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Tokoyami was staring down at his box of fried chicken. Next to him, Hawks was munching on his own portion quite loudly, looking over the city landscape, from the tall building’s ledge they were sitting on. It was the end of their patrol, and Hawks had decided some celebratory food was in order, so here they now were. The sun was barely visible from behind the various Shizuoka skyscrapers, and the last rays of the sun were slowly vanishing as evening turned to night, blanketing the city with a quiet kind of darkness. A blessed requiem, for those who dwelled in the city. Tokoyami took one of the chicken wings from the box, and offered it to dark shadow, to its absolute delight.
Hawks moved his eyes to observe Dark Shadow gobble down the food in amusement, a small smirk on his face. “Say, do you know where the food ‘Shadow eats goes? Do you feel any more full from it?”
Hawks never shied away from asking about Dark Shadow. Some might have considered it rude, but to Tokoyami, it was quite refreshing, just how brazenly he asked. Adults often either danced around the subject, or ignored them entirely. Maybe it was to do with how quirks seemed to grow stranger and more stronger with every new generation, but most adults didn't really know how to deal with it, and especially not with Dark Shadow. In that regard, Hawks was an outlier. Dark Shadow never seemed to bother him, even as Hawks had seen its destructive powers, its uncontrollable nature. He simply marveled and questioned it, but never in a patronizing or fearful manner. Truthfully, Tokoyami wasn't sure what to think of Hawks. Everytime he felt closer to understanding him, it was like another more complex new layer was revealed below.
“Not really, as far as I can tell, it simply disappears. However, Dark Shadow isn't capable of eating much. And, also, while I do not really feel any more energized from it, Dark Shadow is usually in a better mood afterwards.”
Tokoyami didn’t need to mention how Dark Shadow didn’t require any kind of sustenance, as that was something that had already come up during his internship. For as much as Hawks liked leaving his sidekicks in the dust, he also bought them food quite often also. Another strange quirk of his. Or maybe it was just some weird thank you/apology, all in one. But then again, Tokoyami had become much better at keeping up with Hawks, yet he still insisted on paying for his food, despite Tokoyami's protests.
“Hmm, so the next time Dark Shadow starts acting wildly, I could just bribe him with some apples, I’m hearing?”
The suggestion was clearly said lightheartedly, but Tokoyami answered it seriously either way.
“You would need to calm down Dark Shadow first, before you could offer them food, which would make it mostly a moot point. But afterwards, it could certainly work to keep them relaxed.”
Tokoyami for one had bribed Dark Shadow with treats many a times in his life. Case in point, now. He offered Shadow another small piece of chicken.
Hawks snorted. This was how many of their conversations went, the same song and dance. Hawks would joke and jibe, and Tokoyami would answer seriously, maybe with some sarcasm. Yet, as unserious as Hawks appeared to be, Tokoyami knew he carefully noted down everything he heard. Another strange quirk of his. The things he said, the way he said them, rarely matched with what he actually thought. But sometimes, they did. An enigma of a man, Hawks was.
It had taken Tokoyami a while to understand this aspect of him, and maybe, he was never supposed to. It certainly had soured their mentorship in the beginning. But now, in retrospect, Tokoyami wonders if it had been a purposeful distance. If so, Hawks had greatly underestimated Tokoyami’s stubbornness. If anything, being callous and distant had only fueled his motivation. Some may call it spite. But for as socially intelligent as Hawks was, it was obvious he had never had a teenage student before.
But as Tokoyami had come to spent more and more time with Hawks, he had come to see the thoughtfulness and calculation in everything he did. Hawks would downplay it, except on the occasions where he would theatrically boast about it, playing into an egotistical hero role, but it was still clear to Tokoyami. Even now, as they sat on the rooftop, it could be noticed with careful observations, though Hawks had not made any mention of it.
