Chapter Text
The night is calm. Still. The breeze blows past, brushing against me, ruffling my ebony feathers ever so gently and making my cloak sway back and forth.
The stars gleam, the moon shining bright, lighting up the night.
It mocks me with its beauty.
Okay. Now that last part was super corny.
I snapped out of my thoughts, Dark Shadow’s voice in our telepathic bond pulling me back to reality.
‘Really? What would you change?’ I asked her.
I’d get rid of the whole thing, Fumikage. Stop monologuing, emo.
I frowned, rolling my eyes at her comments.
‘I am not emo. I am the image of goth, and you know that’
Yeah yeah. Emo.
I sighed softly, continuing to walk along the bare streets.
It was patrol night.
Hawks and I had gone our separate ways a half-hour ago, promising to rendezvous in two hours.
An hour and a half more.
I hadn't seen anyone causing trouble.
Citizens walked along, chatting with their companions, residents part of the workforce returning to their families for the night.
All was calm.
But it didn't ease my mind.
I was still alert as always.
‘Trouble could come anytime, anywhere.’ It was the most common philosophy of heroes.
And tonight, I and Dark Shadow were without Hawks’ presence by our side.
An ideal chance to prove ourselves.
I kept myself and Dark Shadow in the present, constantly scanning and registering our surroundings.
I broke out of my thoughts when my sister crooned in that birdlike way of hers, wrapping around my neck and nuzzling into the crook of it.
Ughhh. This is so boring, Fumikage. Can we go back to Hawks now?
I hum as I raise my hand to scratch at her head.
‘We must persevere, Dark Shadow. If we abandon this area, crime may appear’
She hisses at me in annoyance.
Probably because I'd said the same thing a few minutes ago as well.
Fine. But I'm going to take a break.
She disappears into my chest, giving me no time to convince her to stay out.
I sigh, letting it go reluctantly.
My mind wanders a little.
I wonder if Hawks was facing trouble on his patrol route. The urge to join the action was strong, tempting me to selfishly abandon this area and its citizens for the thrill of defeating crime.
But I persist, pushing away those thoughts with a deep exhale of my breath and a shake of my head.
People passing by wave at me with a smile, undoubtedly recognising me from the Sports Festival or Hawks’ multiple street interviews with me by his side.
I bow back slightly and continue on my patrol.
Admittedly, I wasn’t quite used to the newfound attention as Hawks’ protege. I eventually do have to practice for all the publicity work and interviews in my near future as a Pro-Hero.
But thankfully, Hawks hadn’t gotten to that part of his tutelage yet.
Kami-sama knows how terrible I will be at it. Dabi has enough things to tease me about.
I also wonder if Dabi is to stay at the penthouse tonight with me and Hawks.
I have not seen him in some time. I suppose he has been busy doing... whatever the League members do in their free time.
I-
I miss him.
And his udon and omurice, of course.
He cooks those two foods exceptionally well.
I might have to learn his recipe one day. For sustenance, of course.
And also perhaps for the warmth of home-cooked food.
My thoughts drift again.
The chirps of my fellow brethren echo through the trees.
I let their tune flow into my ears like a melody as I continue my stride down the streets.
The faint scent of street food drifts through the air, smelling quite tasty.
I must be hungry if thoughts of food are filling my brain.
Maybe I could get takeout with Hawks when we rendezvous.
Perhaps Tonkotsu Ramen or Hawks' favourite Yakitori?
Winter was coming. Oden?
That sounds delicious!
Dark Shadow piped up.
My beak tugged upwards with a tiny smile.
‘Oden, it i-’
I was interrupted by someone slamming directly into me.
The impact was dull, but they stumbled back, and so did I.
I bowed politely. “Forgive me, I was lost in thought.”
“Yeah. I-. Um. Whatever,” The man rasped, awkwardly.
I straighten up, only to pause at who I had bumped into.
This is-
Baby blue hair of medium length. Sharp crimson eyes. Scarred lips. Pale skin, dry and wrinkled.
Shigaraki?
My eyes widened. We both pause.
But before I can say anything, Shigaraki snaps out of his stupor and brushes past me harshly, shoving my shoulder.
He tugs his hood up again. His stride seems almost..hasty.
My eyes narrowed. I turn back to the direction Shigaraki had come from and see two policemen chasing Shigaraki.
Quite slowly, may I add.
