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Chapter Text

8:32am

Keigo's spare condo now harbored an unexpected pest - a brazen bunny. 

She was ferocious beast he had reluctantly allowed to stay in his empty space. No one lived there, and she had nowhere else to be. It was like allowing a stray to seek shelter. On the regular, he had to recruit her to various missions across the country. 

“Rumi," Keigo growled. The bass of his voice came from his groggy throat rather than sincere irritation, but that, too was rising by the minute. "This hurts me more than it hurts you.” He yawned - having been up since 5am. He'd rather be put to sleep then have to deal with this cranky bunny woman. She was a force when she was sleepy. 

Keigo’s knuckles tapped the solid wood impatiently in the cold empty lobby of his penthouse waiting for his government-assigned hero partner. 

What was this? The hundredth time he knocked. Honestly, this was his fault for not being early. She had made it clear that public relations was not her speciality. Even before the war, she had primarily evaded the public eye in favor of takedowns.

Rumor was that she couldn't keep an agent for longer than a month, so the HPSC had to assign her someone from their headquarters. 

That day, they had less than thirty minutes to get down to Media Square for a TV interview. 

Although he had the key, he couldn't just burst inside of her home. He couldn't do that with anyone but especially not his female hero partner. That wouldn't be a good look. It was bad enough that he was letting her stay at the location that was his rumored primary residence. 

Maybe he was being too harsh. They were both in a tough spot. 

Back when he had his speed, Keigo didn't have to worry about concepts like time and punctuality. He could fly across the city in a matter of minutes. Time always moved slower than he could fly. However, now that he was quirkless and had normal speed, and clunky prosthetic wings that had been surgically attached to his vertebrae.

Now, he was at the mercy of the clock. And that clock was ticking.

Flexing his back, his prosthetic wings unfurled into a mighty stretch. They were nothing like the real things. 

The door pushed open with a swift, reckless force that could only be that of Rumi Usagiyama also known as Miruko the Rabbit Hero. Her darkened eyes and rigid body greeted him with a scorching red glare of contempt. 

In a matching white sports bra and silky boyshort underwear, she sported her “casual prosthetics” which were highly recommended by the Hero Public Safety Commission for being stage appropriate. They matched her copper skin tone, and the authorities all but mandated her to wear them.

If asked about the change - well, such curiosity would be deadly. 

“I thought you said you had a key," she groaned with a raspy, spicy breath.

“And I thought you'd be sleeping naked - looks like I was right," he snapped back gesturing towards her body without directly looking at her.

She pivoted on her heel and turned back, dragging her feet onto the sleek marble tile of the penthouse suite. “Aren't you my landlord, or something or the other?"

Keigo quickly closed the door behind him as he stepped inside, tailing Rumi through the atrium and the living room and up the winding staircase. "You're squatting,” he said with a facetious nonchalance. 

While Rumi's reasoning alluded him, he felt reluctant to stop his colleague from staying in an unused condo. 

“That is - until my darling mother returns,” Keigo muttered sarcastically. “Even then, we have plenty of bedrooms to choose from. You're welcome to stay... blah, blah, blah.”

“Such a gentleman...” She mumbled with a forced smile to placate his ego. 

Keigo glanced around the condo. Darkness cloaked the oversized condo like a blanket. Dusty and barren. Most of the floor remained untouched. Maybe she liked to keep things simple and tight like he did. 

They dashed and danced across the home, babbling and bantering about each other up the stairs and through the corridor of the sad, lonely house. 

Lo and behold, she staked her claim on the master bedroom. She had created a burrow of blankets and pillows laid on the king sized bed with just enough room for a rabbit woman. A matching set of pink, white, and yellow armored suitcases lied open in a row on the floor. 

“What’s going on in here? Are you planning on moving out soon?" He asked, curious. This was the first time he'd entered her bedroom, but after months of living there, he expected her to be more comfortable. 

“Yeah, working on it," she snorted before yawning and stretching. Her organic arm up to the vaulted ceilings. 

As his gaze lingered on her, he forced his vision up to the ceiling. “No, no - it's whatever. This is just my satellite place anyway. I haven't actually lived here since I was a kid.”

Looking around the room, he could see some signs of life. Particularly, the berry ice cream cartons stacked in the trash. Must have been her favorite. 

He felt a hand press down his lower back. Chills rocked up his body. 

