You did your business in the wash room; Mirko only asking simple questions about you - such as your likes and dislikes. It was almost as if she were just trying to get to know you.

She was easy to talk to as well. And you came to the conclusion that Mirko was someone that you could get along with.

You soon found yourself with a glass of champagne in hand; mingling in a circle with Mirko and a few other women whom you didn't recognize.

You had seen Hawks just across the way talking to Endeavor and a few other Pros - him mouthing in your direction once more, 'Are you okay?'

You couldn't help but to smile. He was truly a gentlemen when he wanted to be. Always keeping an eye on you.

Yes, at times he was a tease and a jokester, but he would truly make sure that you weren't uncomfortable in any situation.

You were in the midst of conversation when an all too familiar set of music notes began to play.

You cocked your head to the side; quickly recognizing the song as one of your favorites.

The slow melody was comfort to your ears - as you were hearing something familiar from your world.

That was odd... were your worlds connected in a way? That was impossible, right?

But before you could fall into deep thought about that, you found your shoulders slowly rocking back and forth to the music.

"Ahem." A smooth voice cleared their throat. "May I have this dance?"

Hawks stood behind you; obviously noticing your like for the song and took this opportunity.

His hand was held out for you to reach for. Another threshold that he wanted you to cross on your own.

You respected that - one of his many qualities that you were beginning to fall for. He knew when to grab, and when to wait.

Mirko took the crystal glass from your hand - a smile that was probably bigger than yours stretched across the Rabbit Hero's face.

You nodded thanks in her direction, and graciously took hold of Hawks' hand - as he gripped yours softly, but firmly.

He began to lead you to the dance floor as your stomach began to fill with butterflies once again.

When the hell will your nerves calm down around this man?!

He then swung you around to face him; placing a hand firmly on your lower back - and his other supporting your palm under his.

Your bodies molded against one another - and the warmth of his abdomen sent goosebumps down your forearms.

Those crimson wings of his hung low - and slightly curled around your frame as you both harmonized your steps to the slow and steady beat of the music.

Your free hand found security gripping his bicep - the soft fabric of his blazer gave you that much more traction.

Hawks grinned. "Breathe."

You exhaled sharply, not even knowing that you were holding your breath. "Didn't know that I needed help breathing." You mused.

Hawks faintly chuckled - and you couldn't help the twinkle in your eyes when he did.

"You need to stop being so nervous around me, Kid. Makes me anxious."

You didn't say anything - only furrowing your brows. A silent frustration that even Hawks could read.

"How was your day?" He asked; trying to ease your tension.

"Eh, the hospital was... eventful." You subconsciously cringed, remembering the pain you had endured for young Thomas. But completely worth it in your eyes.

But... you also remembered something else from your 'eventful' day at work earlier. "I heard that you were at the Hospital in the dead-eye of the night."

Hawks sighed. "I was hoping to be a little more discreet. I must be losing my touch."

You squinted an eye the Hero in your arms. "Apparently you looked distressed."

Hawks' face held no emotion, and for a split second - this threw you off guard.

Yes, you were poking at him to see if he would fess up to the termination of Doctor Vance's career. You knew that fiasco couldn't be coincidence.

"I was taking care of some business." Hawks eyes were hooded with a shadow, and you took this offensively. Was the truth that hard to tell you?

"And Doctor Vance is permanently gone." You ushered.

"Good."

You were tired of his short answers, and just decided to jump the gun anyway. "I can take care of myself, ya know."

Hawks stopped swaying with you as he took a deep breath whilst closing his eyes in defeat.

He damn well knew that you weren't stupid. And he mentally cursed at himself for trying to brush your obvious inquiries aside. He wanted to be your 'knight in shining armor' by protecting you. Especially from degrading perverts like that Doctor. And this wasn't the way to go about being your protector.

Using his palm that still rested upon your lower back - Hawks suddenly pushed you even further into him as he started to sway with the music once again.

You swallowed hard - because his hold on you tightened significantly, and your face was practically buried into his chest now.

Your eyes fluttered for a second - Hawks content with how your body went completely limp and molded to him. You didn't deny or try to get away from his advances, and that put his nerves at ease.