I frowned.
Has Shigaraki done something?
If so, there would have been alarms.
From reports of previous League attacks, Shigaraki seemed twitchy.
Had that set the policemen off?
Dabi suddenly comes to my mind.
The League members.
Wouldn't they be threatened if Shigaraki got arrested?
I hesitate.
I don't know the League members.
Dabi will survive without Shigaraki.
I am quite sure.
But of what little Dabi tells me about the League members, they all seem like family.
If Shigaraki got arrested…
Fumikage? What are you doing?
‘I shall explain, Dark Shadow’
I turn to the policemen, stepping in their way.
“Good evening, sirs. I am Tsukuyomi, an intern at the Hawks Agency. I shall handle your fiend. Do not fret.”
I boldly say, hoping that they'd let it go.
And thankfully, they do.
One of them rubs at the back of their neck, grinning sheepishly at me.
“Aww, geez. I'm getting pretty old, huh? Thanks, kiddo.”
The other man nods at me. I nod back as they turn on their feet and head back the direction they came.
I swivelled my head to see the way Shigaraki had gone.
He wouldn't have gone far.
‘Dark Shadow.’
Wait what? What are you-
‘Black Fallen Angel”
She hisses at me through our telepathic bond.
But she complies regardless.
Her shadowy claws wrap around my torso as I swiftly manoeuvre my cloak around her body.
We lift off into the night sky with a strong jump of my legs and a whoosh.
I scan the streets below as I glide, searching for a black hood with an extremely horrible slouch.
Fumikage? Can you tell me what you're doing?
‘We may not be able to arrest him, but whatever Shigaraki has possibly stolen should be returned. It is only right.’
Are we going to confront him?
‘Yes’
But what if he dusts us?
‘We are not weak, Dark Shadow. We can defend ourselves’
His quirk is literal decay by touch, Fumikage! What if he touches me and I decay? What then!?
I-
I falter in my thoughts. I did not think about that.
Would Shigaraki's quirk work on Dark Shadow?
She was a tangible being, despite being made of shadows.
Would she…die?
I contemplate. Then push those thoughts away as I spot Shigaraki, firmly grounding myself.
Wrongs should be righted.
I’d just have to put ample distance between myself and Shigaraki.
I swoop downwards just as Shigaraki is about to duck into an alleyway.
I land right in front of him. He stumbles back, startled.
I stand straight, confidently.
His startled face twists into a scowl. His hand scratches at his neck, leaving red and concerning marks in its wake.
I clear my throat. Dark Shadow steadies herself inside of me and poises to strike in case of danger.
“Shigaraki, I must ask you to calmly forfeit any items you have possibly stolen. I am not here to threaten or harm you.” I spoke, hushed yet strong.
“What the hell? I didn't steal shit, bird boy.” He snaps at me.
I frown. “Then why were those policemen chasing you?” I ask.
He growls in annoyance. I don't back down. His hand scratches at his neck with even more ferocity.
My eyes follow the movement subconsciously
That surely can't be good for his health?
He gets twitchy.
I caught him.
I clear my throat again. “Shigaraki. Understand that I do not wish to harm you. Please return the item you may have stolen to me.”
I slowly put my hand out, calm and firm.
Shigaraki gets twitchier. He mutters under his breath.
The mutters get louder.
“Fuck fuck fuck. Fucking fine!” He snaps again.
This time, he pulls out a plastic bag from under his hoodie.
That lump was suspicious!! I knew it!!
Huh.
I didn't notice that there was a lump.
Thank goodness, I had Dark Shadow.
I gently take the bag from him.
But before I can thank Shigaraki for his act, he storms off down the street.
My carmine eyes follow him as he walks off.
I huff in mild annoyance.
Now, to return the package.
Dark Shadow was already peeking inside the bag, her claws opening it.
Um. Fumikage?
I turn back to her, peeking inside as well.
This was…food? Boxes of it.
I pause. Guilty washes over me like a tidal wave as I make the connection.
These were for the League members.
Oh.
Shame pools in my belly.
Villains or not.
I just deprived people of their meal.
I don't hesitate again.
I run towards Shigaraki.
“Excuse me!” I call out as I slow my sprint.
He turns, his face turns into surprise as he stops too.
“Shigaraki, I apologise. I assumed the worst of you. Forgive me. I shall pay for your food at the store.”