The sun was disappearing, yet Tokoyami did not feel uncomfortable. Why? Because the building right next to them had bright multicolor billboards, and the building behind them had overnight skylights. It allowed Tokoyami to admire the city at night, without Dark Shadow growing restless, something he had offhand mentioned enjoying months ago . How convenient it was, that Hawks had chosen this specific spot for their late night brunch.
Hawks threw a piece of chicken in the air, and easily caught it with his mouth. Shadow clapped in amusement. Hawks then lazily swung another chicken wing in Tokoyami’s direction, playfully pouting.
“ Well , I'm glad Dark Shadow is enjoying the food, at least. You've barely touched it.”
Tokoyami paused. It was… true. He had been so deep in his thoughts, that he had barely eaten anything himself. Naturally, Hawks would have noticed. Tokoyami hesitated for just a moment, but answered in an even tone.
“Apologies, I must be more tired than I realized. We have a troubling exam approaching soon.”
Hawks hummed in response, in a way that wouldn't necessarily betray his opinion, but was friendly enough to keep the conversation flowing.
“Is that also why you've been so distracted during patrol, then?”
Ah.
Tokoyami felt a metaphorical trap tighten around him, as Hawks’ calculating golden eyes stared directly at him. Dark Shadow settled on his shoulder.
“Tokoyami, while I might not know many teens, even I know you have excellent control over your feelings compared to your peers. Something like a ‘troubling exam’, isn't enough to throw you off this much.”
Maybe Tokoyami should’ve seen this coming. He had just thought about how observant Hawks was. But he hadn’t thought Hawks would actually bring it up . This was usually one of those silent observations, a raised eyebrow, a ‘keep up the pace’ and a slap on the back. Was he really so distracted, that even Hawks had to call it out? Easygoing, do what you want as long as you don’t get in my way, Hawks?
Tokoyami looked down, breaking the eye contact.
“Ah it's… Truly nothing important. I apologize for not having paid enough attention during patrol, despite it being a gracious opportunity for me to learn. I understand it is my failure as a hero trainee. I also could have endangered others with my actions, and so I humbly recognize my fault.”
Tokoyami bowed his head in apology, Dark Shadow doing the same next to him, shame swirling in his gut. But as he lifted his head, he saw… Hawks blink, a little surprised? Then he waved his hand, as if to blow the apology away.
“Hey now, no need to beg for forgiveness! While it's good to self evaluate, nothing bad actually happened during the patrol, and I trust you would’ve focused up if we had dealt with anything more serious than some ruffians and lost pets.”
Tokoyami was still slightly reeling on the casual use of ‘trust’ from the number 3 hero, when Hawks sighed and continued.
“Damn, I'm really not that good at these kinds of talks, am I? What I meant to say is … Is everything alright with you? You haven't really been yourself today.”
Tokoyami paused, baffled. Was he… Was Hawks trying to have a heart to heart discussion with him?
The only other time something similar had happened, was back when Hawks had taken him flying that one faithful night during his internship.
And Tokoyami had figured it’d been done partially out of guilt and pity. But there was no such reason here now.
In front of him, Hawks looked exasperated.
“C’mon, no need to look that surprised.. Can’t a mentor ask about his mentee's wellbeing?”
Tokoyami schooled his face to a more neutral expression, closing his slightly hanging jaw.
“Apologies, it's just.. You haven’t asked before, not like this. Closest you have been to asking about my wellbeing, was back when I had been too focused on running after you, and I had mistakenly crashed into the unforeseen barrier dividing two worlds.”
Or, as Hawks had said back then, between catching his breath from laughing too hard, ‘you mean you ran into a window!?’. Even now, he looked amused at being reminded of it, though Tokoyami had an inkling that the amusement was largely due to his wording of the events that transpired, than the event itself.
Eventually, Hawks’ expression sombered a bit, and he looked down to the streets, at the few pedestrians still milling about, despite the late time. Tokoyami could see two girls, with snake-like hair, walking hand in hand. Siblings, maybe. Hawks shrugged his shoulders.
