Yuri's body shook as sobbed racked through her body. Emotions at an all-time high and his arms wrapped around her. It was all so familiar and yet so different, she didn't want to leave it. Her heartbeat rushed in her ears, drowning out any outside sound. Her chest was tight as she tried to breathe through her tears but if anything it made her chest hurt from the effort. Yuri vaguely heard Hawks whisper in her ear as his hand rubbed up and down her back. She wanted to push him away! They shouldn't be doing this especially since she had already been in trouble with the Commission. If they found out they were becoming even a small amount closer, they would pull her so fast her head would spin. Remedial lessons or not neither of them would come out the same. The thought made Yuri sobs renew with new vigor. His arms tighten around her as she tried to stifle her cries and if she was honest with herself should she had been alone she would have been wailing.
They sat pressed together for what felt like forever. The cold stale air of the stairwell settled over their skin causing them to get as close as possible to keep warm; however, neither was willing to move. It felt so right and so familiar to be grasped in each other's arms that breaking the moment would've caused the world to crumble. Yuri's sobs had subsided as she lay slumped in his chest all her energy gone for the time being. She could only imagine how horrendous she must look right now. Her cheek stung and her eyes burned from all the crying. Gods she just wanted to go home, get into bed, and never get out. The silence between them was neither stifling nor unwanted as they sat listening to each others' heartbeats and breath. Bzzzz Bzzzz Bzzzz. An insistent vibration sound ruined the quiet mood the two shared. Hawks shifted rummaging through his pockets pulling his phone out jostling Yuri out of her daze.
"Hey, Jay," Hawks answered, "Yeah, I found her… No, she's okay just had a few issues to take care of… I'm all checked out, don't worry… No that's fine, we'll meet you back at the agency… Thanks… You too." Yuri was inclined to keep still and not move. Maybe she could just pass out and not deal with anything. That sounded like a good plan besides his chest was unreasonably comfortable. Her makeup was probably ruined and her hair a mess; consequently, the media will have to wait for a statement from them because she is in no way going in front of a camera now. Hawks continued to shift somehow managing to hoist her up in his arms as he stood up.
"What are you doing?" Yuri squeaked, wrapping her arms around his neck in surprise.
"Carrying you," Hawks stated.
"Why?" Yuri questioned.
"You didn't look like you wanted to move," Hawks smirked, "You also looked so cute cuddled up to my chest like that, kid."
"Kid?!" Yuri exclaimed incredulously, "I am older than you!"
"Ahhh, but when it comes to experience you fall a little short," Hawks cooed as he started to descend the stairs, "Besides a beautiful girl in my arms crying her frustrations away, how could I ever hope to put a stop to it." Yuri felt her cheeks heat up and it wasn't from the physical punishment she had received.
"Oh shut up! No one asked you to stay!" Yuri struggled to get free.
"Whoa there!" Hawks tightened his grip on her knees and waist pulling her closer, "You're being all cute and sweet, it's making me want more." Hawks was practically purring in her ear at this point.
"I am your secretary!" Yuri outraged.
"I can't help it, you're fun to tease," Hawks laughed, "Those expressions and reactions. Priceless!"
"Put me down this instant! Or I am making you do all the reports for the next month!"
"C'mon, it can't be that bad. Having a handsome man like myself sweep you off your feet and carry you out."
"Hawks," Yuri's voice had a serious tone to it, "I've already been in enough trouble today because of you. Do not make this worse for me." Hawks froze midstep. Yuri felt her body deflate at the sight of his guilty face. Using her forearms she pushed herself up, slowly but surely they became eye level. His hand around her knees dropped and he carefully set her down but the arm around her waist stayed. The sound of their breathing bounced off the concrete walls as they stood in silence. Yuri's brows furrowed as Hawks' expression didn't change, a guilty pout twisting his handsome features into something like a sad little boy.
"It may be because of you but it is not you that caused the issue," Yuri flicked his forehead with a small smile, "I just need to be better." His frown deepened but he made no further comment.
"Why won't you let me help you?" He whispered. His eyes were trained on the ground and Yuri could her the pain and frustration that was most likely coursing through his body in his voice. Being helpless in any situation was something he would never be okay with. Yuri could remember his frustrated tears when he was a child from failing an exercise or not performing up to par.