I bow. He recoils, startled.
I hand the bag back to him as I straighten up.
Then I notice the stains leaking through the plastic.
The food has spilt.
I must have jolted the containers during my run to Shigaraki.
Idiot. Now what?
I blink at the bag awkwardly. My gaze flits up to see him glaring at the bag and me.
“Go the fuck away. We're not charity cases to you heroes,” he scoffs harshly, turning away again.
I watch him walk away for a few seconds before I snap out of my daze and walk after him.
I catch his wrist, not thinking about the danger.
He swiftly retaliates to the unintentional aggression and pins me against the concrete wall, hand on my throat.
FUMIKAGE.
Dark Shadow reacts, building up against the concrete wall behind me, towering over us.
I try to slow my thundering heart. To calm her down.
His pinky finger is up.
I'm not dead. I'm not dead.
I reassure myself and my sister as I try to build my words again.
Shigaraki’s eyes narrow at me, and he scowls harder, almost a sneer.
He's really angry.
I exhale through my nose. Dark Shadow growls at him. His hand squeezes tighter around my throat at the threat of her.
My breath leaves me.
But I finally find my words again.
“Shigaraki”
His gaze snaps back to me, eyes of crimson, filled with contempt.
My breath leaves me for a whole other reason.
(His eyes are so magnetic)
I force myself to continue, despite the increasing lack of breath intake.
“I do not wish to harm you.”
“Stop saying that, you damn bird.”
“I apologise for the ruin I have caused to your food and your night. I simply want to make up for my mistakes.”
His fingers squeeze again. Dark Shadow grows even bigger, claws growing sharper.
‘Dark Shadow, calm yourself.’
CALM MYSELF!? YOU'RE GETTING CHOKED.
‘Stand down. You are only aggravating him.
AGGRAVATING HIM!? HE'S AGGRAVATING ME!
‘Dark Shadow, please. Settle’
She snarls at Shigaraki. But she scales down.
The hand at my throat loosens. I breathe for the first time in 30 seconds.
“Please. Let me buy you some food. For you and your comrades,” I offer.
His crimson eyes bore into my soul, heavy, like he's contemplating the honesty behind my words.
I maintain eye contact, not backing down.
But the lack of trust makes a pit settle in my stomach.
Were all the League members so distrustful?
His grip loosens further. Air rushes into my lungs like water bursting out of a dam.
I inhale deeply, coughing softly behind a fist but never tearing my gaze away.
(From those hypnotic crimson eyes)
‘Dark Shadow, settle.’
She bristles at Shigaraki, making him glare at her one more time, before she retreats into my chest and behind my cloak again.
The daggers on my belt and thighs suddenly feel heavy.
Without her, I only had short-hand combat.
Something that would kill me instantly with Shigaraki.
But I push those thoughts away.
Right now, Shigaraki wasn't a villain.
Just a citizen looking for food.
Dark Shadow's unease pools at the bottom of my stomach.
“Do you accept my offer?” I ask, voice low but steady.
He stares at me for a long moment.
Finally, he clicks his tongue in annoyance, gaze pulling away from my own. His hand finally pulls away from my throat.
It leaves a faint ache, no doubt also leaving bruises behind my choker.
But the spot is also cold. I notice just how hot his skin is, despite the cold autumn night.
“Tch. You're a stupid bird,” his voice is rough, raspy even.
(It makes my body feel unusually warm, like a growing fire settling under my skin)
I wait for him to continue.
He sighs with a roll of his eyes. “But fine. You're paying for it," he demands.
I nod, straightening my cloak and stepping back to give him more personal space.
My heart is still hammering like a drum inside.
I was awfully close to death right there.
He eyes me suspiciously for a moment. “Where's the next food stall?” He questions me harshly.
Looking around, there are no stalls in this quiet area.
Only restaurant
I spot one a few alleyways down and gesture for him to join my walk with my head.
He grumbles. But he tugs his hood up and walks along with me anyway.
As we walk, he speaks again. “Why? What do you get out of this?”
The answer doesn't come to me immediately.
After swallowing, I speak again.
“I don't get anything. Food is a basic right to all humans, Shigaraki. Even villains.”
I don't tell him that I know Hawks is a double agent. That I know about Hawks' familial bond with them. And that I know Dabi and Hawks are dating.
His shoulders tense for a moment.