“10 minutes," Rumi sang through gritted teeth. In those short moments, she had gotten dressed in her opal-colored leotard and gloves. She passed in the small space between Keigo and the doorway.

Keigo gave a wry grin, “Oh, I love it when you rush me after sleeping in. Again. I'm doing you a favor." 

“If you were doing me a favor then you'd stop talking for a second," she yawned. Her ears hung low as she hopped over the railing. Like a maniac.

What was wrong with her? 

"Alright, let's go, we absolutely have to drive this time,” he said, chasing her down the stairs and out the door. There was no way he could catch her. Not on ground - with his current power. 

"Oh, come on,” she growled, reluctantly holding the elevator for him. "You said that last time. I can run just fine."

He eased past her, making sure every feather got in before letting the doors close. “Phew,” he said, avoiding an elevator accident. 

"I'll carry you if you need me to. Remember when we had to be at the soccer game in the rain? I carried you on my back,” she gleamed up at him. Her powder white ears perking up. 

"The Toshiba Stadium? That’s right down the street. This studio is in Metro Square. Even at 100 - even then, you wouldn't be able to get down there in 10 minutes." He knew not to talk too much about her decline in ability.

As they got in his red Miata, he could see her mood steadily nosedive. It had been doing that lately after reminders that prosthetic limbs had come a long way but they couldn't match the raw strength Miruko was once capable of.

Keigo shifted uncomfortably in his seat. A small part of him hated when she stopped talking. 

He lowered to top and revved the engine before peaking over at her. That usually cheered her up, but instead, she leaned further away from him. 

“What are we even doing this for?" She said under her breath, whispering against the wind quite uncharacteristic of her intense nature. 

Keigo's eyes widened. He ran a hand through his hair. It was so much easier to be hard on her, to make smart quips back and forth than to offer the tender words she needed to hear. His tongue, tied up as he stammered, “Um, this is just temporary until we get to the new normal. Give the country some time to recover and rebuild and stuff."

“Aren't you just the perfect puppet?” She spat acidically. 

Keigo scoffed. Rumi made no attempt at hiding her bitterness. And that was fine. He could handle that. But to acknowledge that behind that bitterness was a pain - a grief that mirrorred his own stirred up something within him. 

"Fuck this new normal. I'm so sick of hearing that. If I have to do another TV show, I'll," her voice trailed and cracked as she leaned her head back into the seat.

He glanced over at her as they waited at the light. Her cherry red eyes flashed as her bravado painfully crumbled. 

“Quit?"

“What?" she asked. Her eyes shot open like the word never crossed her mind. As she clenched her fist, she gestured like she was holding onto something. “Then I'll never be able to fight again... My life is so over." With that, she tossed her head back against the headrest with a thud. 

Dread.

Fear.

Grief.

All too familiar. His wings were a cheap, synthetic imitation compared to his true organic ones.

Loss of wings and arm and leg - all referents of their loss of power. 

Keigo's grip tightened on the wheel of his car. His brow furrowed as he searched for words of... 

“Nope!" She lunged to put fingers to his lips. “Don't you dare say anything else. I will jump out of this car if you pity me."

Keigo pushed her back, pressing his hand against her shoulder. “Oi! I'm driving! Cut it out," he barked. 

Lights, Camera, Action

The yellow spotlights glared down on the hero duo in front of a live studio audience. 

Amidst the shadows of the room, they could see maybe 100 fans. Coordinated stage staff danced around the set. 

This wasn't just a casual chat. In this crucial climate of a world after a war, they had a purpose. They were there to send a message and protect an image that the world was a better place now. Every gesture, stammer, and word would experience heavy scrutiny and reflect on the society of heroes.

They sat at a faux diner booth with tea and assorted treats on the table. A large monitor that spanned the fake window projected the name of the show - Cafe Chat. 

Rumi groaned beneath the hot lights. She balled up her fists upon her copper thighs. Although Rumi had been confident with her quick one-liners at hero functions, this life of celebrity was different. She would need to hold a superficial conversation.

Without getting pissed off!

Keigo thrived on the stage with his sarcasm and practiced nonchalance that the audience often found charming. This was a performance and so, Rumi needed to know that truth was not required.

The co-host who had a pleasant, sunny disposition and a round face stood up to introduce the guests. “Welcome to Cafe Chat where we get to know your favorite names, places, and things. Today we have our most popular partnership, the Aerodynamic Duo - Hawks and Miruko.”

