Chapter Twenty-Eight: The Ranking
The lights from the makeup bay were devastatingly bright. Rilo squinted at them in frustration. She couldn't even dim them, that was how weak she'd become. Her quirk was focusing on just keeping her own electrical current alive, keeping her heart ticking over, beat by beat. She brushed a hand against her chest. If Tsunagu hadn't gone against his own ethics for her, and Keigo, she wondered just what state she'd be in right now. Probably unlikely to even walk. She'd have to thank Tsunagu somehow.
At least the dressing room was warm. Keigo had probably cranked up the heater somehow, since it just seemed unnaturally warm compared to everywhere else in the convention centre.
There was a large colourful couch to one side, a small little fridge was tucked away in a tiny kitchenette area. Hawks had already made use of the coffee machine, several times. There was a rack on the wall that he'd hung up his jacket on, and she slung up her petite little All-Might handbag next to it.
Tsunagu was next door, apparently, and Rilo could have sworn she'd seen Edgeshot walk past with two of his sidekicks. She had to wonder where All-Might was? Did he also have a room like this. Had he even arrived? She glanced at her mobile—she hadn't received a message from Izuku yet. Her gaze flicked to the large window and the view out into the convention centres expansive setting. People were filling every space, grass or paved, waiting to be allowed into the main auditorium. She was sure that on their walk over from the hotel she'd seen enormous screens set upon the grasslands, allowing for the overflow of people that was going to occur. All her life—trapped in the powerplant—and she'd begun to wonder if she'd been the only one who'd clung to heroes so furiously. Apparently not.
A startled voice caused her to turn, and she spied a young woman in a bright, neon tank top and tight leather pants standing at the entrance, clutching a hideously heavy looking case. "Oh…ah…I'm sorry…" The woman looked at the door, and Hawks' name on it. "This is Hawks' room, right?"
Rilo nodded. "You're in the right place. He's just next door, bothering Best Jeanist. I'll get him for you." She brushed the feather pendant a few times, and felt it vibrate in return.
"He's coming."
The young woman waddle in, heaving up the case onto the makeup bay with a heavy thud. "Are you a new sidekick?"
"Um…no…" Rilo shuffled awkwardly.
The woman blinked. "Oh."
Yup. She'd sort of expected that utterly baffled look. Despite the multitude of articles written about his hilariously wild love life, it was apparent if one truly combed through those articles—as she had over the years, because she was a true heroes magazine connoisseur—that no one involved in Hawks' life had ever met any of his supposed lovers to ever collaborate their existence.
Therefore, she was a complete abnormality, and was throwing everyone off.
Hawks was loving it.
"Linda." Hawks interrupted their little staring contest. Rilo looked over at him. He was leaning into the room, with both arms on the doorframe to catch himself from falling forward. "You're early, muffin."
"Edgeshot got a new artist, so…" The young woman gave a despondent shrug.
"Wow. He can be such a dick." Hawks glanced at his watch. "Alright. Let's get started then." He pushed himself through the door and Rilo grimaced in sympathy. She doubted anyone else would notice it, but his irritation levels were slowly notching up as he faced doors and corridors that boxed him in.
He swung himself onto the stool by the makeup station, letting his wings drop.
"You heard from Izuku, babe?"
Rilo shook her head. "No, not yet." She eased down on the couch. "I imagine he's so excited and having a wonderful time with his friends. Honestly, sticking me with them is a bit mean."
"It's called responsibility." Hawks tipped back playfully. "Those boys need to learn it."
"I'd be fine on my own."
"Ahah, sure, how about you walk ten steps for me down the hall without hacking up half your weight in blood." Hawks arched an eyebrow at her.
"You're getting very close to me puffing up your wings."
"And ruin all the hard work you did this morning in the shower to get them this shiny, I don't think so, love."
Rilo huffed, flopping back. "Jackarse."
She noted Linda was having a considerable amount of trouble with her large makeup kit, not from being unable to open it, but from simply the shock of the conversation. It must have been so hard for the poor young woman to not immediately ask a barrage of questions.
Linda faced Hawks, holding up several brushes. "Ready?"
"Make me pretty." Hawks fluttered his eyelids.
Rilo giggled. Hawks held out a finger at her. "Shhh, you. Your opinion is not safe for work. So zip it."
Rilo bit her lip, pulling at the skin. True. Though, it was an opinion she did like whispering in his ear when he was busy with admin, just to vex him. He looked his very best when sweat dripped off the tip of his nose and he had her pinned hard against a mattress, but perhaps she thought that because it was a look on him that no one else would ever witness. The first time she told him that he was gorgeous during sex had been one of the very rare occasions that his cheeks had tinted, and the cute little down feathers of his wings all puffed up unconsciously.
He was wholly aware of his attractiveness, not just in appearance, but the magnetic allure he had perfected in making people at ease in his company. Yet, she was truly the only one who knew him in the private moments, and the quiet moments, and the mundane moments, and who could tell him that without all the glitz and glamour, and without his mask, he was still handsome. He'd been surprisingly insincere about it, really. A toxic, festering worry that without his charming smile, and the lie he projected into the world, that he was hideously unworthy of anything.
They'd talked about for a long while, late one night.
Rilo looked out the window to the milling crowds below.
Was it odd that she would miss those late nights in the powerplant? They hadn't been bad. She'd always treasure them.
Gradually she became aware of eyes on her. She'd missed a whole conversation that must have accrued between Hawks and Linda, and now, Linda was gawking at her.
"You're telling me, she normally glows? Like a lightbulb?"
Hawks nodded. "Yup. Her quirk is on the blitz at the moment. So, you're not actually seeing her natural skin complexion. She usually looks like glass."
Rilo sighed, glancing down at her lifeless, stony grey hands. She'd been trying very hard to ignore how uncomfortable she felt about the lifelessness of her appearance—so—why had he brought it up.
"Oh, gosh, sweetie, that's so hard on you."
Rilo blinked, jerking up. Linda was riffling around in her kit.
"Right, well, we can't have you feeling bummed out and miserable when everyone else gets to look all pretty."
Hawks was grinning at her.
Right—
Well—
That explained that. He was a true jackarse, to the core.
Linda pulled out a can, and several other items. "Come on, over here."
"Wait, no, Hawks is—"
"Oh please, I could do his makeup in like, three minutes."
"What, no, I'm so much more complicated than that." Hawks protested.
Linda scoffed, facing Rilo. "Does he literally just get up in the morning, wet his hand, flip it through his hair, and that's it, he looks gorgeous enough to go another round?"
"Oh my gosh, yes." Rilo covered her cheeks dramatically, mockingly giving Hawks an innocent look.
"See?" Linda swung back to Hawks.
"Not funny, ladies. Not funny." Hawks bounced off the stool, offering it to Rilo. "I warmed it for you."