"I know." He breathed into your ear. "I know that you can take care of yourself. But... just let me be cautious?"

You gently pulled your head away from him so that you could look into those eyes of his. His eyes told stories - more than his mouth would. And you wanted to catch a glimpse of those stories whenever you could.

"It took my entire life's training as a Hero to STAY a Hero." The seriousness laced within his tone. "What I really wanted to do to that Doctor... was Villain."

"I believe that there is a little Villain in all of us if I'm being honest." You reassured in a half grin. "It's really who we choose to be in certain circumstances. Because I know for sure... what we dwell on, is who we become."

Hawks' features turned almost looked puppy-like. His features soft, gentle, and couldn't take his eyes off of you.

"Ya know, Kid..." Hawks paused, almost as if he were straining with what he was about to say. "I'm sorry that I'm not completely honest at times. I hope to reveal everything at the right time. But... right now is just too dangerous. So if anything I say or do that upsets you, please let me know. Or at least let me explain."

You pierced your eyes, trying to puzzle together with what he was trying to tell you.

"Okay." Was all you could respond. "And... thank you. For taking care of that issue at the Hospital. You probably handled it better than I ever would have." You beamed - reassuring that his actions were that of a Hero. Someone who cared.

And that was all the justification that he needed - as the hand he was using to hold yours slid up to your heated cheek.

You welcomed his touch; leaning into his palm and closing your eyes in return - basking in his tenderness.

But as you opened your eyes, you found him already leaning in - his forehead now touching yours.

Your eyes widened as they met his - and your noses kissed for a fraction of a second. Hawks then lifted his head - and you felt his gentle breath against your surface.

His lips then pressed into your temple; his mouth curving into a smile against your skin.

You felt your entire body focusing on just that one spot - relishing in his velvet kiss to your sensitive skin.

He then pulled away and angled his head - his intentions quite clear as he nuzzled your lips with his.

Your gaze was bashful, as you fluttered your eyes shut - your heartbeat in your ears.

Hawks gently caught your bottom lip in his; then pressed firmly against your mouth.

You gripped his bicep in response; his arm flexing under your hold as his mouth molded to yours.

Your lip then began to quiver under his when your mind flooded with a stampede of thoughts.

The kiss before in the Library was lustful. This one... this one had feeling behind it.

He took his time with this kiss. It was gentle... slow. And in public display.

You suddenly became self conscious - completely forgetting the public setting that you both were in.

You gently pulled away, but not without fully taking in the sight before you.

Keigo Takami... looking vulnerable and content. A few strands of his sandy-blonde hair had cascaded over the triangular design that complimented his eyes, giving him a sultry look.

You grit your teeth. 'Fuck, this is gonna hurt.' You thought to yourself - thinking that this was too good to be true, and this man was going to break your heart.

'Give him a chance.' You reminded yourself.

"Winged Hero, Hawks." An elderly lady with slicked back ash-blonde hair approached the Pro Hero and yourself.

She wore a tailored black suit, and her presence screamed of authority.

You recognized this woman, and her name was unknown. All you knew... was that she was the President of the Hero Public Safety Commission. And judging the look upon her face... she didn't look too pleased.

The tension in Hawks' shoulders returned as he released you from his hold.

"A moment?" The President asked the Pro.

"Yeeep. Be right there." Hawks half saluted with his fore and middle finger as the woman walked but a few feet away and waited for him.

"Sorry, Sweet Stuff. I promise I won't be long." Hawks gave your hand a reassuring squeeze. You nodded in return as he followed the President.

As you watched him disappear in the crowd, you turned towards the stage - settling your attention on the cellist and violinist performing their slow and placid sounds for the party.

Only a few minutes had passed when Izuku interrupted your tranquil state. "Y/N?"

You blinked away your haze. "Hey! What's up, Izuku?"

"Mister Aizawa wanted to speak with you. I assume it's about starting class. He's waiting down the hall to the right."

"Thank you." You smiled. "How's your head?"

The green-hired boy chuckled. "Ah, it's perfectly okay! I've suffered through much worse!"