A cued applause roared from the audience. The other co-host stayed silent on the couch.

Ah, a classic good cop, bad cop dynamic in the guise of morning questioners.

Hawks could only think of his partner’s untrained tongue. Now was probably the worst time for a publicity stunt. They'd had a conversation that left her raw. He stretched his arm behind her as he gazed down at her. Interviews like these could be worse than the paparazzi. 

“It's just a game, Buns," he thought but did not say. 

“I want to start by saying thank you for your efforts in the war and sacrificing yourself to keep us safe,” the main host said, cheerfully. "Now that we have some peace and quiet, and the HPSC has initiated the Happy Hero Initiative."

Thanks to the invention of de-quirking weapons, police could disarm anyone with a quirk. That took a lot of work off of the heroes for better or for worse.

"So, many heroes say they are finally able to relax now that their role in society is changing. How have you been spending your time?” asked the cheerful co-host.

Rumi smirked, "We've been doing public appearances like this one.” She took on a mocking tone, raising an eyebrow and getting a rise out of the audience. 

The crowd roared with laughter. 

“Yeah," yawned Keigo. Why did he even worry? She was fine. For the few public appearances Rumi had throughout her career, she had no issue charming the crowd with her irreverent yet charismatic persona. She was unlike any other woman on the scene. In fact, some even compared her to a modern version of Nana. 

The more sullen co-host asked, “What about rebuilding?” He was set on drilling them for views. 

“Yeah,” replied Hawks with a sly smile, playing along with Rumi. The media hated when he got laconic, but when Miruko was at her best, he didn't even need to talk. 

“We help out wherever we can!" Declared Rumi. 

The sullen co-host leaned forward, sipping his coffee. “Miruko, I'm surprised."

Her ears perked up. “Huh?"

“Someone like you lives on battle. How are you really faring as we enter this new era - the New Normal?" he asked in a challenging time. 

Rumi's eyebrow twitched violently echoing her impulse. Didn't he know that was a dangerous topic to bring up to her?

"You've gone from the glories of battle to a softer, celebrity life. What happens to all that fighting spirit you had? Where does it go?" he asked with a growingly sinister grin. “Are you thinking of settling down?”

Finally, sitting up in his seat, Keigo leered over at the sullen co-host with latent contempt. His eyes darted to Rumi who sank. They were not briefed on this question. It was a little too deep. Perhaps only Keigo knew of the emotions such a question could potentially trigger. 

“Haha," laughed the sunny co-host. “Oh, Shojiro."

The audience laughed on cue.

“Oi, what the-," Rumi growled before taking a deep breath. 

Composure. She needed to tap into cool, confident composure. And yet, the question sent her blood bubbling. She was not in the mood to play it cool against asinine questions. 

Settling down? What was that question even about? Her face gained a heat that had nothing to do with the glaring lights above. There was no way she'd be tamed into being a housewife or something. She glanced at Keigo who kept a cool smile that only made her blood hotter. 

Was he hearing this shit? 

Clearing his throat, Keigo sharply glared at both hosts while forcing a smile. “Miruko is at the ready, willing to fight for the good of Japan in any way she can. Right now, we're here to do one thing: help Japan recover.” He said with a haughty laugh. “I assure you: bunny girl over here hasn't lost a thing."

The crowd applauded to the dismay of the sullen co-host.

“Except for a few limbs," she said through her grimace.

There was a pregnant pause before Hawks choked out a chuckle and tugged at Miruko's ears. The stage crew hurriedly urged a laugh out of the audience.

Rumi glared up at him, gritting her teeth. Her fist grabbed the sleeve of his jacket. Her ears were quite a sensitive part! And he wasn't making her appear any stronger with that move. 

The sunny co-host stood up and eagerly commented, “The audience loves seeing you two interact. You get along like brothers.”

Hawks’s eyebrow twitched. “Yeah, no." His glare sending shivers through the poor hosts. A hush spread across the room. “I don't think it's that. Although we bicker, we're good friends. I don't think brothers have the devotion that we do.”

Below the table Miruko stomped on Hawks’s boot. Her eyes sent a scowering torrent up at him. 

Although that comment may have seemed innocent, it had layers of an image he wasn't sure he wanted for their partnership. Brothers? Masculinizing Miruko like that? Keigo clenched his jaw. 

He sweltered within his gloves and beneath his visor as it threatened to fog. 

