Chapter 11 (Part Two): Test

You patiently waited in an over glorified lounge room in the heart of UA.


There were only a few others in there with you - all there for the same purpose as you.


To either qualify for UA, or a one-way ticket for an internship with a Pro Hero to become one themselves.


You kept to yourself though, as you sipped on your water bottle; huddled in the back of the space as you listened to the loud buzzing in the room next to yours. A signal of when someone's test began and ended.


Your mind then wandered to the text Hawks had sent to you this morning; wondering what he meant.


Thinking of said text, you pulled your phone out once again - looking at the message.


Bird Man
8:52 AM
"I'll see you soon, Kiddo!"


Was Hawks here? Or was he finally planning on stopping by to visit you?


The man was confusing, and you couldn't wait to tell him that.


But what you didn't know... was that certain Pro Hero was feeling every racing heart beat of yours, as his feather still kept close to you. And him... just in the other room.


********************


The Main Hall consisted of seats and a counter table surrounding an open arena. Though the arena was no bigger than a basketball court, it was still big enough to hold certain academic tests that were frequently held there.


The room was darkened by its ambient lighting as Pro Heroes, UA Faculty Members, members of the Hero Commission, and other Officials sat behind the elongated refectory table that lined the outer lining of the arena.


The constant chatter was of the candidates that had already tested and moved on. So far, none of them were super impressive. Nor had they qualified to move on to the next test.


The first test was to fight against a group of Quirk-using opponents... without using your own Quirk. Which is why Aizawa tested you to the max when you had first arrived at UA.


The second part of the test was to use your Quirk to fight against combat testing robots - also known as, Villain Bots at Ground Beta.


Just about Every Pro Hero sat in this room. Including All Might, the Number 1 - Endeavor, and of course... the Number 2 - Hawks.


The Heroes were made to make an appearance to these events, as they were to choose if a candidate caught their eye. And if so - the Pro Hero would invite to intern with them. Something similar to the Sports Festival. Depending on what said candidate wanted to do.


To no surprise, Hawks sat next to Endeavor, and Aizawa on his other side. The bird-like Hero had his boots up on the table; leaning back into his chair carelessly.


But as he leaned just a tad too far, Hawks' chair began to fall backwards. But the Pro Hero was quick as he flapped his wings to regain his balance; the small gust of wind fanning the Number 1's flames - as he propped his boots back on the table once more.


Endeavor side glared at Hawks - the bird-like Hero chewing on a tooth pick with a smile plastered across his face.


"If one of your feathers even touches me..." Endeavor continued. "I will burn it to a crisp."


"Awe, don't bite my head off, Endeavor." Hawks beamed. "And besides, you should try to lean back and relax some time. It's good for your health, Old Man."


Hawks was just a little too energetic today - mostly because he knew that he would eventually see you. And in action.


For the past month, he would purposely fly over your penthouse just to get a glimpse of you. He would never admit this to you as it was mostly at night. Unfortunately, he never got to see you train within UA. But the feather he had left with you sensed that you were working hard.


So with it being night time - you would either be gazing at the stars outside of your home, or reading a book.


He absolutely adored seeing you in such a natural state, and wished more than anything he could join you. But he fought against his desires due to his own insecurities. Never had a woman that he'd met only a handful of times catch his attention as strongly as you did.


But the last time he saw you, which was just last night... he had decided that he wouldn't deprive himself of your company any longer. Because it was only causing him to think of you even more; to the point of distracting him from his Hero work.


Thinking about the adorable reaction he would get out of you by simply being near you. Your cute flustered face, and the almost kiss that he wanted so badly to happen...


But as Hawks continued to think about last night - the solemn look in your eyes made him want to wrap you in the comfort of his arms - shield you with his wings from anything that brought you such a somber expression.


He didn't know exactly what you were thinking about at that second, but the moment he saw you twirl his feather around in your fingers - he literally felt every gentle caress within your palm. Your heart was at ease, your demeanor calm, and your touch meaningful. That much he could tell.


It was in that moment - he decided that he wouldn't let anyone else sweep you off your feet. He wanted to be the one to do that.


"Hey, I hear the next candidate is super attractive." An unrecognizable male Official mentioned just a few seats from where Hawks was sitting.


"I hear that she's quite the fighter too." Another man chimed in. "Apparently no one can beat her in the physical test."


"I saw her earlier. I'd give her a physical." The man wiggled his eyebrows.