“I have to start somewhere, right?... But also, don’t think you can distract me with other topics. Tell me, what's been bothering ‘ya?”
Tokoyami… Felt speechless. How should he react to this? For as much as he enjoyed dramatically lamenting about his life, he had never been good at personal conversations. Well, with anyone other than Dark Shadow and his grandpa, that is. Even after the disaster of the summer camp, he had barely talked with Hound dog or Aizawa.
Hawks was someone Tokoyami had grudgingly come to admire a lot. The idea of opening up to him was, quite frankly, a bit mollifying.
As the silence continued, Hawks’ wings ruffled a bit. It wasn’t anything significant, and certainly not something anyone would’ve ordinarily made a notice of, surely not on a windy rooftop like this, but Tokoyami recognized it. Because it was the same way his head feathers would look like sometimes, when he felt nervous.
“...Or maybe you don’t want to talk to me about it, uh, that’s fine too. You should still talk to someone though, doesn’t your school have professional counselors and shit?”
Hawks was starting to backtrack, taking the silence as rejection. It was strange to see him like this, so hesitant. It was nothing like the image of himself he usually portrayed. Then again, heavy discussions also weren't really Hawks’ style either. Finally, Tokoyami found his words again.
“No, it's.. I just was not expecting this, apologies, give me a moment. Since I am doing patrols with you, perhaps it’d be better if you knew.”
Tokoyami took some deep breaths in. Something which he’d been taught to do, ever since he was a child, whenever his emotions started feeling overwhelming. He tugged at the rim of his cloak. It was nice and warm, on the chilly rooftop. Dark Shadow hugged him lightly. They had been bigger than average all day, and right now they were about Tokoyami’s size. Tokoyami sighed.
“It is a personal problem… But my grandfather's health has been declining recently, and he's been in and out of the hospital all week. It's been causing me some stress. Especially since now that I’ve been living in the dorms, I haven't been able to visit him much.”
Hawks stilled. Whatever he had been expecting Tokoyami to say, it certainly wasn't this. He almost appeared to flounder for a moment, uncharacteristically lost for words. Yet, he was patently considering Tokoyami’s words, not smiling or trying to lighten the mood with jokes. After a moment of silence, he softly replied.
“You should've gone to visit your grandpa, then, instead of coming on patrol with me. It's the weekend, and I'm sure your teachers would've given you permission, considering the situation”
Before he could even finish the sentence, Tokoyami was already shaking his head.
“No… it's not like that. My grandfather lives in the Saga prefecture, and he would've just been upset if I was using my weekends to go visit him all the time. We call often enough.”
Tokoyami fiddled with the piece of cape in his hands. Hawks quietly waited.
“It's just.. It's upsetting how out of my control the situation is for me. I care about my grandpa a lot. But his health hasn’t been good for a long time.”
Even before applying for UA, his health hadn’t been good. It had made Tokoyami’s choice to go study somewhere else difficult, but grandpa himself had always insisted that the highschool options in Karatsu weren’t that great. That Tokoyami should follow his ambitions, to not live in regrets.
“He was always my biggest supporter in becoming a hero. It wasn't something he had ever personally wanted to be, but he saw how much it mattered to me, and despite the dangers, he always encouraged me to follow my dreams.
The fact that I’m here at all is largely thanks to him. Yet at the same time, I feel like I'm abandoning him. I know it doesn't make sense, but..”
The more he talked, the more Tokoyami felt like the words were simply spilling out of his mouth, wholly unable to stop them. Hesitantly, he risked a glance towards Hawks face, and the quiet compassion he saw, the willingness to listen, finally made the metaphorical dam break.
“Growing up.. I was often told my quirk was villainous. It was usually done jokingly, or maybe it wasn't said directly, but I understood the idea. Some extreme cases even said I was possessed by a demon.”