"Take care of yourself, or I will." You playfully threatened. "And thank you."

Izuku flushed at your words; his freckles practically danced upon his cheeks as you made you way in the direction he pointed.

The crowd was much less in this part of the building, but you thought you could hear voices up ahead.

Were you going the right way?

"Are you sure? We could put her in tr-..."

It was the President's voice, but she was cut off by none other than Hawks.

You turned the corner to get a full view of them - but they hadn't noticed your presence just yet.

"I am sure." His voice was stern. "She means nothing to me. I just needed a date for the Gala. The media wanted a story, so there ya go."

You couldn't believe what you had just heard, and the sound of your unintentional hiccup echoed in the hallway as both the President and Hawks whipped around to face you. And the sheer shock across his face just made things worse for you.

You wanted to cry. Throw your heated anger at the man before you. But you held your pride and tried hiding your now glossy eyes.

"I-I'm sorry to interrupt." Your voice cracked. "Mister Aizawa told me to meet him in this area. I-..."

"L/N?" The scruffy voice of your UA Teacher arose.

'Perfect timing, Aizawa.' You thought as he appeared just around the corner behind you... and apparently just a few seconds too late.

"Thank you for meeting me. I-..."

But before Aizawa could finish, you cut him off. "You have my number, Sir. Please send me the details or give me a call tomorrow. I do believe that my night has come to an end."

Hawks sucked in his breath as he reached out for you in panic. "Y/N!"

You flinched away from him. "Don't. I completely understand, Hero."

Aizawa instantly glared at the Winged Hero. Cursed words forming at the tip of his tongue - but held back due to the President of the Commission standing there.

You turned around and quickly made your way back to the main Hall; your eyes frantically looking for the exit.

"Y/N!" Hawks flapped his wings in the already crowded area, giving him a little boost off of the floor so that you could see him coming straight for you.

Your chest was on fire, and your fight or flight kicked in.

'Flight.' You thought as you looked over to the balcony to your right.

You hastily started to make your way to the open balcony; trying to not bump into the people around you.

Hawks cried out to you; him not being so conscious of the bodies around him. The distress in his eyes and voice were easy to tell - as he desperately tried making his way to you without making too much of a scene.

But some already noticed.

"Back off, you over grown bird."

Katsuki Bakugo stepped directly in front of Hawks. His piercing red eyes were on fire as they glared at the Number 2 whom stopped in his tracks.

"Looks like she is trying to get away from you." Katsuki growled; crossing his arms.

"Step aside, Kid." Hawks tried sounding collected, but Katsuki knew better.

"Apparently I'm not the kid here." Katsuki's temper flared, and even he was surprised with himself that he wasn't yelling at the top of his lungs.

"Kacchan..." Izuku stood at Katsuki's side. "I'd leave Hawks be."

Izuku could see the yellow tint in Hawks eyes start to glow - and the glare between Katsuki and the Number 2 was not going unnoticed.

Izuku snaked his arm around Katsuki's forearm. "Kacchan-..."

"Dammit, you damn nerd!!!" Katsuki lost it. "DON'T TOUCH ME AND TELL ME WHAT TO DO!! This dumbass is..."

Hawks took this chance to slip around the two Heroes in training.

'I don't have time for this shit.' Hawks thought. 'Y/N could already be gone.'

Hawks could still see you making your way through the crowd, but you were now even further away from him.

"Y/N!" He cried out once more, zigzagging through the crowd and hopping up and down. He even contemplated flying in such a tight space just to get to you faster.

"Ah, shit. He fucked up." Present Mic leaned over a railing next to Mirko - who was in the same leaning position as he was as they watched Hawks hop through the crowd.

"Mmhmm." Mirko nodded, disappointed and yet... "Hand over the cash."

Present Mic pulled out a few bills; slapping the cash into Mirko's hand as she snickered.

"You know..." Present Mic started. "That is kinda messed up that you would bet against your friend."

"Hawks has no sense when it comes to girls." Mirko stated. "And Y/N is no 'girl'. That is a woman. A strong one at that. He was bound to say or do something stupid on a first date. But in my defense -" Mirko held up her index finger, animating her point. "I tried giving him advice earlier."