Rilo poked him. "Thank you." She sat down.
He headed straight for the coffee machine, cranking it on.
Linda held out a can. "See this, it's magic." She beamed brightly. "Watch it work."
Linda started spraying her with glitter, just copious amounts of glitter that came directly from the can. Her dress was not even spared. The air was soon filled with glitter. Rilo laughed, curling her shoulders in delight at the cloud of silver dust she sat in.
Linda set the can aside and picked up a small container, opening it to show tiny silver stars. With the tip of one of her brushes, she began dusting them over Rilo's cheeks.
"I mean, it's not the same as glowing like a lightbulb, but, do you feel better?" Linda smiled as she stepped back, away from the mirror.
Hawks bent down beside her, smiling into the mirror as she forced herself not the cry and ruin the whole effect. It might not have been her glow, but now she shimmered.
"Thank you…" Rilo whispered.
"That's my job." Lina capped the glitter spray before Hawks stole it. "Not for you."
"Aww, come on, just a bit."
"Nope." She stashed it away in her kit.
Rilo slid off the stool. Hawks brushed back her hair, twirling his fingers around the feathers he'd braided into the strands. "Well, I would kiss you, but I'd get covered in glitter and apparently that not allowed."
"I will survive." Rilo murmured. "Thank you."
He pressed closer, whispering in her ear. "I know the mod is taking a lot from you, but please, trust me when I say you're beautiful. Okay. Don't let it take your confidence."
She breathed in deeply and nodded. "I won't let it win."
The door suddenly slapped open, startling them all as Izuku bounced into the room, throwing open his arms. "Have no fear, I am here!" He added a laugh.
Hawks slipped back onto the makeup stool. "Wow, Izuku, that was shockingly bad."
Poor Linda was being so very professional, and Rilo really had to commend her on having such a steady hand despite holding back laughter.
"Oh come on, I was spot on!" Izuku puffed out his chest. He was kitted out entirely in All-Might merch, from head to toe.
Rilo covered her mouth, trying hard to contain her laughter at how adorable he appeared, and just how proud he was.
"Mum let you out dressed like that?" Hawks griped playfully.
"Ah, yeah! I look awesome!" Izuku strolled in. His next words came out in a burst, like he had prepared them ahead of time, and had worked up the courage to say them. "You're just jealous because I can pull of awesome All-Might merch, and your spindly arms can't." He squeaked suddenly, slapping a hand over his mouth.
Hawks laughed. "Nice. Confronting Kaachan has done you well."
Izuku shuffled awkwardly, returning to his usual somewhat more reserved state. "I guess so. Um. Rilo, you look really pretty."
"Thank you, Izuku." Rilo collected her All-Might bag from the hanger on the wall. "Are your friends here?"
"Yup! They're collecting some drinks and snacks for the preshow. Only I have a hero-pass, so, only I could come collect you." He flipped up the gold card dangling around his neck. Rilo picked up her own. That was right, it was a pass that allowed them access to the same areas in the convention that the heroes were permitted.
"I mean, Eijrio is still pretty stoked about the upgrade though. We've been running around the convention hall all morning while it's been empty. It's been the best! Have you seen the All-Might display yet?"
Rilo shook her head. "I haven't been down there."
Izuku grabbed her hand. "You're going to love it!"
Rilo looked back to Hawks. His smile was warm, and raw—she felt it tug something inside her. He mimicked a camera.
"Take photos for me, yeah."
He was missing out, and he wanted to come.
Rilo nodded. "I will."
"Love you." He assured. "Rilo, remember that."
She tried not to let it rest uneasily on her shoulders, just how insistent he was today, with that single phrase. Why did it seem so—so—
Finite—
Izuku dragged her out of the room and together, side by side, they wove their way through the interlinking corridors of the upper floors. Izuku was slow for her, pausing every so often to let her catch her breath.
"I'm so sorry, Izuku."
"It's fine, sis." He squeezed her hand. "Honestly, Kaachan and Eijiro aren't going to mind either."
Somehow, she didn't feel at all reassured, but she smiled none-the-less.
They found Katsuki and Eijiro waiting for them at an entrance, both carrying drinks and a bag of snacks. Eijiro was just as decked out as Izuku, only he was covered in Crimson Riot merch. Katsuki looked hilariously normal and respectable when put between them.
"You took your time, Deku." Katsuki griped.
"Rilo's health is bad, so we have to walk slow."
"Fine, whatever." Katsuki turned away.
Eijiro beamed. "Do you need me to carry anything for you, sis?"
Rilo shook her head. "No, Eijiro. I'm fine, but thank you for asking."
"Are we going now, everyone is heading into the main auditorium. We're never going to get good seats." Katsuki thrust out an arm at the swelling of people below them.
Izuku pointed to the door they stood in front of. "We're through here."
"We are?" Eijiro gasped dramatically.
"Yeah. Private seating." Izuku shoved the doors. He took Rilo's hand and began to slowly help her up a flight of stairs. Rilo breathed in deeply. She could hear the sound of a crowd from somewhere. The rising sense of excitement filled the air with a current that warmed her skin.
They popped out onto a balcony that ran along the side of the auditorium.
"Whoa!" Eijiro rushed to the edge, looking out across the sea of people below. "No way! Izuku, are you sure we're allowed up here, I mean, Bakugo and I don't have gold passes." He worried.
"It's fine. These boxes are for family, at least, that what Hawks said." Izuku slid into a seat, holding the one down beside him for Rilo to ease into.
"Ah, we're not family either."
Izuku shrugged. "There are seats here, Eijiro, why waste them. This way, someone else can get a seat down there, when perhaps they'd have missed out."
"Wow…that's how you're spinning the logic." Eijiro laughed.
Izuku flashed a grin.
Rilo shook her head at the two. Katsuki took the seat on the opposite side of her, making her form the barrier between him and Izuku, which she supposed was better than the two of them sitting together and ending up in a fight halfway through the ceremony. He handed her a drink and she managed to get a small smile from him as he held out a packet of strawberry pocky to her.
"Izuku said you like pink things."
Oh—
Oh wow—
These boys were actually considerate, even at this age. They were going to make amazing heroes.
"This is so exciting!" Eijiro bounced. He pulled out his phone, and began snapping photos. "My Dad is never going to believe any of this."
Rilo eased up, holding out her hand. "Here, Eijiro, sit down and I'll take a photo of you three."
Katsuki looked very put out to be included in said photo, but tolerated it. She suspected he was just tolerating the entirety of the day, happy to be included, yes, but not really sure how to fit in. In that sense, Izuku had considerably more going for him. He was a ray of sunshine and people did naturally gravitate to him. Katsuki scowled, snapped and swore with all the bitterness of someone who wanted friends, yet wasn't that sure of it.