There's a few moments of silence, broken only by the sounds of my boots and his shoes walking down the pavement.
“You're a weird bird. Weird as hell,” He rasps, tugging at his hood again.
“Perhaps. But as a hero, I serve everyone. Even the people who threaten me”
I still don't trust him.
‘Easy, Dark Shadow. We simply have to buy him some food, and our paths will divert again’ I reply.
She grumbles about how stupid I was. But she doesn't say anything against my decision.
We walk in silence, the air between us tense and heavy.
Reaching the restaurant door, I open it for him and step aside, waiting for him to go first.
Why are you being polite to this asshole?
I ignore her, focusing on Shigaraki as he steps inside the restaurant.
The door closes behind me with a ring of its bell.
The restaurant was cosy, with warm lighting and Sakura tree branches curling around the ceiling and hanging down from above.
The faint scent of steaming broth and grilled meat fills my senses.
Buy me oden. I deserve it.
I huff fondly.
‘Of course’
I step up to the counter, Shigaraki standing a little distance behind me, hood covering his face.
The lady at the counter greets us with a bow and a bright smile. “Hello, what may I get you two tonight?”
I bow slightly at her as well, straightening up as I say my order.
“Two servings of Oden, please. With extra fish cakes. To eat now.”
FISH CAKES!!
I suppressed a smile at Dark Shadow's eagerness.
Turning back to Shigaraki, I saw him with his head down low, typing on his phone with one hand.
“What would you like?” I asked.
He looks up, crimson eyes sharp, watching me for a second.
(My heart thumps inside my chest, stomach fluttering)
He looks back down at his phone.
And reads off of it?
“Two Tonkotsu Ramen bowls, three Motsunabe bowls, one Udon bowl, Mentaiko, a little raw, and one strawberry milkshake.”
The lady's smile dims. I stare at him, a little incredulously.
Wow. That's a tall order.
Shigaraki notices my stare and scowls as he puts his phone back in his hoodie pocket.
“What. The idiots wanted it.” He snaps.
Ah. The League.
He must have been asking them what they wanted.
That was…oddly considerate of him.
Turning back to the lady at the counter, I nod at her. “That will be to go, please. Thank you”
She smiles at me and nods back before disappearing down the back of the restaurant.
Leaving Shigaraki and me in extremely awkward silence.
He doesn’t say a word. Neither do I.
Shigaraki leans against a booth seat, hands in his pockets, hood still up.
I keep my distance, mostly to give him some space.
And also because my brush with death still lingered in my memories.
My heart still pounded, not as heavily but audible enough that I had to remind myself to exhale through my nose.
Dark Shadow stirs inside me, uneasy but curious.
He's not a talkative guy, huh?
I glance at Shigaraki again.
‘I suppose not. The good thing is that he's calmed down,’ I reply.
The quiet stretches for a moment longer. I'm tempted to fidget with the daggers on my belt.
Hawks taught me how to spin them on my fingers a few days ago.
Even if I did get cut a few times during it.
Picking at the bandages around my fingers from that incident, I softly hum
Then, the bell on the counter rings.
Oden!!! Fish Cakes!!
I perk up, stepping up to the counters again and retrieving my food tray.
It looks so good!!
‘I agree, Dark Shadow. Let us find a place to sit.’
I find a small corner table, passing by Shigaraki without a word.
If he does not wish to be disturbed, then so be it.
I don't mind.
Sitting down, I neatly arrange my chopsticks on the wooden surface of the table, placing the fish cakes aside on a small plate for Dark Shadow.
I take out my Oden bowl.
And pause at the sound of the opposite seat sliding backwards.
I look up to see Shigaraki sitting down across from me.
Huh.
I blink at him. He doesn't say anything, just glares at me.
Challenging me to shoo him away.
Weirdo.
I exhale and turn back to my food.
Closing my eyes, I put my hands together to pray.
“Itadakimasu,” I say aloud.
Itadakimasu!
Dark Shadow echoes.
“Huh. You seriously say that shit daily?” Shigaraki interrupts.
I nod. “I do. It's considered respectful.”
He clicks his tongue at me, and his crimson eyes dart away.
I pick up my chopsticks.
They separate from each other with a satisfying snap.
Ah. What a noise.
I am about to wrap a few noodles around my chopsticks when a thought strikes me.
I have an extra bowl.