"I appreciate the sentiment, Hawks. I really do, but it's not as simple as flying me out of the way," Yuri brushed her knuckles against his cheek, "This is bigger than just me. The bigger picture will always win out when pitted against people. Besides, where would you be without me?" Yuri smiled at him using her hand to force him to look in her eyes. His eyes bore into hers.
"I don't know. I don't really even know what you do for me," Hawks' voice held a biting edge, "I've never paid attention to you before and look where it got you. Under the Commission's thumb."
"Hawks," Yuri started, but a finger on her lips made any explanation die.
"I have failed as your boss and as a hero for not noticing. Not only with this but the email as well," Hawks vented, "I have been so focused on doing everything else I have neglected my own people. I'm so sorry, Yuri."
"Hawks, this isn't your fault," Yuri tried to reason, "The email could've been anything. My email address is front and center anyone could've gotten ahold of it. As for my relationship with the Hero Commission, it's not as cut and dry as being under their thumb. It was my decision and no one else."
"I still-"
"Still nothing. You are not going to blame yourself for the mistakes of others," Yuri gripped his face between her hands, "Now when we walk out of here the press will no doubt see you. The public deserves to see their Number Two hero standing tall after a victory. So chin up and let's move forward." They stood in silence while Hawks' eyes searched her face. She kept her expression open and the smile on her face. There was nothing to hide at the moment. With some reluctance, he nodded and proceeded to let go of her waist. They walked the rest of the way to the back entrance in silence. Neither wanting to speak about what had occurred.
Yuri stopped before the door realizing that she must look like hell after having a breakdown in the stairwell. She pulled out a small makeup compact to judge the damage. Yuri rubbed under her eyes trying to get the eyeliner and mascara that had smudge off from her cheeks. Her right cheek was swollen and red but otherwise unharmed. No real damage this time. Her brown eyes were sullen and red-rimmed. The fiery curls that had pulled into a tight bun were mostly free with the neat bun now a messy knot sitting at the base of her skull. Not her best look but it made her look more overworked rather than emotionally unstable. She could work with that.
"You look fine," Hawks' voice interrupted her preening.
"I look like I've been worked to the bone," Yuri retorted, "Which isn't far from the truth."
"Yes, well, taking control of an agency will do that to you," Hawks snapped back. Yuri glanced at him with a sharp look.
"Would you like to take the lead on the press or shall I?"
"I can."
"Right," Yuri snorted, "Try to avoid any speeches about Stain or any semblance of sympathizing with them. I understand why but the public will not. Now, do you still want to take point?"
"Yes," Hawks pushed. Yuri relented and pushed the door open. They were immediately overrun by reporters and various journalists. Yuri took a step to the side letting Hawks go front and center to them all. Eyes followed her briefly but were drawn instantaneously to the winged hero as he came out. They shouted each talking over each other trying to get a question answered.
"Today was a victory. Our Number One hero proved his passion and will to fight for the people of this country and he managed to draw out a Leauge of Villains member into the open. We managed to take down the bioengineered being known as a Nomu and have gained a higher understanding of the creatures should they attack again. Thanks to my agency, recovery efforts are underway and evacuations led by Mockingbird and Jay made it a reality to have zero casualties. We will rise up and come out stronger!" Yuri let a small smile grace her lips. He was nothing if not charismatic, knowing just what the people needed to hear. Hawks made to step forward through the crowd, but they pushed together tightening into a half circle over him. Questions were yelled out as the press bullied each other over who would be upfront. Crawling on top of each other trying to get closer.
"Is it true that you let the villain known as Dabi escape?"
"Can we expect another attack?"
"What efforts are being made to help with the damage done to the homes and businesses?"
"Is it true that your agency went rogue during this fight?" Yuri's brows furrowed at the question.
"Did you take into account civilian lives when you were fighting at all?"
"How are you going to deal with the LOV now that they have made another move?"
"Is it true you had a hand in instigating this fight, Hawks?" Yuri froze as a female reporter pushed her microphone up towards him. Hawks made no move to answer the reporter and a glance at his face told Yuri he was at a loss.
