to come home to me. You are good at what you do, and I adore every facet of you."
"Okay." He raised his hands, twisting them around hers stuck against his scalp. "I hear you."
"You do?" She shoved her knee between his legs. "Are you sure?"
Oh—
Fuck—
"I do, Rilo." Keigo grinned. He probably shouldn't tell her how unbelievably gorgeous she was right now, getting all riled up. It did wonders to chase away the look of pain in her eyes that had haunted him all evening.
"Oh, good." Rilo released him. "Glad we cleared that up." She brushed back her hair dismissively. "We should get back inside. I think they're bringing out dessert."
Keigo flicked his eyes at their table through the alfresco doors. Tsunagu was lounging back, lazily swirling his wine glass as Bubbles gave a rather animated explanation of some sort to him.
Tsunagu's gaze momentarily met his, and his friend tipped his head up in a flicking motion. Ah—Tsunagu was truly a great wingman. He knew exactly when and where to step in. Keigo slapped his hand down on Rilo's before she could open the doors. She looked up at him, startled by his sudden movement as his wings flicked up around them.
"What'da say we skip out and go fuck." He whispered into her ear.
She took a deep inhale. "I thought you made a rule."
He dragged her into his arms. "Pretty sure I don't follow rules."
"Oh yeah…that's right, you don't." Rilo's hugged up against him as he vaulted over the edge of the balcony and took to the air.
That they made it back to the hotel was frankly a miracle.
He stuck the landing to the balcony with very little grace, making the glass doors and windows rattle. Honestly, he was amazed they even made it into the suite.
They didn't make it into the bed.
Somewhere between untangling clothes while still maintaining the magnetic sensation of physical contact, they found the ornate couch, which he supposed was considerably better than the floor.
Her knees drove deeper into the couch cushions as her hands grappled his wing junctions for leverage.
Keigo blinked, clearing his vision. Wait—wait a minute.
He took in a single, deep breath, and refocused, clasping her tear-stained cheeks. "Rilo, we need to slow down."
She curled up against him and he closed his eyes, focusing on lowering his rapid heartrate.
"Sorry…" Rilo whispered. "I just…" her teeth pulled at her bottom lip.
No—
He got it—
There was a finiteness about every moment together, and it was frightening.
He dropped her back and she squeaked as he lent over her with a smile. "You're a sexy lightbulb that needs screwing?"
"Keigo!" She emitted a soft laugh.
There was just the softest tint of a glow to her grey cheeks. Keigo brushed his hands gently down her sides. He grinned, hoisting her up and over his shoulder as he stood. "Alright, time to see if my engine can make you glow, even with that mod." He twirled them around playfully.
"Keigo, it does not work like that." Rilo squealed out.
"No, see, it's a hypothesis babe, and I'm going to prove it." He slapped her arse. "How much foreplay does it take to make a lightbulb glow."
Rilo returned his slap with her own. "That's not funny, Keigo."
He laughed. "Nah, it is."
0000000000
Keigo glared at his beeping watch on the nightstand. "Oh, fuck off." He buried himself back beneath the overly swanky hotel bedspreads, twisting up around Rilo.
She nestled into his chest, mumbling softly. "You swearing at inanimate objects again."
"Only when they annoy me." He grumbled, pushing up against her and losing his hands somewhere down amongst the tracksuit pants she'd rolled into the night prior. Rilo's hands bunched up against his shirt and he smiled, gently nuzzling her nose with his nose.
"How you feeling?"
"Hm, a bit sore, but less from decaying mod of doom, and more due to hero sex. So, you know, the best kind of sore."
"Glad to be of service." He brushed at her hair.
Rilo's little, feathery kisses found their way up to his mouth and he was completely set on getting lost somewhere amongst their tangled mess until his watch started beeping again.
He heaved a sigh, dragging his hands away from her. "I am really looking forward to not having clothes on when sleeping again."
Rilo giggled beneath him as his wings unfurled, causing the bedding surrounding them to blow back.
"Guess we should get this day rolling." Keigo glanced to the predawn outside the window. The convention centre was lit up brightly already, and he could sense a scurry of activity beginning to swell around it and within it.