Dark Shadow wasn't going to eat a separate bowl. She'd take Oden from me.
She has her fish cakes as well.
Shigaraki is here.
It would be disrespectful not to offer.
I hesitate for a moment. Steam rises from my bowl, curling like mist in our booth.
“Would you like some as well, Shigaraki?” I ask quietly, pushing the bowl towards him.
He blinks at me, crimson eyes sharp and with suspicion in their depths, etched into the sharp lines of his face.
“Are you serious?” He questions as his eyes narrow at me.
I nod. “I ordered two servings for a reason.”
He stares at the hot, untouched bowl between us. Then at me. And back at the bowl again.
His eyes dart away, his hood falling lower over his face.
“I'm not hungry,” he replies.
I look at him for a moment longer. He's clearly lying.
The tightness in his jaw, the linger of his gaze on the bowl between us, and the way his throat moves when he swallows give him away.
He is hungry.
Although his ego prevents him from admitting it, especially to a hero student like me.
I hum softly, beak clicking as I turn back to my own meal. “Very well. But if you do change your mind, it shall be here.
He doesn't reply, just slouches back against the seats.
As expected.
Shigaraki is quite a frustrating person. Uncooperative and unwilling to accept any offered help.
Hm.
How egotistical.
I can understand why Dabi is at odds with him sometimes.
I take a slow bite of my Oden, savouring the taste and flavour of it. The warmth of the broth spreads through my chest.
Food is always so comforting.
Wow.
I sound like Hawks.
The thought makes me feel warmer, as if he's right beside me.
Dark Shadow is quite content as well, her shadowy claw extending from my back to grab a fish cake, and her eating it under my cloak.
She lays her head on my lap as she munches on a cake, certainly spilling crumbs on my pants.
How exasperating.
Mmmm. That's the good stuff.
She sighs happily through our telepathic bond.
I almost smile behind a bite of my Oden.
‘Indeed’
I am brought back to the present by Shigaraki saying something.
“You seriously talk to yourself, huh?” He mutters under his breath.
I glance up. “No. I was conversing with Dark Shadow.”
He lifts his head from his slouch, making me catch crimson eyes from beneath the hood.
“Right. Your freaky shadow pet”
Dark Shadow snarls at him, manifesting over my shoulder. “Hey! I'm not a pet, you crusty-handed-” she roars.
I cough loudly at her, cutting her off before she gets us kicked out.
Shame courses through me as I tug on our umbilical cord to reel her back in.
She ultimately follows and disappears into my cloak again with another feral snarl at Shigaraki.
I clear my throat as Shigaraki follows the spot where Dark Shadow disappeared into.
“She's sensitive about that. Please refrain,” I mutter in embarrassment as another bite of noodles enters my beak.
He simply clicks his tongue.
And then pulls the untouched Oden bowl towards himself, unsnapping the chopsticks and digging in with a slurp.
I blink at him. Then turn back to my own bowl.
I continue to eat my own meal, deliberately keeping my attention on my food, giving him the space to save face.
Well, well. Look who changed his mind.
Dark Shadow comments smugly through our bond
‘Leave him alone’
I reply, keeping my tone mild.
His table manners are gross.
‘The pot calling the kettle black’
Shut up! This isn’t about me!
I suppress a sigh. It seems Dark Shadow is still irritated by Shigaraki’s presence.
“This broth isn’t bad,” Shigaraki suddenly grumbles, voice muffled by his hood. His eyes are still on his bowl.
Is he trying to converse with me?
What the hell?
“..It is quite good,” I agree, chewing a piece of daikon radish. “Oden is a staple during the winter months.”
Shigaraki simply hums and goes silent again.
A few moments pass.
“Are you always this… calm?” he asked, not looking up from slurping his broth.
I paused, setting down my chopsticks. “As a hero or a student, composure is paramount. Especially in volatile situations.”
He huffs. “Yeah, like inviting the villain who almost dusted you to dinner.”
The reminder makes my stomach churn with anxiety. I can’t suppress a shiver.
Warm hands around my neck. Choking me so so so so so tight. So close to death. So close to death. So close to death. So close to death. So close to death.
‘Do not rise to the bait, Fumikage, ’ I told myself.
I pick up my chopsticks, carefully swirling a cluster of noodles around them.
“I choose to believe in the potential for decency in everyone. And I had caused you an inconvenience,” was my reply to him.
