Chapter 54: Season of Spring

"Need a hand, Kei?" Jean asks, looking over to her boyfriend trying to tie his red tie. The windows open, letting the cool March spring air into Hawks' Japan penthouse, a welcome breeze for Hawks who is getting hot in his black pleather dress pants.

"These things do not breath!" He exclaims, pulling his pants from his sticky legs. "And yes, please. I can't get this stupid tie on to save my life." He pouts as she giggles and goes to tie it for him.

"You're adorable when you pout like that, baby." She says.

"Seriously, these events are so ridiculous. They're just an excuse for The Commission to parade us around like we're their puppets. At least this year I get to be with you during it. Though it's going to be hard to... you know, keep my hands off you for that long."

"There." Jean kisses his cheek gently, earning happy rumble of a coo from him along with a smile.

"You act like it will be easy for me to keep my hands off you." She winks.

Hawks' Fierce Wings flutter. The warmth in his heart spreads to blushing cheeks. "Shall we go, Chickadee? It's almost 7 PM. As much as I'd love to show up fashionably late, I would be plucked for it."

"They will not! Even if they tried, your handlers would have hell to pay because you have an army behind you between me, Endeavor, and many others. I doubt they would want to cause that big of a raucous because we're a little late to this party you've been dreading to attend."

Jean straightens out Hawks' tan sport coat and wings. Hawks' shoulders relax as he leans into her touch.

Hawks' eyes slowly make their way from Jean's red heels to her teal dress, up to her waterfall-braided red hair, then into her eyes. He notices she has light make-up on, which he has never seen her wear before. His eyes' final stop follow the silver chain around her neck down to the red feather from his wing that hovers just above her breasts. He liked the necklace idea when he thought of it and even more when he gave it to her before she left to see her family, but seeing it around her neck made him love it.

God I love her.

.*.*.*.

As Hawks and Jean make their landing at the front doors of event center hall, their plan to fly under the radar is completely spoiled by the paparazzi. Hawks flashes a charismatic smile, switching on the hero persona reserved for the fans he adores and the press vultures he tolerates.

"Hawks!"

"Hawks!"

"Hawks!"

"Answer a few questions for us, please!"

"Are you dating?"

"Is she your girlfriend?"

"How long have you been seeing her?"

"Is it true you're teaming up more with heroes?"

"What do think of the newest fashion trend you're promoting?"

"Where's your friend from?"

The paparazzi continues firing off questions. Hawks laughs, keeping Jean close as he answers each question as cryptically as possible.

"Ahem." A deeper voice comes from behind the duo. "Hawks, Jean." Endeavor greets them:

"Oh, Endeavor! Hey!" Hawks smiles. As Endeavor approaches Hawks and Jean, the press erupts with even more questions. Endeavor answers a few questions courteously, then ushers Hawks and Jean inside.

.*.*.*.

"You've got great timing there, Endeavor. You swooped in to save the day." Hawks grins as he, Endeavor, and Jean find a place to unwind for a moment.

"They are relentless!" Endeavor exclaims about the press. "They will hold up any hero they see, day or night. Thanks for making an appearance today. I know these events aren't your favorite, but they are important. Jean and the X-men can speak from first-hand experience what happens if the public starts turning on their heroes." Endeavor turns to Jean. "And, Jean, it's a pleasure to finally meet you. Hawks talks about you a lot, and I appreciate how much you mean to him."

"Likewise, Endeavor. Birdie talks fondly of you more than you may know. Getting to know him — let's say it's one of the best things I've ever experienced in my life, so no need to thank me for it." Jean says.

.*.*.*.

Hawks leads the way around the building, picking up food and drinks along way. On the contrary, Jean follows, trying to briefly meet each hero as she passes them.

"You brought a plus-one, Birdie. I see she's a hottie." Mirko comes over with wine in her hand and grins. "I was hoping you'd come solo if you know what I mean. We both, uh, you know. In season."

"I don't see you with another person, Cotton Tail. Just you and that half empty glass of wine."

"Maybe because I wanted to keep my options open tonight... or was expecting one less person than arrived tonight~" she responds, glancing a Jean briefly.

"I hope you're not hitting on my boyfriend." Jean says while approaching Mirko and Hawks. She hands Hawks the plate of food Jean had prepared, then shoots a jealous glare at Mirko.

"Easy, girl. I'm not. It's just playful bantering. Tell me, does the hero that is too fast for his own good ring true in the bedroom or is in bed the exception to the rule?"

Both hawks and Jean blush brightly. "Sh-Shut up Cotton Tail. You don't need to know jack shit, you're just like this because spring is two weeks away."

Mirko winks, "That's right, the birds and bees come to play for us, Hawks. Anywho, I'm going chat a few newbies up. See you two around." She waves walking off.

Jean turns to face Hawks curiously. "What did she mean by that? Is there something you're not telling me, baby?" She asks, concerned.

Hawks runs his hand through his hair, looking around the room at anything but her inquisitive eyes.

"It's complicated... but the short version is that every spring, certain animal quirk users go through a heat-like cycle. Their biology is similar to the species' their quirk is based off."

This is embarrassing, and talking about it here makes it 10x worse.

Jean's hand touch his cheek, moving he is head up so their eyes would meet. "When is yours?" She replies excitedly.