"While it is true that Hawks had an inkling that something would happen, he had no way of knowing nor instigating such a fight. Hawks invited Endeavor to Kyushu because of rumors about Nomu appearing all over Japan," Yuri stepped forward, putting herself between Hawks and the crowd, "Together with Endeavor they were going to look into those rumors to find any truth to them. Obviously, he got a little too close to the sun and the league got scared enough to attack. Hawks is doing all that he can to keep his city and country safe. Recovery efforts are already underway with numerous volunteers as well as the sidekicks from both Hawks' agency and Endeavor's. It has been a trying day for not only the city but also its heroes, any more questions can be directed towards my email where we can discuss a more in-depth statement and any interviews that might be asked for." Yuri could feel Hawks' eyes on her, but she paid them no mind, "I have never seen you before, Ms-"
"Kizuki! I was passing through town when the fight occurred and a good reporter can never let such a juicy story go unwritten!" The female, Kizuki, boasted.
"Well then, Ms. Kizuki, we welcome you to our city," Yuri smiled and held out a business card with both hands, "Your questions intrigue me. Please feel free to send me an email or a phone call to discuss it further. Safe travels as well."
"And who are you?" Kizuki asked.
"I am the head secretary as well as the public relations officer for Hawks' agency. Any and all press gets directed through me." Yuri answered a smile on her face, catching the reporter's wrist as it reached out for her, "A good reporter also knows better than to get handsy with heroes." Yuri's smile was as sharp as a knife as she loosely held onto the offending appendage. Hawks stood behind her tense and ready to spring into action. Kizuki stared at her before pulling her arm away and nodding in agreement. Yuri grabbed Hawks' arms and directed him through the crowd towards a sedan waiting for them just beyond the gathering. Jay jumped out of the passenger seat and held the back door open for them to slide in. Yuri pushed Hawks in first before sliding down next to him.
"We figured you could use some help," Mockingbird glanced at them in the rearview mirror.
"You are godsent, Mockingbird," Yuri groaned slumping into the backseat, "I hate the press."
"You handle them well," Hawks stated as they began to drive out of the parking lot.
"Yes well it is in my job description," Yuri said.
"Just like taking over an agency is? I was unaware of that being in your skillset," Hawks uttered.
"Yeah, we were not expecting that, Yuri," Mockingbird agreed. Jay nodded along in the front.
"You're not going to let this go until I explain it to you, are you?" Yuri asked.
"Nope!" Hawks popped the 'p'.
"Can I explain at the office?" Yuri proposed shifting in her seat to look at the hero.
"Will I get a full explanation?" Yuri nodded, "Fine." The ride to the agency was quiet. Not unlike her ride to the hospital, but somehow Yuri felt more on edge and even more exhausted than before. How was she going to explain this? 'Yeah, I was also trained by the Hero Commission alongside you, but you don't remember me because they took those memories,' Yuri thought to herself, 'That would go over so smoothly. I took extra classes? He already knows I'm working with them. Crisis management. That might work.'
All too soon the ride was over and Yuri had a feeling she would either be unemployed or demoted in some capacity. The anxiety sat heavy in the pit of her stomach. This was a conversation that she did not want to have. Yuri followed behind the group of heroes letting them lead her through the office. The sound of clapping drew Yuri out of her head and looking around the entire agency was standing clapping for their hero. Office staff and other sidekicks rushed forward congratulating Hawks on his win. Hoops and hollers could be heard bouncing off the wall, and Yuri took this moment to sneak away to her desk. It would give her a few minutes of reprieve from everything going on around her and a moment to clear her head. This day just would not end.
Yuri fell into her chair as her as any energy was instantly zapped from her body. She sprawled herself in her chair staring up at the ceiling. A glance at the clock on her desk showed it was now entering night time. 'Might as well get some work done,' Yuri groaned. Logging into her computer, she brought up her email. 'Fuck!,' Yuri swore to herself, 'Over 100 unread emails?! It's only been a few hours since the fight!' She scrolled through not actually reading or doing much of anything. Her brain was mush. One email caught her eye though. It was from Phoenix. That wasn't right. He went dark. Yuri opened it confusing loitering over her face.
From: Phoenix
To: Snow Angel
Subject: Meeting
N 10°18'36.30" W 79°33'11.81" Midnight
It was the exact same email that she had received the night before. That really wasn't right. Yuri deleted the email and continued to scroll down. One, two, three, five, six. There were a multitude of emails from Phoenix. Something was wrong. She opened a few of them and each of them said the same exact thing. Exiting out, she searched his email to pull all of them up. They started at about noon and have been coming in every hour, each with the same coordinates and the same meeting time. Yuri's heart sped up. She wanted to reach for her phone and call him, but she couldn't risk exposure this early in the game.