"Oh! It's starting!" Izuku thrust himself up onto the balcony railing, kicking his legs happily.
Lights erupted across the stage.
"Do you feel like villains lurk around every corner? Do you think of giving up? That there is no hope!"
Rilo's chest expanded at the familiar, booming voice that rung out through the auditorium, drowning out the roaring of the crowd. All-Might. She clutched her hands tightly. This was a dream come true. All her life, she'd looked out the windows of the powerplant, and wished—
Well—
She'd never even thought this was a possibility.
Her chest ached. Oh—Keigo—did he know how much he'd given her. Did he understand the freedom he'd provided? Had she told him that she loved him enough? Why did it feel as though she needed to run, right now, and just say those words to him over, and over, again—and again.
The blue and yellow curtains suddenly swelled back. Lights flashed, dancing brightly. In a shattering crack All-Might appeared centre-stage. Rilo thought the crowd had been loud before—
The surging roar erupted in a tsunami of thunderous noise.
All-Might flung out his arms. "Well, have no fear, for I am here."
Those words, they felt solid and foundational, evoking a raw power from deep within the earth itself.
An oath, given with a smile.
As long as All-Might reigned, they would all be safe.
Oh—
How she wished she'd never learnt the truth behind his smile.
Izuku's hand wrapped around hers.
000000
Hawks poked his head briefly out through a curtain, viewing the ocean of people packed into the enormous hall. The preshow had finally ended. Somewhere out there, was Rilo. Every so often he could feel her fiddling with her feather pendant, which meant she was close enough for him to sense them on her. He was tempted to make them vibrate, and with a grin, he gave into the temptation.
Her heartrate spiked.
Ha—
That was too much fun.
"Wow…so many losers," he quipped.
Tsunagu grabbed him by the collar of his jacket, dragging him away from the curtain. "Don't have a hot-mic moment, Hawks."
He grinned. "That'd totally be me, wouldn't it?" He held a hand up to the small microphone wired around his ear. It wasn't turned on. Not yet. He'd learnt the microphone the MC handed to the heroes on stage basically amounted to a prop, which had given him an idea.
"It would, it really, really would be you." Tsunagu heaved a sigh, releasing him and letting him slump down in awkward reminder of his short height.
Hawks straightened his jacket, puffing out the wool around the collar and sleeves. It was annoying that he was having to wear it, especially considering the number of lights about to be blasted at him. Heroes got hot, heroes got cold, heroes felt uncomfortable—heroes were people too. His temperature already ran hot, and putting him under lights was just going to make him feel like he was in front of a furnace.
He was missing his high-altitude climbs with Rilo. The cold air, the twilight stars, and beautiful, endless skies in every direction. Freedom.
"So, how are you and All-Might going to play this?"
Hawks stirred at Tsuangu's question. He shoved his hands deep into the pockets of his pants. "I'm rather good at improvisation, so, I'll just play off what All-Might does, that way, everyone's reactions will be genuine, including yours."
"Hm. True." Tsunagu frowned. "Are you still expecting the Bureau to escalate things?"
After Dabi's phone call last night. Yup. He was fucking sure.
"I think I've stolen a key component in their production line." Hawks tipped his head to one side. "That they are still interested in her, despite the fact that she is going to die in a few weeks, tells me I am missing something about the mod-hancer. Need to know what that is before it's safe to remove it. I can't stand loose feathers."
Madam had taught him a little too well for that. He was—he was a very dutiable son in that regard he supposed.
"Hawks…" Tsunagu breathed in. "You are going to dodge that bullet, right?"
Hawks glanced up at him. "We should get ready. I think I hear them calling us."
Tsunagu's tone dropped low in warning. "Hawks."
He looked back at Tsunagu, and spoke:
"Give me the light. Upon thy life I charge thee,
Whate'er thou hearest or seest, stand all aloof
And do not interrupt me in my course.
Why I descend into this bed of death
Is partly to behold my lady's face."
Tsunagu inclined his head. "Alright. Let's do this." He joined Hawks, giving him a playful bump. "Want to place a bet on what rank you're getting?"
"Ahhhhh…" Hawks tossed a hand about. "Nothing higher than six."
"What?" Tsunagu scoffed. "Seriously? No. You're in the top five."
Hawks blew a rasp. "No. No. No. That's not possible. I've been pretty slack this year."
"Your definition of the word slack is very different from everyone elses, you realise that, right?"
Hawks pinched his brow together. Was that true? He hadn't thought of his laziness that way before.
Tsunagu held up a long finger. "If you're in the top five, I get to dress you in jeans for the signings and photos."
Hawks pulled a disgusted face.
"And if you win, I'll let you wear cargo pants."
"Hang on, why in both of these situations, you're still dressing me. Like a toy. I don't seem to be winning anything, Jeanie."
"Because I want to sell clothes."
Hawks rolled his eyes. "Fine."
Tsunagu slapped his hands together, rubbing them happily. "Prepare to wear jeans."
"You get way to excited about this, it's a little creepy."
"Jeans are life, Hawks."
"You're never converting me to your little cult, you freak."
0000
"Will you stop it, Deku." Katsuki snapped. "You're making the drinks bounce with your annoying twitching."
"I can't help it. I'm so excited!"
"Yeah, we couldn't tell." Eijiro laughed.
The preshow had ended. Rilo hadn't really known what to expect to be honest. The preshow wasn't televised, so, she'd never seen it. Though, in a way, as it turned out, she actually had. Technically, it had been more like an hour of advertisements in the form of interesting presentations and fun, interactive games with the audience. Keigo would have loathed everything about it because of its commercialism, but, she'd thought it all rather well done, especially the adorable, cute advertisement for Best Jeanist's new spring dresses—like—the one she was currently wearing.
Hm.
Now that she thought about it, was she going to be rather conspicuous in this dress? Rilo plucked at the pink dress, only to give a small jolt as her feather pendant flicked playfully up and tugged forward.
"Hawks!" Rilo snatched at it.
"Looks like Hawks is behind the curtain." Izuku flashed a grin at her as Eijiro started laughing.
Rilo slapped a hand down on the feather around her waist, grateful the boys had no idea that one even existed. He only vibrated that feather when he was in a mood. "He's being a jackarse."
Izuku hooked a knee under his chin. "Want to make a bet on what rank he's getting?"
"Oh, yes, yes!" Eijiro tipped forward in his seat.
Rilo smiled at his enthusiasm.
"He's in the top five, for sure." Katsuki suddenly spoke, causing all three of them to turn directly to him.
"What?" He snapped.
Izuku shook his head. "Nothing. You've just barely said anything other than yell at me to shut up, and suddenly you give your opinion."
"Well, yeah. I have an opinion, Deku. Why, what's yours?"
"Ahhh, the same." Izuku pouted.
"Oh, well, that's mine too." Eijiro scrubbed at his hair.