That's what life was like, growing up in a rural city. With smaller populations, there was less variety in quirks too, and Tokoyami’s sentient quirk was very unique even on a global scale. It really had no chance of being accepted.
“But my grandpa never doubted me. If anything, he would turn those things around. Possessed by a demon? How metal, he'd said. Admittedly, he was always very into occult stuff. I guess it's where I got my interest of it from. But nonetheless, he showed me that not everything dark was scary. That it could be mysterious and interesting and cool.”
And it had been a genuine interest for him. He would show Tokoyami antique objects, and tell mysterious and scary stories connected to them. He would narrate mythological tales, and legends about Yokai, with grandeur voices. He made Tokoyami not fear the dark, but appreciate the secrets hidden within, and the safety it offered.
“It mattered not what others thought of me, and that I would always have an ally in him and Dark Shadow.”
And that was the most important thing to Tokoyami. Growing up, while he didn’t really have many friends, or parents, he always had Dark Shadow and his grandpa. And that was enough.
Since those days, many things have changed. Tokoyami has made new friends who accept him without fear or judgment, he plays in a band with others, he enjoys trips to amusement parks, and he even has teachers he admires and trusts. But despite all these new experiences, he still valued his grandpa’s support all the same. And that's what made it so painful, not being there for him. It was difficult to put into words.
But Hawks did not rush him. Did not pry. He let Tokoyami gather his thoughts, and say what he wanted at his own pace. For the fastest hero, he could be quite patient. He strangely reminded Tokoyami of his grandpa, in that way. Grandpa, who was always patient with Tokoyami, even when he had been a scared kid with a dangerous quirk.
“I probably should’ve mentioned it earlier… But my parents died when I was only 5 years old. It was a tragic accident, a villain attack. I was there too, but I don’t really remember anything about it. Trauma, physical and physiological, the doctors told me.”
In the chaos of the attack, Tokoyami had been separated from his parents. It was both a miracle and thanks to Dark Shadow, that Tokoyami had survived, with but a small injury to his head.
In the dim lighting, Hawks looked at him with sympathy. As a pro hero, he was probably very familiar with such stories, but he still looked genuinely regretful. He was a good hero, like that.
“My grandpa took me in, back then. I had no other living relatives. I hadn't seen much of him before that moment, but it wasn’t because my parents had a bad relationship with him or anything, he just traveled a lot, and lived in a different prefecture. I mostly remembered the gothic Victorian style house he lived in, and all the bizarre mementos and furniture he owned. But he took me in, no hesitation.
He wasn’t an avian hybrid. I got those features from my dad's side of the family. But as soon as he adopted me, he did his best to learn anything about it he possibly could. He had earlier too, when I’d just been born, but this was a different level. He would read books and online forums, always asking me if there was anything I needed. Funnily, he was always worried that he wasn’t enough, couldn’t provide enough familiarity for me. But he was more than enough. He did more than anyone else did.”
Tokoyami could tell this part of the story especially resonated with Hawks, from the bittersweet smile that appeared on his face. Suddenly, Tokoyami wondered what kind of life the top 3 hero had. There was barely any information about his personal life online, and he never told any stories of his family or youth. Tokoyami always thought he was just a private person, but thinking of the words he had told him that one fateful day, of birds of feather keeping together, he couldn’t help but wonder.
“He had a shadow quirk. My mom hadn’t inherited it, she was born quirkless, not that grandpa minded it at all, but his quirk was always fascinating to me. He had the ability to control shadows however he wanted. Those shadows couldn’t interact with physical objects, but he would always use them to make the most dramatic entrances, and he would occasionally make me little shadow puppet shows. That was the name of his quirk, Shadow puppet.”
Presumably, that's where Tokoyami inherited Dark Shadow from. It wasn’t clear how a shadow control quirk managed to change into a sentient shadow quirk, but sometimes quirks could drastically mutate like that. Tokoyami wasn’t really familiar with his dad’s side of the family, but his dad’s quirk had supposedly just been his bird features.