"Is there already a lineup?" Rilo's fingers played idly with the tie of his trackpants and he flicked his gaze back to her.
"Yes indeed." He dipped his hands under the shirt she wore as he dropped low to drag her into a slow, sensual kiss, that he could have drawn out if his watch didn't beep again. Right—he'd set the stupid thing to an alarm at shorter and shorter intervals, because he knew himself very well.
Rilo laughed into his shoulder. "Keigo, how many alarms did you set last night?"
"I had a feeling at about…three this morning..." He rolled off her. "That I wouldn't want to get out of bed. So…I made sure I was prepared."
Rilo folded over his back and he smiled, nuzzling her cheek as she hugged him while he pulled on his watch. "Whatever were you doing up at three AM?"
"Cuddling you." He kissed her cheek. "Also reading, but mostly cuddling, cause, you know, apparently I'm fucking clingy."
Her hands slid down his back and he almost climbed off the bed at the rush of heat filling out to the tips of his feathers.
"Okay, okay, nope…" He snatched her hands. "You are getting way to good at that."
She rested her chin against his shoulder. "Do you remember, when we first met, how you told me you were so used to only feeling pain through your feathers?"
He stared ahead, frowning in recollection at the conversation on the beach. "Oh yeah…heh…" He tipped back, smiling. "Guess all that fiddling you do of my totally not stolen feather has actually come in beneficial."
She held out the feather pendant in question, giving it a stroke.
"Rilo. Don't."
She laughed. "Glad I can be of service," she bounced off the bed with a squeal.
Keigo launched a pillow at her. "You fucking minx."
Rilo stuck out her tongue as she stretched. "You love it."
He reached out, taking one of her hands and she looked back at him in concern as he gently rubbed her arms. "I bruised you."
"You're not, and never will be, your father. You know that, right?" Rilo assured.
He managed a smile. "I know."
Rilo scrubbed at his hair. "You do know that I like that you're strong, right?"
He arched an eyebrow at her. "Not sure if I understand."
She breathed in dramatically and grabbed his hands, giving them a shake. "I like how solid and secure you are."
"Wow, not words I would ever use to describe myself, but okay, I am very flattered, babe."
She continued fiddling with his hands. "You make me feel safe."
Keigo raised her hand to his lips. She was sweet. "And you're my home," he murmured. "Which right now needs to move, so I can get in the fucking shower."
She laughed, gripping his chin. "I love you."
"You're making it very hard to get ready for breakfast, babe." He stood. "Do you promise to behave in the shower?"
Rilo innocently swept her hands behind her back. "By behave do you mean not attempt to seduce you while I shampoo your wings?"
"Yes."
"Guess I have no choice." Rilo dramatically flopped back.
"Wow, such a terrible burden for you."
Rilo made a duckie face. "It is."
0000
Somehow they had managed to make it through a shower without incident, though, Rilo had been rather intent on making sure he did look—in her words—'presentable for the stage'.
And now she was fussing about herself. His makeup and wardrobe would be worried about later, these sorts of things he never really had to much say in. He'd learnt to shut-up, grin and bear it, it was all part of the hero life.
He wondered if they taught how to endure sitting in a makeup chair at hero school? He'd never thought to ever ask that question of any of the heroes he'd interacted with. Hell—he'd never even asked Bubbles, or Canary.
Maybe Izuku would find out at U.A—
That'd be rather interesting to learn.
"Ohhh…Keigo…I don't want to embarrass you, or Dad," Rilo worried—again—for the fifth time, over the outfit choices that Tsunagu had provided for her. After learning of her 'never-having-worn-a-dress' story, Tsunagu had a minor meltdown over text message, and declared that he was going to design Rilo's dress for the Heroes Gala. That was nice of Jeanie, really, because it showed he had faith they'd get through this—that Rilo would be there to present at the Heroes Gala.
The dresses Rilo was currently fussing over had been entirely made with her in mind. He was pretty sure the words he'd sent to Tsunagu were 'cute, sweet, floaty' or something along those lines when Tsunagu asked for a brief. Rilo was like cotton candy, after all.