"Guess it's not really a bet then, is it, if we're all in agreement." Katsuki flung popcorn at them both.
Rilo laughed. "Unfortunately, he doesn't think that highly of himself…so…we'll be betting against him."
"He doesn't think he's in the top five?" Katsuki breathed in sharply. "But he's fucking awesome."
Rilo fiddled with her feather pendant, watching the MC walk out onto the main stage. "I want you boys to remember something as you aim for the hero course, yeah…"
They all looked to her.
"Don't lose yourselves, hold onto what makes you unique, and I'm not talking about your quirks." She smiled at Katsuki, reaching for his hair and ruffling it fondly. "Think really carefully about who, and what you are, so that if ever you are faced with the possibility of losing everything you know your foundation." Rilo reached for Izuku's hand. "What will, in the end, matter most to you. What will you save."
Katsuki scoffed, slouching back in his chair. "Well, obviously I'd never let a situation get that bad!"
Izuku dropped his head against Rilo's arm, only to bounce back up as the crowd roared to life at All-Might's appearance.
"It's started!" Eijiro was out of his seat, leaning on the banister of their balcony. Izuku joined him and Rilo gave Katsuki a gentle nudge to send him forward. Across several large screens, All-Might's graphics blazed brightly, highlighting him as the number one.
The countdown had begun and the air practically crackled with excitement as the crowd cheered and chanted.
"Okay. Endeavour is next, right?" Eijiro looked to Izuku. "He's totally still number two."
Endeavour's colours tinted the auditorium in red and blue. Flames erupted across the stage as the enormous hulk of a man strolled out to join All-Might.
Rilo blew a rasp, rolling her eyes. "Oh my gosh, that's such overkill." Honestly, Endeavour was trying a little bit too hard. Her feather pendant's vibrated and she schooled a laugh. Hawks' must have been just as amused at the display from his personal hero.
Best Jeanist walked out next, to a tremendous round of applause and cheering.
Izuku laughed. "Well, we can totally tell who wins the popularity pool."
"Yeah, but Best Jeanist wins pretty much every year, that isn't really a surprise anymore." Eijrio flapped a hand about. "They may as well just give it to him—"
"Oh my gosh." Rilo was out of her chair, clutching at the banister. The three boys around her were jumping and whooping, and all she could do was stare at Hawks as he walked so lazily across the stage. He bounced to a halt beside Best Jeanist and took a sweeping bow to the crowd.
"Forth." Rilo whispered, grabbing at her feather pendant.
Oh—
Keigo—
She couldn't have cared less about who came after, though she was very aware that Eijiro was extremely disappointed that Crimson Riot had once again missed the top ten by just a single digit. Izuku tried to reassure him that it was possible that next year he'd get in.
Rilo breathed in deeply. Bubbles must have been ecstatic. Hawks' hadn't just made the top ten, he'd made the top five.
Had All-Might known?
She bit her bottom lip.
He had to have known.
The presenter greeted All-Might first.
"This is it…" Rilo heard Izuku whisper.
"All-Might, sir, the question that many are asking today is why you have decided on now to return to Japan, after such an extraordinary career that has taken you all over our world?"
Taking the microphone, All-Might gave the warmest of smiles as he addressed the crowd directly. "I am sure there are many out there today, perhaps even watching the live broadcast, who will understand how difficult it is having a job that takes you far from your loved ones."
The MC drew the microphone back. "I apologise, All-Might, you've left me at a loss. I don't think anyone was aware you had a family."
All-Might rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Well, I have protected their identities for most of their lives, however, my daughter and her husband made it known that they are wishing to start a family, and since my youngest son is looking to apply to U.A soon, I decided it was time to return home." He inclined his head. "Thus, I am here."
"All-Might has kids?" Eijiro turned to them, his eyes wide in wonder. "I've never read anything about that, Izuku…you're an All-Might fan, have you—"
"Shhhh, you idiot." Katsuki snapped.
Rilo could have sworn that if a pin had dropped in that moment, it would have been heard. The enormous hall had fallen into silence.
Was—was it really that much of a shock?
Beside her, Izuku was clutching at her tightly, and he was trying not to laugh.
Then it happened.
Hawks' wings gave a dramatic flounce as he leant forward, tipping out of the line-up of heroes to address All-Might. "Wow, Dad, just let the whole of Japan know we're trying for kids. Thanks, so much."
All-Might returned the gesture of leaning forward out of the lineup, beaming at Hawks. "You're most welcome, my-boy."
Every hero on the stage made a jostling movement of shock as the crowd erupted in a deafening cheer.
Izuku leant towards Rilo, whispering into her ear. "I think it's like the equivalent of Hawks' admitting he just married into hero royalty."
Rilo blinked, looking down at Izuku. "Oh."
She hadn't ever viewed it that way—
But—
Now that he said it, she supposed it rather was. Had that been their conniving plan, to spring upon Japan the very notion that All-Might had offspring—
To bring hope, to stem off the encroaching Upheaval—
Just how far were they looking into the future?
Izuku beamed up at her. He grabbed her hand, squeezing it tightly.
"Guess that makes you a prince," Rilo offered.
Izuku's shoulders clenched. "I've got a lot to live up to."
Her heart broke. Oh, sweet darling Izuku. Whatever burden he was carrying, she wished so much she could lighten it somehow.
It seemed Izuku was suddenly aware of Katsuki and Eijiro staring right at him. Oh—right—this wasn't just her reveal—it was also Izuku's. He had to pull this off well enough to fool someone like Katsuki, who had known him since they'd been toddlers.
"There is no fucking way." Katsuki spluttered.
Izuku flashed a dazzling smile, truly All-Might worthy. "Told you it'd all make sense if you came."
From the look on Katsuki's face, he was truly—deeply—thinking.
Eijiro was just laughing hysterically, almost falling out of his seat.
Rilo looked down at the stage, holding tight to her feather pendant, and immediately Hawks' head shifted in the direction of their balcony booth. She felt both her feathers vibrate. He knew exactly where they were, enough that he raised a hand and waved cheerfully.
"Hey babe." He blew a kiss.
Oh—
No—
Rilo sunk back her seat.
"Wait…" Noticing Hawks' action, the MC paused from addressing Endeavour. "All-Might, are your children here today?"
All-Might cheerfully slapped his hands on his hips. "Why yes! I do believe my daughter will be at the autograph tables, keeping Hawks company this afternoon, and my son is running around somewhere with his friends. I'm sure he'll pop up." All-Might held up a finger. "So keep your eye out folks. He's a little scamp."
Izuku spluttered in protest. "Dad!"
"Hah, scamp." Eijiro ribbed playfully.
Endeavour and Best Jeanist got their short interview, with Best Jeanist getting several laughs from the crowd as he and Hawks played off each other naturally.