“Moreover, she's cleary a woman. Miruko is still as objectively attractive as she has always been," Hawks explained, reaching out to the audience. “Wouldn't you agree?"

The audience roared with applause as both hosts stewed in crimson distress. 

Rumi continued stomping on his foot at a quickening pace unbeknownst to everyone but Keigo. The hero's face grew scarlet with anger? Her jaw was on the floor. 

“Sorry, Bunny,” he silently apologized. His mind flipped, doing mental gymnastics to rationalize what he just did. 

Who was he kidding, her polls had soared if anything.

But then why did the suave Hawks lunge to defend her sexuality, their partnership, his devotion?

The hosts gritted their teeth at the shocking confession. 

"You mean that professionally, right?” they both chirped.

“Professionally," responded Keigo as he scratched his temple. He looked everywhere but her - knowing he'd die from her laser stare alone.

The sunny co-host abruptly clapped his hands twice. "Well what raw devotion. This has been an amazing interview. Thank you everyone. After the commercials, we'll see the best new bubble tea shop coming to a corner near you.”

The cameras cut.

Backstage

Before the hosts could reprimand Keigo, Rumi stepped up to the plate and pulled him back by his jacket collar until their faces were a breath away. 

"Keigo! What the hell was that? Next time are you just going to blab about my ass or my rack?"

Once he pulled off his golden visor, he wiped his brow. That was a tough one. The interview had him drained and thirsty. 

“Both? Is that the right answer?” he thought, barely paying attention. 

Her eyes peered through her bobbed white hair. “I’ve worked too hard just to be a -"

“Playboy bunny?" Dodging her kicks with precision, he backed up against the wall. By the weakness in her playful attacks, he could tell she needed a break. “Alright, alright. You're right.”

She narrowed her vision, looking down his body from head to toe. "I'm watching you,” warned Rumi. 

Inwardly, Keigo cringed. Good publicity or not - his hero partner deserved more respect than the hosts were willing to give. “Yeah, I got a little miffed when he called us brothers.”

The rabbit hero crossed her arms and smirked, curiously observing him. “Right, so who cares?" It wasn't a huge deal to her. She had no issue reminding people of her womanhood when the necessity arose.

"Rumi, I,” he began, voice thick with pensive thought. He bit his lip and leaned back against the wall, putting professional distance between them. "I don't know. They talked to you like they were talking about you, and I just needed to control the narrative, you know. No biggie." Then again, Keigo rarely liked the way media talked to or about heroes in general. 

First of all, Rumi was a woman. He didn't like the idea of people putting her into a box. “Miruko” could be muscular, brutal, and do anything she wanted. But still, a woman. Right? That's why he said it.

Moreover, it was best not to label their relationship. Leaving things ambiguous and open could leave the audience intrigued by their interaction.

“Jeez, there you go overthinking again. Aren't you supposed to be good at this,” she mocked him by covering her mouth in the same way he did. "I don't see how gloating about my body and your love and devotion are supposed to help our image."  

He stuffed his trembling hand into his pocket. “Hey now, Who said anything about love? You're the one thinking too much into it,” he smirked, leaning down to catch her gaze. It had been a while since he saw that glimmer in her eyes. He couldn't tear his eyes away. "Why don't you go over there and eat some of the carrots they have, laid out for you at the buffet table?" 

“Of course, you'd like to see me put a carrot in my mouth," she chortled, pressing a hand on his collarbone. Her words veiled in mischief and bemusement.

Keigo choked. Where did she get that idea from? He stared out into the distance but as he focused his vision, he saw the cotton soft tail on her behind. 

What kind of door did he open? His once smarmy smile dropped as his hands convulsed with horror. That sly woman had turned his public blunder into a confession of secret deviancy. 

And, she would torture him until his last breath.

Chapter Text

Flashback. 
3 Months ago 

7:30pm
Haruhiro Hospital 

The hot white of the room burned into Keigo's vision as he zapped awake. The sterile, bright lights and walls weren't exactly conducive to sleeping soundly. 

A dull ache throbbed at the base of his thoracic spine, a phantom sensation where wings once soared. He felt the loss of his wings - spiritually - like a castration losing something innate. 

Dread seeped into the empty crevices of his body. Heavy and suffocating, the feeling burned his throat. But beneath it, a sliver of pride. They had stopped All for One. 

A shift in the bed beside him drew his gaze. Miruko, the Rabbit Hero, lay limp and unconscious, her pale white hair fell bled into the sterile sheets. 