"Ah, what if everyone hates what I wear. Just think of the articles they'll print."
Keigo scoffed. Oh gods—he hoped this wasn't going to be a thing.
"Babe, people don't ever hate anything Jeanie makes."
"They might hate me in it."
Oh fuck no—it was going to be a thing. He sighed. No. No it wasn't.
He was going to nip it in the arse, right now.
He paused from yanking on his prized boots to look across at her. She stood in the red lingerie he'd brought for her in Tokyo, which he found hilarious that those were the underwear she'd decided to save from the powerplant apartment. Her face was pinched tight as she glared at the two dress options laid out on the couch. He had to remember, what he was seeing right now, was completely different than what she saw in the mirror. She'd lost her glow, practically lost her quirk. It was eroding her confidence something awful. As beautiful as she always would be in his eyes, this still must have been difficult, losing her quirk.
Besides, he mused, even just on the occasions that he lost his wings, he never felt the same, and it wasn't as if his quirk was actually gone.
He stood, approaching her and wrapping his arms around her from behind. She squeaked as his hands played idly with the chain around her waist.
"So, I prefer you naked."
"Yeah, that doesn't help my current situation, at all Keigo. Stop, nope, stop." She slapped his hands away from going any lower. "If I couldn't seduce you in the shower, you're not allowed to touch now."
He kissed her shoulder. "The pink one," he whispered in her ear.
Rilo tipped her head around. He could tell she was tempted to mess up his hair, but considering she'd spent quite a while fussing over both the hair and his wings, she just tweaked his chin. "You're only picking it because it reminds you of when I glow pink."
"Not entirely sure how that's a problem, babe." He stepped away, grabbing the jacket of his hero costume. "I will be only person in the world who'll ever tint your filaments pink."
"Okay. Pink dress it is." She grabbed it.
He laughed. "Your mind is just as dirty as mine, babe."
"I've never said it wasn't." She called back from the bathroom.
Keigo glanced at his watch. Bubbles had several pre-rank interviews lined up for him, all which seemed rather pointless, but he'd comply none-the-less. He was so glad they'd decided to wake up early so they could be slow and enjoy time together.
"Are you meeting Dad this morning?"
"Ah, nah, not until the ranking. He's got that time limit on his All-Might form, he can stretch it out when he's not being active, but still, it is an inconvenience for him." Keigo leant on the doorframe into the bathroom, watching as she busily worked on her mountain of hair.
"Just leave it down."
"It gets in the way."
"What's the point of having long hair if you don't actually wear it down."
"Ah. So you can appreciate it in bed?"
He smirked. "Oh, I do."
"Wait…" She paused, looking over at him. "You are not thinking about this hair, on my head, are you."
"As I stipulated, babe. I do prefer you naked." He dropped his head on the doorframe. "Probably should get you some more jewellery though."
Rilo's arm faltered and she sighed at herself in the mirror. "I don't think any amount of jewellery would matter at the moment." Her fingers brushed at her grey, dulled cheeks.
"Trust me, babe. You're going to shine again." He eased off the doorframe, pressing into the bathroom.
She giggled as he bundled her up in his arms, kissing her neck. "Keigo! Behave." He felt his rear rudely slapped with the flat end of the brush and he snatched for it. Turning her back to the mirror, he began to idly work on her hair. Its silver shine had dulled, but it was still disgustingly soft, nothing at all like his own rather coarse hair that she was obsessed with grabbing whenever she could.
He started to braid, and Rilo gave a small laugh. "You can braid?"
"It's been a rather handy skill in my arsenal to have when visiting hospitals." Keigo plucked out a feather, snapping off the nerve receiver. He stuck the stem in his mouth, drawing out the blood. He set the feather against her scalp, carefully braiding it into the hair.
Rilo was quiet as he worked, adding feathers as he went, until she had a string of silver and red braids dripping down her back.
"There you go. Perfect." Keigo hugged her tightly and they faced the mirror together. He smiled at her teary eyes as she brushed at her hair and the feathers strewn throughout it.
"Thank you, Keigo."
"I love you." He whispered. "Remember that today, okay."
Rilo nodded.
