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Keigo had thankfully stuck around long enough for you to wake up, nestled into a plush couch with a coat draped over your sleeping frame. The office itself was empty, but you could hear Keigo talking on the phone outside the door, the sound of his light footsteps just barely audible as he paced back and forth.
“You’re up!” He grinned when you tentatively opened the door. “You’re off for the day, I’ll call you a taxi.”
“Thank you.” You looked away shyly, all too aware of the fact that you had fallen asleep cuddling. It had been so comforting, caged in between his arms and wings, a downy red canopy that helped to trap the heat between you. Your hands and cheeks tingled at the memory, even as embarrassment pinned you in place.
“And one more thing, before you go.” Keigo tentatively put a hand on your shoulder, his thumb rubbing small circles in the skin there. “I have a New Year’s party I’m invited to, and I was wondering if you wanted to be my plus one? I could pick you up from your apartment.”
“I’d really like that.” You felt giddy, ready to burst with joy. This had to be a date, there was no way this was as acquaintances or even as friends, and the prospect of holding onto his arm for the evening outweighed even the greatest of your anxieties about surely being surrounded by other heroes that you barely knew. Keigo would make sure you were safe. “How formal is it?”
“Semi-formal,” He laughted, pulling out a pen and a piece of paper from one of his pockets. “Wear your cutest outfit.”
Your heart leaped from its place into your throat, as Keigo dazzled you with sincerity and charisma. This was definitely, one hundred percent a date, and you almost couldn’t believe your eyes as he handed you his personal cell number. “I’ll text you with the time and before I pick you up.”
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The next day was a blur as you agonized over your wardrobe, all of your best friends on a collective video call after getting home from work to coach you through an outfit selection of some kind. One was too formal, and another not formal enough. There was too much skin showing, too little skin showing, the wrong color, or the wrong pattern. That was, until you found the one.
It was carefully curated, and every piece oozed confidence. The outfit had undergone rigorous review, with each article thoroughly discussed for its merits and faults, before finally being approved. It wasn’t something that could stand up to the likes of Mirko or Rock Lock, but you hoped that you could at least maintain your own presence at Keigo’s side.
After carefully selecting it, the entire ensemble was protected in a garment bag, hidden in the deep recesses of your closet until the date. Keigo had texted you the morning of the party, with a quick- “I’ll be over at 7 pm sharp ;) “ . It was enough to set your nerves on fire as you restlessly paced your apartment. The agency was closed for the day. Keigo almost always closed the office for major holidays, which was one of the many perks of working there.
It crossed your mind briefly about whether or not this endeavor would be compromising your state of employment, but you dismissed it quickly. Keigo owned his own hero agency, and was free to make or break rules as he pleased. You weren’t even sure if there were any formal rules against romantic entanglements in the workplace or if Keigo’s supervisors from the Hero Commission would have the gall to insert their opinions where they weren’t wanted, but for now it was an enchanting, ephemeral affair that you were dying to experience more.
When the time rolled around, Hawks cruised up in a sporty black car, its sleek silhouette fitting for the winged hero. Like a gentleman, he sprung from the driver’s side to open the passenger door, holding your hand to help you inside.
“You look stunning.” Keigo rested one hand on your thigh, gripping the steering wheel lazily with the other, and you resisted the urge to purr like a contented cat. “We’re going to Rumi’s penthouse suit, I’ll introduce you when we get there.”
It struck you that Keigo (obviously, now in retrospect), would not be referring to his friends by their hero names, which sent a little zip of anxiety shivering down your spine, feeling more self-conscious about the informal environment.
Thankfully, Keigo ensured that you had little to worry about, He led you up to the penthouse floor, which was crowded with loud games and abundant alcohol. He plucked a champagne flute off of a tray, and asked, “Is there anything I could mix up for you?”
“Surprise me.” Feeling bold, you winked and watched as he slipped behind a kitchen island serving as a makeshift bar, pouring and shaking until you weren’t quite sure what had all gone in. He garnished the glass and set it down in front of you with a flourish, which you took gratefully.
As he linked his arm with yours once more, the small pit of apprehension twisted in your stomach once more. You recognized some of the heroes here, but there were far more lesser known side-kicks and underground heroes that didn’t stir your memory at all. The thought of whether or not anyone knew who you were also crossed your mind. Unless Keigo had been talking about you to his colleagues, there would be no reason to expect the other party attendees to recognize you either. The ear cuffs Keigo had gifted you made it obvious that you were going with Keigo, and you were thankful for their presence to help defend yourself from the inevitable string of “Who are you? Why are you here?” questions.
“Bird Brain!” Mirko ducked out from around another hero to greet you. “I see you’ve brought the associate you’ve been talking about for ages. I’m glad you finally found the balls to make a move.” She grinned suggestively, roughly elbowing Keigo’s side opposite to you.
“Rumi!” He chided, flushing across his cheeks and the bridge of his nose in the cutest shade of rosy pink. “Is that anyway to treat such an esteemed guest?”
“Of course,” She raised an eyebrow. “I couldn’t not give you a hard time about it. You haven’t shut up since you walked them home over a month ago.”
“I think that’s enough of that.” Keigo looked away, snagging another drink and downing it in record speed. “The count-down should start here soon anyhow.”
Rumi allowed you to go without too much more fuss, and Keigo made a point to wander the room with you, chatting to a dozen people you didn’t know, nor did you remember the names. All you could focus on was Keigo’s warmth pressed into your side, and his progressive slurring as he continued to take shots and drink champagne.
The crowd eventually converged with seconds to go before the official start of the new year, and you drooped a little when Keigo let go of your arm. He squared to face you, setting his drink down and putting a hand on each of your shoulders.
Ten, nine, eight-
You could almost convince yourself that he was staring at your lips, darting back and forth up to your eyes and down again, his tongue ever-so slightly peeking out to wet his bottom lip.
Seven, six, five-
His fingers traced the curve of your neck, setting to cup the side of your jaw. The anticipation was electric static on your skin, drawing you closer under Keigo’s magnetic gaze.
Four, three, two-
He leaned in, and you scrunched your eyes shut. Keigo’s breath was hot and pleasant on your face, his wind-chapped lips brushing over your own in a short, sweet kiss.
One.
“I like you.” He murmured with a giggle against your cheek. “Too much. More than you like me.”
“We’ll see about that.” You pecked his lips again, and his adrenaline rush seemed to wear off as Keigo slumped a little. “But I think it’s time for you to go to bed. I’m sure Rumi has a bed around for you to crash on around here.”
She must have heard her name, because like magic, Rumi materialized out of thin air. “He can sleep it off in the guest bed room. C’mon big guy.”
She managed to herd him down the hallway, and slowly the others wandered out, leaving a mess of bottles and half-empty drinks behind. Sighing, you touched your lips with a dazed smile. You were sober, and rummaged through the kitchen for trash bags, and began clearing away the trash of the evening.
Rumi trotted out from the guest room, and tsked, “No need to keep picking up for a party you didn’t even throw. I can finish that up in the morning. You take my bed, and I’ll crash on the couch.”
“Thanks.” You exhaled with relief. “For everything.”
“No problem kid. Take it easy on him, ya know?” She raised her eyebrows with a knowing look. “It’s the first room on the right.”
You followed her directions, but couldn’t help but sneak a glance at the open door across from yours where Hawks was sprawled out in a mess of feathers and blankets, sound asleep.