On that subject, Hawks also had quite a complicated quirk, something which Tokoyami had related to, when he had found out more about it. Not only did Hawks have wings and other avian features, he could also control each feather telekinetically, sharpen them into blades, and even sense surroundings from them. Tokoyami sometimes pondered what kind of quirks did Hawks’ parents have. Were they both perhaps avian heteromorphs?
“For myself, I actually got my quirk very early on, when I was only 2 years old. Apparently, Dark Shadow had simply appeared one day, and I had acted like it had always been there. Maybe it always had existed, inside of me. I for one cannot remember a time when dark shadow wasn’t alongside me.
But, so, even if we sometimes struggle with control, I would not trade dark shadow for anything. While they reflect my inner turmoil, they truly only wish to protect me. They are my dear friend, unlike anything else. Really, it's thanks to Dark Shadow I was able to become a hero."
At being mentioned, Dark Shadow nuzzled into Tokoyami’s cheek. His oldest, most loyal friend. An annoying younger sibling. A faithful guardian, always vigilant. There was no one title to describe Dark Shadow, but it also wasn’t needed. Dark Shadow was its own unique existence. Hawks smiled as he watched them interact.
Dark Shadow could be unexpectedly shy in terms of appearing in front of other people, partially from the mistreatment they had sometimes faced in their youth, but it was perfectly comfortable around Hawks. It made Tokoyami feel content.
In fact, while the discussion had started off very somberly, it had slowly changed into a much more nostalgic mood at some point. Tokoyami hadn’t even noticed. It had felt so natural, just talking to Hawks. Usually, it was the other way around, Hawks talking a lot while Tokoyami listened, but this was nice, once in a while. Like a mess of thoughts and words had been emptied out from Tokoyami’s brain. Albeit, the price appeared to be his very dry feeling throat.
As if having developed a mind reading ability at some point, Hawks threw a water bottle at him.
“You’ve been talking the last 10 minutes, I imagine your throat would be dry.”
Tokoyami opened the sealed cork, and took a big gulp. Water, the refreshing nectar of the gods, never has it tasted better.
“Thank you.”
Hawks waved it off, with a cock of his head.
“Hey, no problem. It's the least I can do, I wasn't a very good conversation partner”
Tokoyami blinked, as he considered the words.
“Sometimes, what a person needs, is someone willing to listen. And you did exactly that.”
Hawks smiled brightly. Tokoyami suddenly got the impression, that he’d been waiting for those words.
“And I’m glad to hear that. But you better remember that advice yourself, kid. Sometimes, you tend to get inside your head about things, but never feel reluctant about sharing your feelings. It might seem easier to bottle up everything, but I assure you, it's not gonna be great in the long run. Lots of heroes burn out like that.”
Sometimes, it was difficult to tell whether Hawks was just speaking in general, or maybe about himself, but considering the intensity in his words, Tokoyami had an inkling it might’ve been the latter. Tokoyami nodded.
“Understood.”
Hawks nodded also, satisfied his words had been heard. He had a very warm expression. With a little cough, Hawks spoke again.
“...But, really, I am honored you felt comfortable enough to open up about so much to me. I am always willing to listen, if you ever feel like you need someone to talk to.”
Tokoyami scratched his beak in embarrassment. He really had not intended to say so much, but he was glad he had. Hawks laughed lightly, but then seemed to remember something.
“Oh, and about the other thing… Saga is pretty close to Fukuoka, and I'm pretty sure there's a direct train line to Karatsu. So, if you ever feel like visiting your gramps, feel free to contact me. I know traveling can be hard with all the safety precautions, but I'm pretty sure we could arrange someone from my agency accompanying you. Hell, I could fly you over pretty fast.”
Tokoyami’s jaw fell open. He hadn’t expected an offer like this, when he had opened up about his grandpa. It was already difficult enough with arranging permissions and supervisions on traveling in general, so he really didn’t expect the personal offer. But Hawks wasn’t done speaking.