Rilo eased forward in her seat as the presenter finally addressed Hawks.
"Hawks, this is the first time you're standing on this stage…"
She held her breath, clutching a hand to her chest. Izuku and Eijiro bundled up close to her. They were both being very sweet.
Hawks took the microphone, giving it a playful twirl.
"My wife tells me I need something called social media, is this a thing?"
Something that sounded like a yes, only amplified, resounded through the hall.
Hawks tipped his head up. "I think that's a yes, babe."
Rilo held out her hands. "Of course it is."
Hawks tapped the microphone idly on his chin for a moment before giving a warm smile.
"Frankly, I am standing here today, not because of anything I did, but because of the dedication and generosity of my city. So, to the people of Fukuoka, I thank you." Hawks bowed.
He stood tall again, and almost immediately, his stance had shifted from light-hearted and warm, to something Rilo could only liken to the blade the Commission called him.
"To any villain out there. Don't touch my city, don't touch my wife, or my family.
By heaven, I will tear thee joint by joint
And strew this hungry churchyard with thy limbs.
The time and my intents are savage-wild,
More fierce and more inexorable far
Than empty tigers or the roaring sea."
Hawks eased forward, and Rilo was sure he had the entire audience by the throat. "This is your warning. Don't do it." He held out the microphone, and dropped it.
Rilo winced, along with everyone in the large auditorium, at the jolting screech of the microphone hitting the stage. Hawks simply walked off, returning behind the curtains.
All-Might and Best Jeanist were shaking with laughter, while the remaining heroes on the stage looked utterly flummoxed, and the poor MC simply stared down at the microphone in confusion.
"Dude, that was awesome." Eijiro whispered.
It was so very—very Hawks.
Rilo frowned. What—what had that poem been? Was it from something he'd read during one of his late-night binges, when he'd decimate entire selves of books? If so, it was highly unlikely anyone in the audience was going to understand an obscure reference from something he found tucked away in a book at three in the morning—
Unless—
That wasn't the point.
The MC had fetched the microphone from the stage floor and looked to All-Might expectantly for an answer.
All-Might beamed proudly. "There is a reason I let him marry my daughter. As I am quite sure the people of Fukuoka know, there is no one more qualified to be a protector than Hawks."
The Symbol of Peace may as well have just admitted he was handing his title over.
And Rilo was sure that had been the entire point of it all.
000
Rilo sighed. She'd lost the boys.
One moment she'd been admiring the truly stunning, interactive holographic All-Might display, the next she'd turned around and, poof, the three of them were gone—vanished into the swelling crowd of the convention. It had been bound to happen, with just how enthusiastic the three of them were, and how slow she was.
Oh well—
She'd find them eventually. Her gaze flicked around the enormous convention hall.
Well—
Maybe she'd find them.
But she was only slowing them up, and they deserved to have some fun without having to worry about her. It wasn't as if she couldn't look after herself.
She was fine.
She coughed lightly, raising a hand to brush at the blood staining her lips. Quickly she dabbed a handkerchief over her mouth, holding it there as she coughed. The pain slowly subsided and she relaxed, tucking the handkerchief away in her little All-Might bag. Both feathers were gently vibrating against her skin. Keigo was near enough then, to feel her momentary distress, and near enough that his telepathy could pick up his feathers. She glanced around the convention hall, wondering just where he was amongst the sea of people and magnificent building that arched upward, with truly divine crisscrossing structural beams. It was all so grand, and so wonderful—so full of vibrant life.
She'd never—
She'd never have imagined ever being allowed to have attended such a wonderful event, where laughter and smiles enveloped her. She'd always loved visiting the malls near the powerplant because of the people, even if it was only for a permitted hour a day, at least she'd been able to see faces and hear voices.
But it had never really been enough.
And now, here she was, immersed in the glorious ocean of people—all because a man who could fly had caught her before she could shatter.
If only she still wasn't falling.
Glancing at her mobile she frowned. There was still at least an hour and a half before Keigo's first autograph signing session.
Oh—
She made an amused duckie face at the thought.
He wasn't overly pleased about being contractually obligated about having to actually sign his autograph now that he was top-ten. He did so loath giving out any type of identification—somehow—in his mind—a signature was as distinct as a fingerprint. She'd really, honestly, never understand it, but she respected it.
Unfortunately, he was now top-ten, and this—
She looked around the convention all—
All this was part of the job she supposed.
Rilo paused.
Wait, not even top top-ten.
He'd made top-five.
"Oh Bubbles, congratulations." Rilo giggled.
Smiling, Rilo tucked her mobile away.
Alright—
An hour or so, she could last that long. That wasn't a problem. She'd be fine.
Opting to avoid the merchandise shops of all the heroes, because she knew herself very well, she'd never be able to resit buying merchandise, she headed instead for the unofficial, hand-made, arts and crafts alleyway section of the convention floor. It was gloriously wonderful seeing the creativity all stemming from the combined love and adoration of heroes.
There was darkness behind it, yes. Meeting Keigo had made that very clear to her.
And the lights that lit up the convention hall were provided by a generator, somewhere out there that would suffer a terrible fate.
But the smiles, the laughter, the children in their costumes—the adults and their stunning cosplays—at surface glace, like a leaf floating on a pond—it was peaceful and tranquil and perfect.
No one needed to know of the murky mud beneath them, did they?
Rilo paused, glittering sparkles catching her eyes. She backed up several paces and turned to a booth that was decked out entirely in jewellery.
She homed in on one of the displays.
"Are these wing-link charms?" Rilo asked the man behind the booth.
"Indeed, they are." He eased forward, his own wings stretching in irritation just a little in the same way she'd often seen Hawks' move when sitting too long behind the kitchen counter, hunched over his laptop. "You got an avian aviator in your life, heh?"
Rilo held up her feather pendant. "Very much so."
He raised a brow. "Oh, I highly doubt that's your only piece of jewellery, is it?"
Rilo glanced around suspiciously. "Okay. How do you know that?"
The man chuckled. "Thought so. Don't worry." He waved a hand about. "It's an avian aviator trait. We're all very particular to shiny things. Doesn't matter what quirk category we sit in, we all have that in common. It's a really odd…well…"
"Quirk." Rilo smiled.
"Yeah." He laughed. "So we've kind of collectively run with it over the generations, I suppose." He propped a knee under his chin, making himself look ever more birdlike as he perched on his chair. "If that helps explain your significant other's fascination, at all."
"It does at bit." Rilo picked out one of the wing-link charms, smiling at the small, delicate, four armed star. "I read that you gifted charms for special occasions, right?"
The man nodded. "You read right."
She held out the charm. "I'll take this one."
"What's the occasion?" The man took the charm and began carefully folding it up into a little case.
Rilo tapped her chin. "Well, let's call it and job promotion."