"This isn't very Plus Ultra of us." Present Mic cocked his brows.

"Ah, if I know Hawks as well as I do, and if my womanly intuitions are correct with how much I know he cares for Y/N... he'll fix it. Pretty Boy just has to live and learn. Hopefully Y/N is the one. I like her."

"I do too."

**********

You stood upon the Gala balcony; ripping the bottom of your dress and tying the extra cloth in between your legs to avoid any unnecessary air flow.

You climbed atop of the railing... and let yourself drop.

You thought you could hear Hawks' voice still in the crowd, but you ignored it.

The stinging of the cold air instantly pierced your lungs, and the sprinkling water that came from the black clouds overhead felt good against your overly heated skin.

Your veins then began to glow that faint blue, and your wings sprouted out like a newborn butterfly.

Your feathers caught the wind; instantly and roughly hoisting you up as you darted into the vast and cloudy heavens.

You didn't look back, and as soon as you were one with the ever changing sky... you began to cry.

Hawks' words kept echoing in the back of your head... 'She means nothing to me'.

You grit your teeth as the anger rose in your gut - and you violently flapped your wings.

'I just needed a date for the Gala'.

Your heart stung, and a cry of outrage reflected in your ears.

'The media wanted a story, so there ya go'.

You jettisoned even higher - as fast as you could. Letting the unforgiving gusts of wind implode against your hair and skin.

Your eyes were having the hardest time though, the velocities you were hitting were instantly drying them - even with the rain becoming heavier by the minute.

You were now soaked to the bone, and decided to get your sense of direction in order.

Flying out in a possible storm was dangerous... and you were surely to catch a cold if you stayed out here for a length of time, especially with what you were currently wearing.

It only took about 10 minutes to arrive at your home... and you were soaked to the bone; shivering as if you were having a seizure.

After ripping the feather necklace from your neck and tossing it to the floor, you made your way to the shower. Washing away whatever heartbreak you may have felt. You let your frustrations go out in that storm... now, a neutral feeling overcame you.

Hawks was still a good man. And an even better Hero. And you came to the conclusion that he needed to do what he needed to do for his Hero work.

Though... it was absolutely fucked up with how he led you on...

'What I really wanted to do to that Doctor... was Villain'.

Hawks' words haunted you once again. But why that specific sentence?

You sat down on your couch, bundling yourself up in the warmth of fluffy blankets as the fire crackled and danced in the nearby fireplace.

Your mind kicked into overdrive; setting aside your hurt feelings for a second.

'I'm sorry I'm not completely honest at times. I hope to reveal everything at the right time.'

More of his words poured into your consciousness. He was trying to tell you something. And thinking more and more about Keigo's character... he was definitely the type to throw hidden messages to certain people. He was a trained spy, and depending on what case he was working on, he truly could not be completely truthful due to the risk of breaking his cover... or worse...

'But... right now is just too dangerous. So if anything I say or do that upsets you, please let me know. Or at least let me explain.'

Did you overreact?

No... he was expressing those hurtful words to the President of the Commission. Why would he be saying such stuff to them?

"Fuck this." You finally decided to deal with this in the morning. It was already a long night, and you were mentally exhausted.

You stood up; letting the blanket that was wrapped around your frame fall back to the couch as you made your way to the oak upright piano that resided against the wall near the fireplace.

You had picked up this beautiful instrument a few weeks ago. Since the Commission was supplying you with generosity, you decided to invest in one of the few things that brought you comfort.

You had never taken a piano lesson in your life... but something would just take over when your fingertips hit the ivory keys. Almost as if the music guided your instincts; placing your hands in just the correct positions - emanating the most beautiful sounds that could be produced.

You sat upon the cushioned bench, tucking your tank top in your sweat pants as you rested your palms over the keys.

And as you began to play a simple harmonious note, a series of loud knocks came from your sliding glass door that led to your balcony patio.

The flash of giant vermillion wings mirrored in the glass of the sliding doors against the darkened night...