Chapter Text
At the night of the Charity Gala
It was a stuffy and fussy event, with many influential people in attendance. Hawks being one of them. He didn’t attend many of these but the Bureau wouldn’t let him off the hook with this one. He brought a security detail including Detective Ito and Detective Sergeant Glo of Precinct 38.
Detective Ito and Detective Sergeant Glo were well groomed, dressed in simple black suit with earpieces. Hawks asked them because they both had tall strongmen bodies with the appropriate quirks that will help in various situations.
“Thanks for helping me tonight, Ito-kun, Glo.” Hawks gave them nods, giving them time to get ready in his hotel room.
“Happy to help, sir.” “Of course, but are you sure you’ll even need us, sir?”
Hawks gave Ito a sympathetic expression, “I just want an excuse to look important. We won’t stay long.”
Detective Sergeant Glo was a former hero, who have been to events like these, helped her kohai, Ito.
“Now now, don’t be so self-conscious Kei-kun. You’ll do fine, just think of it as another assignment. Using your keen sense of hearing to scope the vicinity and looking out for potential threats, no different from police work.” Her voice was light and airy that brought comfort to Detective Ito.
“I’m trying, there’s just so many important people here. A couple of my favorite directors are here too. I’m breaking out into nervous sweats, senpai.” Ito was fanning himself. He scanned his senpai and was jealous of how composed she was.
Glo was half a head taller than Ito with broad shoulders with long strong muscles. She had long wavy unicorn hair that had a natural shimmer, a part of her quirk. With the toss of her hair, she can lure anyone in closer to her, like bees to a flower, putting her victim in a daze. But tonight, she had it tamed, in a tight low bun. Even though she tried to look toned down, her beauty was hard to hide.
“You guys ready?” Hawks straightened his cuffs and guided them out to the main hall. They parted left and right, staying at a respectable distance. Other prominent figures also had their own security detail around.
The night started off with a presentation of history of the event. It was a foundation for the arts. Mostly industry people and prominent middleman gathered to give to the foundation that will help Japan’s soft power be better known globally.
Then the event flowed into it usual cycles, clicks and familiars separating away to talk business or the latest gossip. It was all just a large hang out, much like a schoolyard, but they were passing along more than just milk money.
Hawks like staying away from events like these because it meant dealing with executives trying to get in favors from him as hero commissioner. And he was not an easy nut to crack. Many guests greeted him with false esteem, while some looked askance at him.
Ito and Glo were vigilant, keeping eyes and ears open for anything. When Hawks moved, they moved. Ito was particularly disappointed at the conversations he was hearing via his quirk. He can pinpoint vocals and/or ambient noise at will.
People here spoke of the public as expendables. Most trying to charm one another to get ahead. Cut someone out of a deal behind his or her back. Some trying to get ahead of the trends. Others posing for the cameras.
I can see why the commissioner doesn’t like these events.
They watched Hawks settle down at a far off table in the corner, closest to the kitchen. That spot was unpopular because no one will notice you, but you got the best view of the whole floor. And Hawks was observing every person in the room.
I wonder…if Nara-kun was here…what would she see… Hawks had contemplated asking Nara to be apart of his security detail, but decided against it. After learning more about how far along they were with the Supplier investigation, Hawks had been looking into it from his angle as well.
A well to-do, older male. Needs a thrill. Trying to fulfill a fantasy of some sort. And I’d like to add, influential. There’s potential here.
“This is quite a view.” A mellow gruff voice took Hawks’ razor focus out.
Calmly, Hawks turned his gaze toward the voice. A well to do, older man with a square-shaped face, dressed in a tuxedo, hands resting comfortably on a cane. It was Director Yoshida, a distinguished film director, known for creating classics, putting Japan on the map in global film history.
“Director Yoshida.” Hawks bowed.
The old man waved him off, “no need for that, young Hawks. What are you doing at this circus?”
“Hmm, the Bureau wouldn’t let me off the hook. It’s been an interesting night. And yourself, Yoshida-sensei?” The commissioner hummed while staring back out into the crowd, but his awareness sharp.
The director chuckled, “I just finished talking about an upcoming film idea. It turned out to be quite uninspiring and disappointing.”
“Ara, is that so? Not what they promised?” Hawks smiled politely.
“Quite the opposite, it was too grand. It didn’t speak to anything. Another theme park movie, trying to break records. Nothing feels grounded anymore. So I passed on the offer.”
“Oh, I’m sorry to hear that.” Not sure how to respond, Hawks remained polite.
“The industry has changed so much. So much advancement, yet it’s losing its soul.”
“Did it ever have a soul? Hasn’t it always been about the advancement and prestige?”
“Much like heroism, it started with intentions that were inspiring. With artists trying to put something out into the world, to say something. To put meaning out for an audience to resonate with.”
“And now?”
“Money.”
Hmm. Hawks found this man strange. He didn’t expect to have a conversation like this with anyone this evening, but here was this director, sitting away from the crowd, speaking with him.
“So then, what are you looking for? Aren’t you retired, sir?” Pushing his curiosity.
The square faced old man glanced at the young commissioner, “A sense of realism, I guess. I want to see characters on the screen people can relate to, not worship. As for my retirement, well that remains to be seen, I can still work on personal projects.”
“I see.” Funny, coming from a man, who has directed a number of hero-related movies, for a decade…
There was an easy pause in the conversation, then Hawk remembered an interesting news from Best Jeanist Agency.
“I saw that your grandson was hired at Best Jeanist. Not an easy agency to work for. How has he been holding up?”
The old man grumbled, “I don’t understand the boy. He’s fine, having fun, he says. I say he’s wasting his time there.”
Hawks gave a genuine laugh at that statement and that made Director Yoshida smile.
“It’s good to see a real expression out of you, Commissioner Hawks. Those are rare.”
“Any reason as to why your grandson wanted the job?”
“He’s a fan of that bombastic fellow…Dynamight or something other.”
“Ah~, that kind of hire is frowned upon.” Hawks said in a sing-songy way, but the seriousness settling in.
“I will not cover for his actions, whatever his intentions. He will suffer whatever consequences comes his way.”
The director was personable and blunt about all this, which Hawks found refreshing, but his suspicion held.
So, the boy is a Dynamight fan, huh?
The night went on without incident.
---
Bakugo’s Apartment / night time after the lunch at Nara’s
Bakugo was going through his checklist for his first undercover work with Detective Nara. Kirishima was texting him about what he should bring.
KIRISHIMA: I don’t want to show up under-prepared bro.
BAKUGO: You’re fine Shitty-Hair. Just don’t over do it.
KIRISHIMA: [sigh emoji] You’re right, I’m overthinkin-. Oh, Mina needs me. I’ll see ya at Todoroki’s, Baku-Bro.
Bakugo just smirked and shook his head at his excited friend. He packed everything neatly in his work bag, when he got another text.
BUZZ BUZZ
“Tsk what now-?”
NARA: Thank you for the food. It was really delicious. The nikujaga was well seasoned and the chocolate chip cookies turned out good. [smile emoji]
SARG: Yeah. Thanks for the goodies. Surprised you can cook.
His breath caught in his throat when he saw her name. It turned out to be a group chat, easing some pressure off his chest.
BAKUGO: It’s nothing. Glad you guys liked it.
SARG: See you out on the field, Baku-brat.
NARA: Mm. Have a good night.
BAKUGO: Goodnight Nara. G’night Sarg.
The ash blonde zipped up his workbag and went to the bathroom to start his night routine. That’s when he felt his sore cheeks.
-the hell?
Looking up at the mirror to brush his teeth, he saw he had a dumb smile on his face.
Oh…