The man arched a brushy eyebrow at her. "You're Hawks' girl."
"Oh come on." Rilo huffed. "It can't be that obvious!"
Two hands glided smoothly around her waist and Hawks' chin dropped gently on her head as he neatly cuddled up behind her. "Hey babe."
Rilo stared at the grinning man in front of her. Well. That explained that.
"You know," Rilo continued to sort idly through the jewellery collection, as if nothing at all was happening. "I was pretty sure that heroes weren't permitted on the convention floor." She finally glanced up at him, feeling an enormous sense of relief at his bright, warm eyes, even if they were shielded behind his orange tinted sunglasses. His arm around her waist tightened, taking some of her weight as he cradled her.
"Well, you see, I'm currently not wearing my hero costume…so…I'm incognito, thus, technically, I'm allowed on the convention floor."
"Ohhhh, so it's a technicality, is it?" She glanced over his outfit.
Tsunagu had put him in a red shirt, that was practically glued to his skin—it may as well have just been paint. What was more astounding was the number three had somehow managed to convince him to wear a decent pair of jeans. He'd probably have a difficult time doing one of his aerial combat splits in them, but hopefully he wouldn't be required to do any of those at a convention.
No doubt he'd whinged about it something awful though.
"Wow, you're so incognito." She dragged her hand over his chest. "Are you sure you're not someone cosplaying as my husband?"
"Oh fuck, what if I am?" His wings rippled playfully. "I think we better kiss, just to make sure."
Rilo squeaked out a laugh that was very quickly consumed as he dropped her backwards and near devoured her mouth. She sunk into his heat as his wings entombed them. No matter how flamboyant he was in his hero persona, he was still Keigo, and he treasured the intimacy of their privacy.
She hadn't realised how cold—and stiff—she'd become, until his warmth ignited her dying spark again, and the relief was overwhelming.
"Hey," he nursed her cheeks. "Look at that, still a bit of a pink glow, my beautiful lightbulb."
She smiled, fighting off tears. "Only ever for you," she whispered.
His feathers vibrated as he kissed her again.
"Hawks…people are watching…"
Sure, they couldn't see them behind his wings, but—
It had to be pretty obvious what they were doing.
"Told you we'd have fun on the hero circuit someday," he whispered in her ear. He brushed at her damp cheeks. "It's alright, I'm here. I'll always be here. I love you."
She nodded against his chest. He unfurled his wings and she pulled away, giving her cheeks a pat as she flashed a smile at the man whose booth was now attracting a rather considerable amount of attention.
"I'm so sorry." Rilo apologised.
"Oh, do not apologise, missy." He held out the little jewellery case to her. "You've made my weekend." He looked up at Hawks. "It's an honour."
Hawks raised a hand. "None of that, please. It's going to get exhausting today."
Rilo ribbed him playfully with an elbow. "Number four?"
Hawks' feathers ruffled. "Don't you start too. Bubbles almost blew out my eardrums with her squeals." He crouched peering at the wing link charms. "Wow, these are nice. Do you do all your own craftsmanship."
"I do." The man inclined his head.
Rilo flicked Hawks' ear. "It was supposed to be a surprise."
He looked up at her with a small out. "Sorry."
"Goose." She huffed.
"Duck." He quipped back.
"Going to presume you have wing-links then?" The man asked.
Hawks grinned. "Would you believe it if I told you she came up with the idea without even knowing it was a cultural thing?"
Rilo covered her face. "Hawks!"
"Oh, come on, babe, it's so sweet." He smiled up at her.
She made a duckie face.
The elder avian chuckled. "It shows a level of compatibility on a quirk factor level."
Hawks bounced back onto his feet. "Oh, you have no idea how deep that concept truly goes."
"Hm. Perhaps not on the surface, but…innately, I think we may know," the man offered. "Hence why our quirk category has built such solid traditions."
"True, true." Hawks tipped back.
"Careful." Rilo playfully pinched Hawk's side. "If you get him started, Hawks' will wax on for hours about the philosophical importance of avian aviator traditions. He's like a walking encyclopedia on the topic."
"Well, maybe if someone your age picks up the old traditions, it'll bring it all back around." The man eased back in his chair.
"Possibly." Hawks glanced about the shifting crowd. "Though, I wouldn't want to just start a fad. These things have deeper meaning and cultural heritage to them that has been passed down through generations, that's why they're important. They give us our foundation." He took Rilo's hand. "So we can build a strong home."
The man chuckled. "I think I understand your stunt on the stage now."
Hawks' flashed a grin. "Oh, yeah. I thought it was pretty good."
"It was you being a jackarse, Hawks." Tsunagu shouted from somewhere.
Rilo jerked back and forth. "Jeanie is here?"
Hawks raised his brow at her. "He's never walked the convention floor either. Which is such a waste. I mean…" He spread his arms. "This is obviously where all the fun is."
"You're a horrible influence on Jeanie." Rilo held up her handkerchief, coughing into it lightly.
"It goes both ways, he got me into these jeans and shirt for you."
"Oh, that does explain the jeans." Rilo slapped his chest, giving a giggle as he grinned.
"Don't think I haven't sneaked a look at which magazine pics of me you always dogear for later. Hm. Hm." He flicked her ear. "I know you, babe."
Rilo stuck out her tongue. "Jackarse."
She held out her card, tapping it on the payment station of the man's booth. "Thank you." She tucked her card and the small jewellery box away in her small All-Might bag, slinging it back over her shoulder.
"Oh, I'm Rilo, by the way." She quickly offered.
The man inclined his head. "Hari." He held out a card to her. "Let me know if you're in the market for any more charms in the future, especially when those kids arrive, yeah."
Hawks gave a laugh, twirling away. "Ah, thanks Dad, just tell the whole fucking world."
Rilo waved goodbye, quickly dashing after Hawks. She ducked around his wing and slipped into the arm he held out for her.
"I don't see the boy's anywhere?" His eyes flicked around the alleyway of stalls and the clustering of people, most of whom appeared to be very enthralled by the fact that he was just strolling on past.
Rilo sighed. "I lost them. Which is fine."
He arched an eyebrow at her. "They're supposed to be looking after you, babe."
"Oh come on."
"And technically, you're supposed to be their adult supervision." He made quotation signs with his free hand.
Rilo blew a rasp. "Yeah, nah, that was never going to work."
Hawks gave a small laugh. "True. True."
"Izuku is just having far too much fun in all…this…" Rilo motioned to the wonderous explosion of colours from the art stalls, and hand made crafts. She was very, very tempted to purchase something from every stall—but—Hawks probably wouldn't have been overly amused by that notion.