“If you ever wanna do a longer visit, I could probably arrange some kind of work study thing for you? I often do work in Saga also, neighboring prefectures and all. Maybe a stakeout, or an undercover mission? Eraserhead could maybe agree, with enough convincing. The school boards are really pushing for more work experience for the students.”
Hawks continued prattling about plans, and even some sightseeing spots? As Tokoyami tried to follow along. Surely, Japan's top hero had other more important stuff to do, than help a random 15 year old?
Feeling a lot more like a fish on land, than a bird, Tokoyami finally managed to utter out a few words;
“Why.. Why are you so eager to help me?”
Hawks turned towards him, with an overly dramatic pout. He flicked his finger to Tokoyami’s forehead.
“‘Cause I’m your mentor, duh.”
Tokoyami must’ve looked unconvinced, because Hawks sighed for the nth time in the day.
“Okay, so, maybe I haven’t been the best mentor for you, but I really am trying to be better. This is new for me too, y'know. And, as reluctant as I was in the beginning to teach, I do think you kids are the future of Japan, and I do want to be a good role model.
But, even more important than that, I do think you're a good kid Tokoyami, and I want to help you . What kind of a hero would I be, if I ignored a kid in need of some help? Not the type of hero, I would ever want to be.”
The last two sentences were said in a wistful sort of way, as Hawks' eyes roamed over the city skyline, with a certain quality of sadness to them. And, despite everything, Tokoyami believed Hawks. Really, despite Hawks’ apparent disbelief, he had never stopped believing in him. Tokoyami considered his next words carefully.
“Maybe you haven’t been the best mentor… But I have always believed that you're a great hero. I’ve just.. Had a difficult time believing you would dedicate such time and effort for me. But, really, you’re a great hero to me, please do not sell yourself short. And, I’m sure you'll become an even better mentor. As far as I can tell, you already have.”
Blinking a few times in response, the sad edge finally left Hawks' eyes, to Tokoyami’s relief. In fact, a little bit of his usual mirth seemed to return. Hawks then looked up to the sky, and stretched his wings. They reached far, engulfing him in the center of it all. He almost appeared smaller, like this.
Hawks lifted his arm, for a fistbump.
“Hmm, I guess we're both still learning, huh. We better go Plus Ultra then, right?”
Tokoyami smiled, and reciprocated the fist.
“That is the UA way.”
“All in all, this was… quite mentor-like of you.”
Hawks turned towards him, from the moon he'd been admiring, one eyebrow raised.
“...Hah! What a compliment. Or maybe I should be insulted?”
With a completely dry tone, Tokoyami replied.
“It's a compliment.”
Indignant, Hawks reached out and ruffled the feathers on Tokoyami’s head. It wasn't uncomfortable, and he scratched his feathers in a way that felt nice. Like how grandpa does. While Hawks didn't have a bird head, Tokoyami suddenly wondered if people often tried touching his wings.
“Aren't students supposed to respect their teachers?”
“Hmm, you're slowly getting there.”
“You little shit.”
But it was said fondly. More fondly than Tokoyami could remember Hawks referring to anything else. Warmth blossomed in his chest.
Slowly, Hawks looked back towards the city, but kept his hand on Tokoyami’s head.
“And uh. About what you said about Dark Shadow and gramps always being your ally?... You can count me too, if you want. I’m your mentor and a pro hero after all… You can call me whenever, and I’ll always try to help.”
Towards the end, Hawks had turned to look at Tokoyami again. His golden eyes were focused, but they were not intimidating, like they had been earlier. There was no mask, no casual indifference, no lazy smirk that Tokoyami could see. Just a small, but soft and genuine, lopsided smile.
Tokoyami ducked his head down, misty eyed.
“I understand. I am honored.”