“What?” Keigo thought to himself. His brow twitched in confusion. 

Why stick him in a room with that woman? Not, that he cared.

Before he could voice the question, the door swung open, revealing the Commissioner and a team of officials.

The Commissioner's smile was tight as she addressed them. "Hawks, Miruko. You've both done a commendable job. However, due to the current situation..." she trailed off, nervously at the bandages wrapped around Miruko's missing limbs.

"Current situation?" Miruko rasped, finally awake. Her voice was weak, but the fiery glint in her eyes hadn't dimmed. 

"The Hero Commission has established the Happy Hero initiative, a program meant to help revitalize the public," the Commissioner announced, her voice heavy with bureaucratic jargon. "You, Hawks and Miruko, will be the champions of this new society."

Miruko snorted, "Champions of what? Propaganda?"

The Commissioner coughed uncomfortably. "Not exactly. You'll participate in community events, promotions, tours, interviews - the whole gamut. You'll present as a united symbol of hope - of peace.” 

That was propaganda. 

A hollow laugh bubbled up in Keigo's chest. Peace. The word tasted bitter on his tongue. He still felt the phantom sting of his feathers, the echo of battles fought and sacrifices made.

"With the use of the cutting edge de-quirking weapons, we do not anticipate your engaging in battle. In fact, we discourage it," the Commissioner added pointedly, as if anticipating Rumi's outburst. "As symbols of peace, conflict resolution - not combat - will be your focus."

Miruko's eyes narrowed. "No fighting?" she spat, her voice laced with disbelief. "Are you fucking kidding me? Do you know who I am? So a villain comes up and slaps me in the mouth, and I'm just supposed to take it?” 

The Commissioner sighed, her shoulders stiffened. "We understand this is difficult. However, the public is in a precarious state.  Anti-hero sentiment has stabilized, but it's still higher than we would like. We need you to propagate a sense of calm."

Keigo stared at the ceiling, a wave of nausea washing over him. Great, when he said he wanted heroes to live an easy life, this wasn't what he meant. While he wasn't a belligerent bunny, he still longed for the roar of the wind beneath his feathers. 

"We'll be issuing new prosthetic wings and limbs," the Commissioner continued, oblivious to the churning emotions in the room. "Appearances must be maintained during this age of reconstruction."

What was that about? 

Keigo closed his eyes, the metallic taste of blood returned to his mouth.  He was a broken war machine, a weapon repurposed for a peace he didn't understand.  But a flicker of defiance sparked within him. He would find a way to the skies once more. 

A day passed, and after mostly suffocating silence and possibly a few sobs coming from the direction of his roommate, Keigo felt it was time to reach across the chasm splitting the room. 

Through the doors, Keigo came through with a carton of Very Berry Ice Cream and a smile. 

Just a pick-me-up. 

Miruko was strangely silent. It was heartbreaking. Seeing someone go from boisterous on the battlefield to limp and lifeless in a hospital bed. 

While Keigo could still put up somewhat of a fight with his weaponry skills, he knew it'd be nothing like his prowess before. 

The ice cream dripped down his hand. 

"Hey, Miruko," he sang out, hoping to catch her attention. "Ice cream." 

She laid facing the window away from him. 

Keigo could see the storm clouds lining the horizon of his future. This would be a new, terrifying world. 

However, upon his maimed and torn back, he could still feel the sun. 

Could someone as stubborn and battle born as Miruko survive in a long term peace? 

Before he could drop the carton in the trash... 

“Hey, leave it,” Miruko muttered, not moving. “Put it on the tray and go lay down, alright? No need to hover over me, breathing like that.”

With a silent smile twitching at his lips, he didn't know whether to be offended or relieved. 

Keigo set the carton on the table side as Miruko requested. 

Retreating to his bed, he saw it - her smile like a crescent moon illuminated by the stark white lights. 

A smile, the first one since her awakening. 

Rumi snatched the ice cream container. Each bite disappeared in a single, messy gulp, strawberry syrup dripping down her chin and staining the bandages on her chest. But she didn't seem to care, a guttural moan escaping her lips with each gulp. 

Hawks watched. 

Amusement glowed in his own eyes. Maybe, he had just accomplished his first mission of peace. 

"Enjoying yourself, Bunny?" he teased, the nickname flowing from his mouth. 