"What about you, are you having fun?" His tone was oddly serious and Rilo looked up at him in surprise. He'd tipped his orange tinted sunglasses back over his eyes, most likely to help disperse his impeccable vision amongst the crowd. She'd never considered how nauseating having such extreme vision would be, until he'd grumbled about it. It had made her wonder just what annoyances she'd find in her own quirk, if the mod-hancer was ever removed, and she was given leave to truly explore it.
"Yes." She assured, squeezing up tight against him. "This is all amazing, Hawks."
"Oh, good." He kissed her temple. "Now, I think I have an hour or something before autograph signing starts so…let's go explore!"
00000
Keigo gave a long stretch, arching backward and extending his wings as wide as they could go. It had been a long few hours sitting, smiling and forcing out the warmness of his personality that people seemed to gravitate too. It wasn't that he didn't appreciate the kindness of fans, or the effort they obviously put into even attending such a grandiose event, it was more that it all simply grated him wrong—because he'd seen the other side, and if any of the smiling faces around him saw even a glint of the horrors behind the closed doors of the Commission he doubted they'd worship hero society as they did.
Or—
Maybe they would—
Humans were strange and often macabre creatures.
As much as being famous had become a shield, he wished he hadn't needed it.
He rubbed his aching, irritated hand, pausing as Rilo reached out to massage it for him. Her fingers were soft and so much more adapt are massages. Great. Now he just wanted a back massage.
"You type too much. You barely use a pen." She chided.
"I am a product of the modern age."
Tsunagu laughed from his neighbouring table. "Says the hero without any social media presence whatsoever."
Keigo flopped back, groaning. "Torture."
"Well, Rilo could always start a Hawks' Wife Instagram." Tsunagu offered.
Rilo started laughing, almost falling off her chair.
"Babe, that is not funny." Keigo watched her with an arched eyebrow. "I'm sure you don't want to just be known as just Hawks' wife."
"I think I can choose for myself what I'd like to be known as." She kissed his cheek. "And if that's your wife, then that's just that."
Keigo reached for his coffee mug, finding it depressingly empty. "Okay, see, this is why I married you."
"Oh good, I was worried it was for my cooking."
He snorted. "What cooking?"
"Exactly."
Tsunagu folded over his table, groaning in his arms. "That's it, it's been two hours of the two of you being all lovey-dovey nattering lovebirds. Please go and burn it off so I can survive the next several hours sitting near you."
"Aw, no, babe, Jeanie can't handle how cute we are." Keigo mocked as he eased himself out of his seat. The heroes were beginning to head off for their break. They had been paired in two, their tables spread out over the convention hall, as not to cause to much disruption to the larger layout. The line for All-Might's autograph table was still going, and, like a defiant forest fire, Endeavour was still at his post beside the number one.
Keigo chuckled at the sight.
"You know, I am so glad we're friends." He looked down at Tsunagu.
Tsunagu glanced over at All-Might and Endeavour. "I know, right. Can you imagine the tension in that area. Ick."
Holding out a hand to Rilo, Keigo bumped fists with Tsunagu. "See you at the photos, yeah?"
Tsunagu playfully saluted. "Don't do anything I wouldn't do."
Keigo sent him a deadpanned looked. "What, like have sex with your best friend's sidekick?"
Tsunagu blinked rapidly. "What?"
Keigo flashed a smile. "Just checking."
"Hawks!"
"Fuck you for putting me in tight jeans." Keigo called back.
The happy, festive buzz amongst the convention floor had not died down in the slightest. Keigo was quite sure he was the only hero who was daring to walk the floor on his allotted break. Rilo was ecstatic when she finally found someone in a cosplay of his hero costume, and despite the fact that it was technically not permitted, she snuck in a photo anyway.
Keigo sipped his coffee. He kept Rilo in his line of vision as she lined up at one of the food vendors, ordering herself an All-Might themed drink—because of course that existed, and of course she had to try it. He glanced down at his mobile as it pinged, and he frowned at the message from Izuku.
The brat hadn't found anything.
That wasn't much of a surprise, it wasn't as though he'd had that long to train Izuku up on espionage, but still, he had rather expected at least something to have come up by now.
Maybe he was wrong after-all.
If he was, he'd have to readjust all his plans.
Maybe even make the first move.
He idly texted back, telling the baby birdie not to worry—because naturally, Izuku would be taking it all way to seriously. The brat would already be getting a good lecture about misplacing Rilo in the convention hall, but it wasn't as if he could really fault the kid for wanting to have fun.
And Rilo had told him to be a little more—er—understanding of Izuku's age.
Whatever the fuck that meant.
"He's damn lucky I'm not dropping him off in the middle of fucking nowhere like I was at thirteen." He dunked his empty coffee into a nearby bin, holding out his arm to Rilo as she rejoined him.
"Nice drink?" he asked.
Rilo beamed. "Very sweet." He offered it to him and he took a sip.
Keigo crinkled his nose. Sweet was indeed the word for it. Tasted like pure syrup to him. "Yeah, nah. I'll stick to coffee."
Rilo shrugged, not fussed.
They took some stairs, heading up to the second story that overlooked the main convention floor, an out of bounds area that was free of people and easy for them to stroll lazily through.
"Do you actually hate Tsunagu's jeans, or is it just playful banter?" Rilo suddenly asked.
"Ah…it is a bit of both. Mostly banter, but, some of it is legit distain." Keigo frowned. "Here, watch..." He attempted to swing a leg up and stretch it high against a wall, only to be halted by the tight fabric of his current attire. "See, useless pants. No flexibility. I doubt I could even do the splits. Jeanie does it on purpose too. I know he has a range designed for ease and moveability, but he puts me in these just to mess with me. That's his form of banter."
"Keigo, you don't need to do the splits in the middle of a convention."
"You never know, and I like being prepared for all situations." He tipped back, smiling at her. "But I know you like my arse, so I'll put up with it."
She slurped the last of her drink, diverting her eyes and looking back out across the convention floor below them. "You have solid structural integrity, like this building."
His arms slipped around her. "I do love how you tell me I'm handsome."
Rilo kissed his chin. "Oh, you know you're handsome, but I know you're a work of art." Her hands weaved through his hair. "Especially when you make love, and you drop your hero smile." She turned herself around, fitting up neatly against him. "And what's left is just the raw canvas beneath." Her fingers dripped down his neck, making his feather's twitch.
"I could listen to you talk dirty for hours." He murmured.
Rilo played with his hand. "If you're good and make it through the next few hours with the photos, I promise I'll resume it at the hotel."
He gave a dramatic, put-on flounce as he dragged her towards one of the darkened fire exits for greater privacy. "Oh come on, that's forever away."
Keigo twirled her around playfully.
Rilo laughed. "Okay, um, how about I give you your super special gift!"
"I get coffee…and cream?"
She hit him. "No, you goose."
He tipped away, clicking his tongue in disappointment. "Can't blame a man for trying."