He clapped her hips. "Come on, let's grab breakfast. I need coffee."
00000
There were several restaurants inside the overly extravagant hotel, and really, Keigo couldn't understand why any of it existed, but then, he wasn't—and never had been—someone who appreciated such scenes.
Tsunagu was. This was completely the environment his friend thrived in, and looked at home in. They found the elegant number three waiting at a table in one of the decorative restaurants that was aquarium themed. Keigo honed in on the delectable looking black coffee he was nursing.
Okay—
Maybe this posh shite wouldn't be so bad if they had good coffee.
Tsuangu greeted them both with a warm smile. "I take it you both had a splendid night."
Keigo pulled out a chair for Rilo and she slipped into it. "We did." He flashed a grin. "I learnt just the right position to screw a lightbulb to light her up."
"Oh my gosh! Hawks!" Rilo squeaked.
He kissed her cheek. "Looking forward to when you're all better, babe, and you can get me back."
Rilo's chest swelled with a deep breath. If any of her charge had remained, he was positive her silver hair would have ignited at her indignation. "Oh, you have no idea what's coming, you goose." She stood in a single motion. "Just you wait, when this mod is removed…" Rilo pointed a finger under his chin. "I'll show you what fucking lightning is really like." With a huff Rilo stomped off in the direction of the breakfast buffet.
Keigo blinked at her retreating form, captivated entirely by both her words, and the sway of her hips, before suddenly choking in shock.
Fuck—
He froze all processing, managing to halt the calcification of his wings before the nerves burned straight up in a hot wave.
Tsunagu gave a laugh at the sight of him, slapping the table as he sunk against it from his amusement. "This was worth getting up early for. You are both so entertaining."
"Fucking lightning." Keigo covered his face, groaning. "Oh my god. She says the most amazing things without realising it. I adore her."
"Isn't that an old saying for a form of execution?" Jeanie lifted out of his chair.
"No, no, that's riding lightning. Oh shite. That's worse. Stop. Can we stop this entire conversation."
Tsunagu started laughing. "No, no, I very much want to continue watching you slowly die as you realise you're basically fucking an electric chair, and are capable of enduring it. This is everything I signed up for in our friendship."
"I hate you."
Tsunagu steered him in the direction of the buffet. "Come on, it's going to be a long day. We need to eat while we have a chance. Trust me when I say, we won't get very many opportunities once the convention starts." Tsunagu paused. "And knowing how this day may end…"
"Yeah. Yeah, I know." Keigo glanced out the windows of the hotel restaurant. It was still dark out. Honestly, he didn't know what to expect. He could plan out his own actions to a point, but how other people acted, that was all a gamble in the end.
Would Rilo understand?
He was sure she would.
But still—
Idly he snatched up a plate and took a glance over the meal options.
It was more food than he'd ever seen in his entire life and it just felt pointless right now. "This is overkill."
"This is normal, Hawks. You just don't dine out in fancy places, and you only go to cheap hotels."
"Yeah, like I said, overkill." Keigo flipped out a hand. "Wasteful. Unneeded. Owe, Rilo, don't pinch my arse."
"Stop complaining and enjoy it." She held up plate of pancakes. "Look, it's a giant fluffy pancake! I want to learn how to make them. Our house will need a kitchen."
He was rather sure most houses came with kitchens, though, he couldn't recall the shack he'd grown up in having something that'd have constituted as a kitchen, so, perhaps not all houses did.
"If you promise to always boil my ramen, I promise you a kitchen."
Rilo smiled. "I'll always boil your ramen."
"Okay." Tsunagu walked away. "If I stand around you two any longer, I'm going to end up with cavities."
Rilo looked up at Keigo. "What?"
"He means we're sweet." Keigo chuckled.
That lit up her cheeks with warm happiness. "You don't mind being sweet?" she whispered.
"With you, no, babe." He handed her his plate. "Now, where is the coffee. I want to see if this place has good coffee, to make up for being so gaudy."
"So says the man wearing the gaudiest boots ever."
Keigo grinned as he spun around. "It's the little things, babe."
Besides—
His wings were telling him he'd really need his lucky boots today.
And his wings were never wrong.