Her ruby eyes narrowed into a glare as she wiped a glob of ice cream off her cheek with the back of her bandaged hand. "What are you looking at, birdbrain?" she retorted, her voice thick with ice cream. "Believe it or not, I'm not the sex pot you might be imagining, so keep your distance."

Hawks sputtered. "Sexpot?!" he exclaimed. Was that a joke? "I'm not some pervert. I was just...” he trailed off. 

Miruko shot over a pointed look, eyeing him up and down. She shrugged. “Time will tell.” 

The HPSC must have been desperate if they thought pairing him with Miruko would make for an effective peace symbol. "Never mind," he muttered, running a hand over his face. "Just… glad to see you up and alive.”

Miruko scoffed, a single eyebrow arching high. "Why wouldn't I be? I'll get through this, one way or another. They can take my limbs, but they-" 

“They can't take your spirit,” said Keigo, finishing the sentence. Was he talking to himself or to her? 

Keigo couldn't help but admire her tenacity. Her white hair, stark against the sterile hospital sheets. She held a defiance against their forced situation.  

And then it struck him.  Miruko wasn't just a warrior; she was a symbol –  the perfect balance of captivating beauty and raw power that had driven the world wild with "Miruko Madness" upon her debut. 

She was a symbol of tenacity - of resilience - of will. 

"You're right," he conceded, a slow grin spreading across his face. "They can't keep you caged for long." 

 Suddenly, he had a feeling this forced partnership, born out of the will of the government, would become one wild ride. 

"Now," Miruko said, licking her fingers. Her voice was laced with a sweet mischief. "where can I get my hands on more of that sweet, creamy goodness?” 

Present Day 
Post - Cafe Chat Interview
9:45pm

Mixed drinks and techno beats rang through the air. Colorful lights shined like a rainbow across the dark warehouse of the local hero hideout, Lunacy. 

Heroes knew how to drink. Rumi did, too. She just didn't. Not since the gym incident...

That night, the bunny hero opted for a bloody Mary and held the Mary with a shot of Might Energy and a heaping side of carrots and celery. 

“It's good to hang out with you, Rumi. You're usually all over the place,” said Ryuko at a volume just above the crowd. 

While the atmosphere was lively, Rumi felt like she was floating belly up in a tank with ten inch glass walls. 

“Rumi,” Ryuko repeated. She clenched her sharp teeth in a tight grimace. 

Oh, yes. Her friends were here:

The calm and composed drinker Ryuko and the radical riot Moe made excellent company on a night like that. They sat at a booth not unlike the sunny fake diner booth from the Cafe Chat set. 

“Listen, I know you're bummed out, but that interview was heartbreaking to watch,” Moe cringed before burning down another shot of Tanqueray. “You gotta get it together.” 

Ryuko gave Moe a look. 

“Not my fault," grumbled Rumi, sliding down in her seat. That had to be the elephant in the room. 

Rumi could see the headlines: but she was pretty good at hiding from social media during times like this. 

Ryuko glanced around. “Oh, from this morning? I didn't get a chance to see it," she said, disappointment and concern in her breath. 

Of course, she had that classic look apity in her eyes.

Moe burst with agitation. The flames on her head went wild. “It was pretty crazy. They were really coming out of nowhere with their questions,” she exclaimed. Then, the flames cooled off. “But, all I could think about was the way Rumi looked like she was going to pass out the entire time. They had her stressed and triggered." 

She unlocked her phone and tossed it to Ryuko.

While Rumi may have been the most powerful female hero in the country, they saw her for her innocent moxy. "I was just mad - trying to hold back from kicking ass,” Rumi touted. Weakly. 

Shifting her drink, Ryuko watched the ring of moisture form into a trail. Studying the phone, she nodded and cringed and her neutral expression melted into a frown. "Oh, dear,” she said in the most sympathetic way possible. "What happened? I don't think that was your fault.” 

“Can we get more carrots and celery?” asked Rumi. Her voice, just a pitch lower than a whine, cried for mercy.

That morning, she looked so bad. Her usual perky ears were flatter than a stale soda. 

"That's why I summoned you two here for operation: Rumi Usagiyama Meeting/Intervention. Code name: RUMI. To put that hop back in your step. We can't let these peace times get to us," declared Moe. She slapped the table. 

Rumi had hope for the future. She inspired both of them through college, careers, and battle. 

Maybe that's why they saw innocence. She muttered, “Listen, I'll be back to my normal self when we get back to normal." 