The anxiety that had lodged its way deep into his chest, that Tokoyami had carefully buried out of sight, out of reach, away from Dark Shadow lest it manifest in dangerous ways, slowly abated. Like a balloon releasing air.
Dark shadow, who had grown smaller and smaller throughout the conversation, cried out in joy, and went to give Hawks a hug, reflecting Tokoyami’s inner emotions. Hawks ruffled its head too.
Conversations like these were never Tokoyami’s strong suit either, but if Hawks had managed to stumble through this, so could Tokoyami. Putting as much sincerity in his voice as he possibly could, he hoped his words, his meaning, could reach Hawks.
Hawks, who always flew alone, who never asked for help.
“But, if you ever need help, I can help you too. Because I'm a hero student, and you're my mentor.”
Tokoyami stared him directly into his eyes, echoing Hawks own words back, as if to send him his emotions, the gratitude the trust and all the ways it mattered, back to him.
Hawks froze, in a way that Tokoyami had never seen before. Like he couldn’t believe the words he was hearing. For a moment, everything was silent. Then, Hawks started laughing.
For a moment, Tokoyami felt deathly embarrassed. That his words had been mistaken, that they had been rejected. But, as the uneven laugh continued, Hawks’ breath hitching ever so slightly, and he lifted his hand as if to wipe nonexistent hair from his eyes, Tokoyami understood that his words had indeed reached him. Possibly even deeper than he could even begin to understand.
“Kid... The pros are the ones who should be doing the helping. But, I understand.”
With janky movements, Hawks wrapped his wing around Tokoyami, bringing him closer.
Tokoyami, lacking wings, wrapped his human arms around the other.
Maybe it was a bit embarrassing, hugging his mentor like this, on a cold rooftop, but Tokoyami couldn't care anymore. He had gone through too many emotions this evening, he deserved the damned hug. And so did Hawks, if by judging the way he slowly relaxed in the embrace.
It was very warm, and safe, under Hawks’ wings. Like the outside world couldn’t hurt him. Unbidden, some memories of being stuck inside a cold marble came to Tokoyami’s mind, but they did not feel so scary anymore. Like Hawks would protect him.
Hawks' hand slowly patted his head. Tokoyami could feel an ever so faint rumble echo from his chest. Tokoyami felt sleepy.
After who knows how long, Hawks suddenly spoke up.
“Ah shit. I should probably return you to the dorms, and Eraserhead, before he chews me out for kidnapping you.”
“...Kidnapping?”
“Yup. He made it very emphatically clear in his emails that were we to keep the students longer than agreed, he would treat it as a potential kidnapping. Man, for such a stoic looking guy, he’s a huge softie about you all. But I get it, you attach like a stubborn fungus.”
Once again, Tokoyami was struck speechless at Hawks’ words, but, he also couldn't bring himself to process them anymore, so he just numbly nodded. All the exhaustion, from the anxiety, the long patrol, the late time, and the emotional conversation seemed to hit him at once. Quite frankly, Tokoyami felt like passing out and sleeping till noon. Luckily it was Sunday tomorrow- or , well, today.
Like he weighed nothing, Hawks scooped up Tokoyami, cape wrapped around him and all.
Tokoyami did a halfhearted movement to straighten up, but Hawks just secured him tighter in his arms.
“I’ll fly you there, so no need to move. You’ve done a lot today, kid, I’ll get you home safe and sound.”
Tokoyami did not need to hear anything else, as his eyes had already started slipping shut, and he finally let them go. He would need to wake up by the time they reach the school grounds, but surely a little nap would be fine, right? It was so comfortable, even as Hawks raised to the air, and the wind started whistling past him. Even Dark Shadow was content and calm inside Tokoyami’s chest, despite the darkness of the night.
The words were faint, lost to the roaring wind, where Tokoyami wasn’t sure if he’d imagined them or not, but Hawks muttered.
“Fumikage, you’ll be a great hero one day. You already are.”