I didn’t tell him the actual reason for my saving him was tied to the fact that I knew Dabi on a personal level, and Dabi likely cared for him.
I knew that Hawks, my mentor, was part of their little family of misfits.
Which, by extension, meant I cared for the League’s welfare too.
What a complicated situation I have gotten myself into.
I just hope this doesn’t bite me in the back later.
“Potential for decency,” Shigaraki repeats, suspicion evident in his tone and a low scoff woven through the words. “How naive.”
He looks up.
Crimson meets carmine again.
(My heart thumps again, a reaction I am starting to despise now)
I fought to keep calm, my heart still thumping at the constant eye contact between us.
“It's not about being naive, Shigaraki,” I say, my tone even. “It's about adhering to a principle. Even if I believed you to be an irredeemable villain, which I currently do not, I still caused you an inconvenience—the spoiling of your meal. My responsibility, as a hero student and as a decent individual, is to rectify my error.”
He stares at me, lips twitching in annoyance or perhaps, something else? His moods were certainly unpredictable.
“You’re really stuck on this ‘decency’ thing, aren't you?” He slurps a few noodles again and sets his chopsticks against the rim of the bowl with a sharp clack.
He pushes the bowl back towards the centre, steam gone.
He ate the whole thing.
Dark Shadow observes, her voice a low purr of smug satisfaction in my head.
I briefly acknowledge her words in my mind but don’t reply.
“Tis not a ‘thing’, Shigaraki. It’s the foundation of the person I wish to be,” I state, dabbing at my beak with a napkin. Meeting his gaze firmly, “Hero or not”
His eyes narrow at me in blatant suspicion.
How exhausting.
Shigaraki leans forward, his elbows resting on the table. His hoodie sleeves ride up, exposing dry skin and old scratch wounds. My eyes subconsciously fall to them.
They look... painful.
“So you say,” He rasps, voice low and grating.
(It sends that strange, unwanted warmth through me again)
"But every action has a motive, bird. What's the hidden angle here? Or are you just trying to get into my head?"
The accusation is thrown at me harshly.
Again, so exhausting.
It’s frankly getting a little annoying and repetitive.
I debate telling him about my close relations with Dabi. The words are almost at my beak.
But I can't let Shigaraki see the effect of his words.
Revealing my knowledge of Hawks and Dabi’s relationship to him is not my place.
So, I exhale deeply, calming the annoyance pooling in my chest.
“There is no hidden angle, Shigaraki,” I reply, my voice stern and final. “My actions thus far have been transparent. I caused damage, and I offered compensation. That's all.”
My reply hung in the air, unwavering despite the scrutiny Shigaraki was currently doing.
The annoyance lingers, but I remind myself to exhale again.
As Shigaraki remains silent, I drift my attention to other things.
(Like the unhealthy pallor of his skin. It looks rather odd. Like a corpse losing the colour of life. Yet, it somehow suits Shigaraki.)
Shigaraki finally speaks again.
Fortunately, it's not about morality again.
“Yeah. Whatever. I'm tired of trying to argue with you,” He mutters under his breath.
I share the same feeling.
Finally, he's shutting up.
Dark Shadow is relieved, too.
I nod in acknowledgement, deciding to let the matter drop.
It was clear that Shigaraki’s inherent distrust of heroes wasn't something I could dismantle in a single shared meal.
I finished the last of my broth, the subtle warmth a welcome sensation in my chest.
The bell at the counter rings again, pulling my attention away from Shigaraki.
“That must be your order, Shigaraki,” I note, pushing away from the table.
He nods, his hood concealing his face once more. “Yeah.”
I walk to the counter to collect the large bag of takeout. The aroma of ramen and grilled offal is strong. It is a heavy bag
Returning to the table, I place it beside Shigaraki’s chair. “The rest of your order is ready,” I state, nodding toward the bag.
He doesn't move immediately, just stares at me and the bag beside him.
“What about the police?” he rasps, finally.
“They are gone. I handled it,” I reply, keeping my voice low. “I told them I would resolve the matter. You are free to leave."
He rises abruptly, startling me slightly.
“You’re really letting me go?” he rasps, his eyes still sharp and crimson under the shadows of his hood, fixed on mine. There was a blend of suspicion and...something else—perhaps genuine surprise?—in his voice.