"Oh, no, no, I blame you." Rilo flicked his nose.
She dug into her little All-Might bag and pulled out the small jewellery case. Opening it, she held it out to reveal the charm.
"See, it's a little four-armed star." Rilo beamed at the small jewel. "It's supposed to symbolise your advancement."
He laughed in delight. "That's adorable, babe."
"You don't think it's tacky?"
"Nothing you ever get me is tacky, hon." He kissed her forehead before turning around, giving his wings several shrugs to loosen them. Rilo curled up against his back at the bluster of wind.
"Keigo!"
"Sorry." He felt her hands trembling as she attached the charm to the wing-links. "Rilo? What's wrong…"
Keigo looked up.
Oh—
That's what was wrong. Four men, two from ahead, two from behind. He gently eased about, wrapping an arm around Rilo and pressing her tight to his chest. He'd never done this before. He'd never not reacted to an encroaching enemy, and every nerve, in every feather, burned. What an odd sensation it was, to force himself into inaction—
To not protect—
To not protect her—
"Keigo…" she whispered.
"It's okay. I promise. It'll be okay."
Oh—
Fuck—
He hoped he wasn't lying.
A cold metal muzzle pressed against his neck, making his wings rattle.
This was so much harder than he'd anticipated it to be. A section of his mind, and his body, wanted—needed—to react. He'd been trained to react, and forcing himself to remain stationary ignited only pain.
Rilo's eyes though, they were the worst.
She faced him with a look of horror, momentary betrayal, realisation and acceptance. Everything about her was amazing in that brief second. She'd understood immediately, and yet, it still felt sickening, it still felt like he was betraying every whispered promise he'd ever made to her. He ached to reach out for her, to comfort her as they pulled her from him. He needed to reassure her—he needed to get those men off her—
They were bruising her—
Had he said it enough. He'd tired so hard, all day, to say it.
"Rilo…" he swallowed as he felt the tranquilizer piece his neck.
She started sobbing, struggling to reach him.
"Rilo, I love you." Oh—wow—it happened so fast. He hit the wall, his wings becoming dead weight, dragging him down. He landed on his knees with a solid thud. The awful, foul iron taste that he'd long come to equate with all medicines filled his mouth. Through blurry eyes he watched as Rilo was dragged out the fire exit.
The last threads of Keigo's consciousness held on long enough for him to hear Izuku's shout.
Damn—that brat—
He had shite timing.
00000
Deku lugged the All-Might puffer jacket along like it was some sort of majestic, priceless work of art. He was so proud of it, and so was the dork-a-zord Kirishima. They'd discovered it at one of the smaller convention's merch-shops and Deku had gone into meltdown about how he needed to get it for his sister because it was totally the most perfect thing ever.
That was when all three of them had collectively realised.
Oh—
Shite—
Deku's sister wasn't with them anymore.
He'd had to shake Deku out of his panic attack, and remind him he could just call Rilo. Still, he rather did hope that there was a possibility of this not getting back to his Mum. Hopefully the stupid puffer-jacket that they all pitched in for would be enough of a nice gesture of apology to make up for accidently ditching her.
The question was if Hawks would see it that way.
Cause he sort of felt like he got Hawks. He liked Hawks—not that he'd say that, like, out loud or anything weird like that—Hawks wore a smile, sure, but beneath that, was something so terrifying it wasn't even comprehensible to him yet. Hawks also totally didn't care, and totally did want he wanted. He had to live by his own rules, right. That was what being a hero meant—right?
"Ah, Izuku, we're not allowed up onto the second story." Kirishima halted at the stairs Deku was heading up.
"It's fine." Deku waved them up. "I'll cover for you guys. Come on, I see Hawks. Let's go surprise them!"
"What if they're…you know…er…" Kirishima scrunched a hand awkwardly through his hair.
Deku flashed a grin. "Kissing?"
"Ah, yeah."
"Then hopefully I catch a photo to add to my collection of incriminating evidence against Hawks." Deku bounced up the stairs.
Kirishima looked down at Katsuki. "He's mental."
"Oh, you're only just figuring that out?" Katsuki scoffed.
"Though to be honest, you both are." Kirishima poked him.
"Oie!"
Kirishima laughed as he followed Deku. Katsuki cursed under his breath, stomping after the two idiots.
Nah.
Who was he kidding.
He'd had a fun day.
He'd just never admit it, and Deku knew that, the little shite.
That annoying smile of his, hiding so much pain. It always felt like he was looking right at a mirror. Stupid Deku.
How was he supposed to reevaluate Deku now?
Son of All-Might—
Pff.
Yeah right—
As if the son of All-Might could be quirk-less.
"Kaachan!" Deku shouted. "Help!"
He snapped his head up.
What the fuck was Hawks doing on the floor.
Wait—
Was he dea—
Katsuki's attention snapped to the fire escape door down the long hall, half open and letting in the sunlight.
Rilo was gone.
Shite—
Shite—
Shite—
Deku and Kirishima ran to Hawks side. Katisuki dashed past them. Deku had no quirk. Kirishima's quirk wasn't capable of speed.
They needed speed. He had to be already minutes behind the kidnappers.
Damnit—
Damnit—
If they'd just stayed with Rilo, like they'd been told too!
He'd promised his Mum he'd not fuck this day up.
"Kaachan!" Deku shouted. "Don't! It's too dangerous."
Gah. Deku would think a splinter in the finger was too dangerous.
"Shut up! Deku!" Katsuki slammed open the fire exist. Bright light momentarily blinded him and he scrubbed at his watery eyes, desperately trying to adjust to the daylight.
Anything odd.
What was odd.
What stood out?
A van.
A white van, it was pulling out of the convention centres gates. The milling crowds didn't seem to even notice its existence. He snapped his hands back and blasted himself into the air, ignoring the shouts from confused idiots below him.
He slammed down on top of the van. It couldn't go that fast, not yet at least, while it was stuck inside the gated area. This was a chance—right?
He heated the tips of his fingers and slid down the back door, ripping it open. It swung wide, almost flinging him off. Katsuki kicked back, peering into the van.
Rilo's horrified face greeted him, along with two goons in stupid, idiotic looking jumpsuits. Right—they were totally the villains.
"Katsuki!" Rilo cried out.
The van lurched, the door swung back and he tried grappling for her, only to snatch up her feather necklace, ripping it free.
The vehicle increased its speed.
Shite.
They were out of the gates, onto the main street.
He was losing his grip on the door. Could be blast the goons? Would he get away with that?
Yeah. He would, right? That'd totally be okay—
He was pretty sure Deku would like—cover for him—right? And he was trying to save Hawks' wife. So—this was—totally legal. Yeah.
He aimed his hand to fire.
"No! Katsuki!" Rilo shrieked.
Something sharp buried itself in his shoulder.
His world went black.