Hawks squinted towards the men - wondering who they were exactly talking about. Could it be you, or...?? Grant it, he'd never seen you in any kind of physical combat. But you seemed so delicate at times... also inexperienced in certain aspects when it came to Hero work. And this test was no easy feat for anyone.


Yes, you had skills - and he knew that you were training for this day. But regardless of the outcome of the tests today, he was going to offer you an internship at his agency.


"Ho-ly damn." One of the men made it no secret as he ogled at the next candidate coming in.


Hawks curled his lip at the man's gesture, but the minute he looked up - he saw you. And fully coming to the realization that these men were indeed talking about you.


An unfamiliar tint of jealousy sparked within Hawks as he instantly retracted a few of his quills, pierced them through the collar of the men's shirts, and roughly pulled them backwards from their seats.


The toppling of their bodies hitting the ground echoed throughout the room - as Hawks chuckled in amusement. "Endeavor was against leaning back in your chairs." Hawks mused. "Sucks for you."


Endeavor eyed the bird-like Hero beside him as he pinched the bridge of his nose with his thumb and forefinger.


Hawks stood up, and as he did - you instantly turned your head in his direction.


"Oh! Hey there, Sweet Stuff!" Hawks made sure to acknowledge you loud enough for the men to hear him - as they were finally picking themselves up from the ground.


Hawks knew he was being petty, but it still annoyed him to no end as he sent a dilated glare towards the idiots. They definitely got the message.


You walked up to the Pro Hero, a tiny grin in return at his antics.


His Hero outfit always complimented him. The tight black shirt with a wavy golden pattern - like  a ripple in a pond, hugged to his frame nicely. His tan pants and jacket further accentuated his build. His raptor-like eyes bore into yours under the signature rounded-yellow visor upon his face.


As stubborn as you were, and as much as you didn't want to admit it... it was nice to see him again.


"I hope you're ready, Sweetheart." Hawks inched closer to you, his teasing eyes unmistakable - as you knew he was about to poke at you. "Might have to put the clinging-for-dear-life aside just for today."


You furrowed your brows at him. "What do you mean by that? If you're talking about the first time you pitched me into the sky - you hit me like a goddamn truck. Next thing I notice - I'm in the air!"


"Just about every time we fly, you're nervous. I told you to trust me."


"I'm afraid of heights. And I trusted you the last time, didn't I?" You retaliated.


Hawks then noticed Endeavor's judgmental eyes - wondering what in the world you two were talking about.


The winged-Hero noticed this right away, and came back with a statement before using his better judgement. "I saved this one from a run in with the League." A smug look danced across his face as he gestured his thumb in your direction.


"When did you and Miss L/N run into the League?!" A member of the Hero Commission stood up, her face in full interrogation mode.


Hawks' eyes lost all amusement as he froze and covered the lower half of his face with the collar of his jacket.


The Member of the Hero Commission thinned her lips. "You seriously failed to report that, Hawks?!"


"The report is on my desk!" The winged-Hero assured. "It just... needs to be written."


You almost snorted at Hawks' comebacks. You actually found him quite entertaining - but you didn't want to humor him just yet - so you fought to hold in your laughter.


"And besides..." Hawks continued as he leaned on his elbows across the table in front of him. "I've just been making sure this lovely thing here has been okay."


You rolled your eyes. "Tch."


"Hey, what's that supposed to mean?"


"I don't know what you're talking about." You turned your attention away from him and acknowledged Aizawa.


The member of the Hero Commission was watching the situation unfold in front of her as she questioned you and Hawks. "Do you two know each other?"


Hawks didn't hesitate. "Yes."


Your voice collided with his at the same time. "No."


"Okay, lets change that." Hawks exclaimed as he stood back up; catching your eyes with his. "I'll make a bet with you."


You pierced your lips. There were two things that got your competitive side going.


Dares. And bets.


Damn him.


"I'm listening." Your eyes forming into slits.


"If you pass this first test you're about to compete in... I'll use my arms as wings and squawk like a chicken."


You practically had to cover your mouth from bursting out laughing as Hawks continued. "But if you lose... you have to go on a date with me."


Without hesitation, you lifted your hand out towards him. "Deal."


"Oh?" Hawks smiled as he took your hand into his; giving a light shake on sealing the bet. "So quick to lose I see."


You only smiled as you started to make your way to the center of the small arena to prepare for your test.


Aizawa then leaned over to Hawks as the winged-Hero rested against the table; refusing to sit back down - so he may get a better view of your test. "I'd be careful with what you bet there."