I nod, keeping my expression neutral. “I said I was here to rectify my mistake and ensure you received your meal. That matter is concluded. I have no intention of detaining you.
Technically, I had more reasons. But he didn’t need to know that.
Shigaraki stares at me for a moment, expression unreadable. His eyes narrow.
Then he crouches and picks up the large takeout bag, sliding the thin plastic straps down his arm.
He stares for another heavy moment, that relentless gaze makes my skin prickle with an unwelcome awareness.
“You’re an anomaly, bird,” he mutters, adjusting the bag. He doesn't wait for a reply, turning abruptly toward the restaurant door.
But he pauses at the exit.
He turns his head back just enough for me to catch a glimpse of his eyes from under the dark hood and his blue hair.
“I know you’re lying to me, Tsukuyomi. I’ll figure you out soon”
A shiver involuntarily runs down my spine, my feathers ruffling in unease at the look in his eyes.
Then he leaves.
I watch him go, feeling the tension drain from my shoulders only when the bell above the door chimes, signifying his exit.
I exhale slowly.
‘What a strange man,’ I ponder.
Understatement of the century, Fumikage.
Hm. I’m just glad there weren’t any incidents.
And strangely enough
I hope he had a good meal tonight.
I glance at my watch.
My rendezvous with Hawks is almost here. 20 minutes more.
Stepping back up to the counter and pulling out some notes, I pay for my meal and Shigaraki’s takeout.
The total is a considerable amount. But it’s alright. I move away from the counter with a grateful bow to the lady.
You’re just saying that because it’s Hawks’ money.
A small smile tugs at my beak. I step out into the night again, the door closing behind me with a soft chime of its bell.
‘Like you don’t say the same thing every time he buys us food, ’ I reply.
Yeah, but that’s different. You’re the responsible big brother, and I’m the mischievous little sister. That’s our dynamic.
I roll my eyes as I unclasp my cloak from around me, wrapping it around Dark Shadow as she prepares to do Black Fallen Angel.
We lift off into the starry sky with a powerful thrust of my legs on the concrete.
**************************************************************
I spot Hawks, sitting on a cellphone tower, his wings folded behind him and legs dangling from the edge.
As usual.
I land behind him, careful not to slip.
His feathers twitch. He turns around with a grin, waving at me.
“Hey, kid! I was wondering why you were late,” he calls out, patting the metal beside him for me to sit.
I glare half-heartedly at him.
“I was perfectly on time, Hawks” Deadpanning, I sit beside him, letting my legs dangle off the ledge as well.
Hawks wraps a wing around me as he ruffles my feathers with a gloved hand.
I swat at him, scowling. He snickers, leaning back on his palms with a contented sigh.
“Today's weather is great, huh?”
I hum, looking over the bright lights of Fukuoka.
I used to be so afraid to sit here, clinging to the centre of the tower, legs trembling.
Now, here I am.
Letting the cold autumn wind graze my feathers and gently caress me.
“You cold, chickadee?” Hawks questions, his wing pulling me in close.
Dark Shadow happily manifests, wrapping around my mentor’s shoulders to nuzzle into his warmth with a croon.
‘Spoilt brat, ’ I sub-consciously think.
Hawks chirps back at her and scratches her head.
“No, I'm alright”, I say.
....
I shuffle a little closer, just enough to feel his body heat.
Hawks notices and smiles at me warmly.
My feathers fluff in embarrassment, cheeks warming up.
I clear my throat to draw his attention away from my fluffed-up feathers.
“How was your patrol, Hawks?”
“Hm? Oh, it was just eh, I guess. Nothing much happened”
“Were you hoping to fight a supervillain?”
“It would've been fun,” Hawks says with a playful grin.
“How about yours, kid? Got to fight any bad guys?” he asks, turning to face me with a curious look.
I pause.
Are you gonna tell him?
‘I’m-.. I don't know.’ I answer.
Do I tell Hawks about my encounter with Shigaraki?
Would that create tension between them?
I didn't want to ruin anything.
Just thinking about Shigaraki made my heart beat faster.
I felt the phantom ache in my throat from his hand.
I had been so close to death.
If I'd pushed Shigaraki just a little more, Hawks would be alone on this ledge right now.
What a terrible thought to think about.
I clear my throat as a reflex.
“No trouble, Hawks,” I eventually reply, keeping my voice level.
“Just… a minor civilian disturbance. A stolen item needed to be returned.”
Hawks makes a questioning noise at that. “Let me guess? Cash? Jewellery? Ooh, a purse!”
I stare at my mentor incredulously.
He simply snickers at my expression and tightens the wing around me, warm in a comforting way.
“My encounter is not a joke, Hawks”, I mutter.
My mentor smiles at me. “Just kidding, kid. What happened?”
I hesitated.
I couldn't lie, not to Hawks, not completely.
But the truth would raise too many questions about my judgment.
Tell him, Fumikage. Tell him about Shigaraki
“It was… a bag of food,” I admitted, looking down at my dangling boots.
Hawks just keeps staring at me with his sharp golden eyes, silently imploring me to continue
“I accidentally knocked into the person carrying it, and when I saw two policemen pursuing him, I intervened. I assumed the worst—that the food was stolen—and ruined the order in the process.” I paused, collecting my thoughts.
“My guilt compelled me to pay for a replacement for him. It was the only honourable course of action after my carelessness.”
TELL HIM THE PERSON WAS SHIGARAKI TOMURA!!
I ignore her screaming at me
Hawks’ eyes linger on me a fraction too long.
Like he’s reading the tiny tremor in my voice.
The tightness in my posture.
He taps one fingertip lightly against the railing, his wings shifting behind him. “Mm. Quiet night for both of us, then,” he says with the same casual lilt as always.
He's suspicious
‘I know, Dark Shadow. Let me think about my options here before I do anything’
‘You’re overthinking! We can trust Hawks!’
I glance at Hawks from the corner of my eye
He's scrolling through his phone, jacket collar raised to cover his mouth, his dirty blonde hair swaying to the wind
I turn back to the skyline and breathe in the cool night air.
A beat of borderline awkward silence passes between us.
Then—
“So…” Hawks leans back on his palms, letting his legs swing lazily over open air. “Did anything weird happen instead?” he asks, voice light, teasing, but watching me from the corner of his eye.
My heart lodges painfully in my throat.
Shigaraki’s fingers around my neck flash instantly in my mind.
That crushing pressure. That terrifying calm in his crimson eyes. That strange warmth under my skin when he glared at me like I was prey and a puzzle at the same time.
My feathers bristle.
And Hawks notices.
Of course he does.
His wing curls a little tighter around me, like instinct
I shake my head in silent reply.
Because if I open my beak, I might tell him.
Dark Shadow's presence pushes against my ribcage and pulses through our telepathic bond.
Tell him.
‘Hold on, Dark Shadow, ’ I hiss back internally.
If Hawks knew, what would his reaction be?
He’d have a protective dad meltdown.
Dark Shadow comments. The thought makes me calm down a bit.
She’s right. Hawks would stress, yell or even fight Shigaraki.
Back when Dabi and I hadn't gotten along, Hawks had gotten so stressed about it.
What if he thought that I hated the League?
This might affect his relationship with them.
Or maybe even with Dabi?
I can’t let that happen. Be the reason for it
So, I force a steady breath, firm my shoulders and shake my head once again.
“Nothing weird,” I say. “Just a quiet night”
A lie. I’m such a coward.
Hawks studies me, golden eyes sharp in the moonlight. His fingers twitch against the metal ledge.
He's gonna pry. He’s not gonna let it go. Just tell him!
I brace myself for Hawks to call me out on my lies.
Instead, he nudges my knee with his. Gentle and warm. Reassuring.
“Good. I’d hate to miss out on one of your exciting hero fights, Tsukuyomi,” He says with a small smile.
My shoulders feel a weight drop off.
Guilt floods my stomach instead.
I don’t deserve this smile. I’m lying to someone who’s opened his home and arms for me.
I’m such a coward.
My beak tightens, and I force myself to look away before my emotions show in my eyes.
Dark Shadow grumbles through our bond, guilty as well.
I don’t like lying to Hawks.
She mutters. Neither do I.
Hawks hums, accepting it, at least for now.
His wing wraps tighter around me. Comforting.
Then-
"You did good, kid" Hawks says.
The words hit harder than I expected. My chest loosens, just a bit.
I offer a small hum back, leaning back into the warmth of his wing.
“Thank you”
I’ll tell him. I’ll tell Dabi.
But not now.
When the time is right.
Maybe.
Besides, Shigaraki and I will never see each other again.