"Oh, come on, Eraserhead." Hawks chimed. "I've seen what she can do. She will do great, no doubt about that! But I'm feeling confident today."


Aizawa simply left it at that, knowing full well what you were capable of. And here was Hawks - only going off of what he'd seen in the news. And Aizawa didn't know if he were more irritated at the fact that Hawks had little faith in your skills... or him just being an idiot. The Number 2 was very intelligent. But when it came to women... apparently that was a different story.


"Which reminds me!" Hawks cupped his mouth with both of his palms so that his voice could be amplified. "Go easy on my date there! I don't want her hurt!" He then put the tooth pick back in his mouth as he twirled it around with his tongue.


You bit the side of your cheek as a blush creeped up on you.


But your attention was quickly diverted as a line of your apparent opponents came filing in before you. All 12 of them.


You quickly evaluated each one; possibly guessing what their Quirks could be. Because you couldn't use your Quirk in this test... but they could.


You've got this.


You stood there at ease - fully confident in your abilities today.


And as soon as that loud 'buzz' emanated from the overhead speakers - the 12 opponents came rushing towards you.


You moved at the last second; colliding the back of your fist with someone's face.


The next person shot what looked like a gooey substance. But you were quick on your feet as you twirled in midair to avoid the goo - and landed on the tips of your toes and palms.


Your body retracted up faster than your opponent could keep up with, as you kicked in his shin - causing his leg to snap backward in an unnatural direction.


His cry of agony caused some Officials to recoil. "SHE BROKE MY LEG!!!!"


Without mercy, you dodged two other attacks. Sliding under a desk as you picked it up to shield yourself from a high-pressured water attack. You then tossed the table with everything you had towards the three bodies before it; the crushing force pinning them to the ground.


As you looked in your other direction, a tank of a man came rushing towards you as he roared with determination.


But... the bigger they are, the harder they fall.


You charged directly back at him, using his big knee as leverage and hoisting yourself up. You locked your legs around his neck, and twirled your body around - forcing the big man's equilibrium off as he crashed to the floor head first. With you landing ever so gracefully.


And before you knew it... you were the only one standing as the loud 'buzz' signaled that you were done.


You heaved heavily as you tried catching your breath, and when you looked over to Hawks - he was in the same exact position when you had last glanced at him. His face frozen, a barren look on his face as the tooth pick fell from his mouth. And he wasn't the only one in shock... because some of the Pro Heroes and Officials were just as dumbfounded looking as Hawks!


You chuckled in response as you then made your way back to the winged-Hero to claim your winnings. And as soon as you were standing in front of him, he broke out of his stiffened state as he slammed both of his palms on the table. "You never told me that you were THAT skilled in combat!"


"You never asked." You smirked. "Now pay up, Sweetheart."


Hawks' expression turned into an amused one as he pointed to you. "Ha!"


You remember what he tried betting over a month ago - about him getting you to call him 'Sweetheart'.


"It's been over a month." You corrected. "So that bet is nonvoid."


The entire room was silent - apparently waiting for Hawks to act like a chicken. Because he just so happened to make himself loud and clear when he had made the bet in the first place.


The Pro Hero chuckled nervously. "Here?"


"Mmhmm." You shook your head yes.


"Right now?" His teeth gritting into a fabricated smile.


"Right now." You urged.


Hawks refused to look around as he slowly tucked his hands into the pit of his arms to artificially form wings. And with one last shameful look in your direction, his voice echoed in the still and quiet room as he flapped his arms once. "Caw."


In that moment, even Aizawa lowered his face into his scarf - trying to hide the fact that he was threatening to smile. Even Endeavor had to get up from where he was sitting to avoid any kind of smirk that was ghosting his features.


"That was a Crow... but I'll take it." You smirked. "You know..." You inched closer to Hawks' flushed faced, your smile just about melting him on the spot. "You're cute when you're flushed."


And with that, you walked away.


Payback was a bitch.


The Rabbit Pro Hero, Mirko was giggling uncontrollably just a few seats over, and when Hawks noticed her phone out and facing him - one of his feathers shot out and slapped the device from her grip... which made her laugh even harder. "Oh, I like her." She snorted.


Hawks then smirked. "I do too." His playful demeanor never faltered. "Don't you dare post that."


Mirko choked on holding back the laugher. "Oh, don't worry, Bird Brain. This is for my entertainment."


Hawks couldn't help but to smile at how the tables had turned. You were surely going to be the death of him. And he didn't mind one bit.

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