“Oh, dear," Ryuko’s voice dripping with pity. She reached out to touch Rumi's arm. Shifting over closer to Rumi, she lowered her head letting her in on a secret. 

Moe dropped her hot hands on Rumi's shoulders. “There's not going to be a back to normal, you silly rabbit,” she said 

Ryuko gave Moe a look. 

Jumping back, Rumi's eyes betrayed a mix of shock and disillusionment. "W-wah. I mean it'll be a new normal or whatever, but I'm sure they'll figure out a way for us to fight.” 

Moe snorted.

In any other mood, Rumi would go toe to toe with Moe for her snide snort alone, however well intentioned. But she needed something to look forward to. 

And if that lifeline broke then... What? 

Despite being reactive, Rumi always had lofty goals for her future centered around making it big as a hero. Straight out of high school, the HPSC recruited her to specialized missions around the country. She had just gained enough notoriety to break into the top ten at the last billboard showcase after years of traveling. 

At the top of her game, she sparked the phenomenon “Miruko Madness.” 

"Oh, dear,” Ryuko repeated with more intention. As always, Ryuko's pity burned even more than the fiery hero's mockery. “Have you considered other avenues? All of us are. It's only the top heroes that have been getting work lately." 

Rumi rolled her eyes. “I mean, what else is someone like me supposed to do? I don't think I can fit into a post-hero world." in fact it was just a thought, she knew that she had no purpose without heroism. 

Down, her ears fell, flat against her head. 

The Burnin hero sat up and clutched Rumi's hand. She leaned in to look her in the eyes, he said, “Hey, I think we all miss fighting. It sucks. I don't know what I'll do either. But you - and maybe this is a good thing - your whole identity and personality revolve around fighting. 

“We're here for you,” Ryuko said quietly. 
 
Moe guarded her mouth from potential onlookers. She whispered, "Don't forget your quarterly shot. I know you don't want to be a baby maker, and you know what they say about peacetimes after war.” 

“Did you just say babies?!” Rumi shrieked. "Heroes aren't allowed to get into stuff like that." Did they even have a choice to get the shot? That was one restriction she agreed with. She never even thought about having kids or partners - they'd only get in the way!

With a glint of admiration, Ryuko smiled over at Rumi and Moe. She sipped from her martini glass. "Moe means well. I just think you should take your time. We have that luxury now.” 

Time, sure, but Luxury? Yeah, right. Rumi's idea of luxury was racing through the streets after the next threat. 

As the songs went on, Rumi's thoughts faded into the music. She ate through plates of vegetables and bar snacks. The rhythmic beats mixed with the chatter of her friends. 

Her friends drank drink after drink. Setting down glasses with a clink one after the other. For fun. 

Rumi was the only one drowning. 

Once Moe started cuddling against Rumi's arm and Ryuko started dozing off, Rumi knew it was time to call a ride for them to go home. No need for anyone else to make the tabloids. 

After shutting the door for her friends, she took a second to look out to the dazzling streets that night. A cool autumn breeze came through the city, chilling her from head to toe. 

It was past midnight, but her schedule tomorrow was completely empty as far she could see - until the next promotion came up. 

Hopping up to the building tops, she peered to the horizon and spotted... Smoke?! Coming from the direction of the condo?! 

Her heart thumped as a wild, feral grin appeared on her lips. Over the brim, her excitement splashed like hot boiling water. 

She got down on all fours. 

This was it! This was time for some action - self defense against a conflagration. 

1:11am
The Outside District 

Rumi coughed up smoke as she darted through the late night streets of the concrete jungle. It must have been late into the night as her feet clapped against the pavement. Wind billowed her moonlit, white hair. Like a Phoenix, she soared - but on foot.

The colorful neon lights and liveliness faded as she made her way to the cold, inky shadows of The Outside District. She swept right, bouncing off a light post.

She reached her destination: a humble ramshackle of a house stood out amidst public housing.

Rumi knocked on the door and waited, stomping the ground nervously. A cocktail of adrenaline, endorphins and caffeine kept her alert and ready to boast. 

Answering the door, it was Keigo. 

Rumi always knew how to get ahold of him somehow.

His shoulders were squared and tensed. Cold sweat coated his brow as his hand rested on the hilt of his katana. “Rumi?” he asked before letting out a big sigh. Regaining a semblance of composure, he stood up. “What the hell? How did you find this place?” 

“Yo! Not important!" she waved him off. Placing a hand on her hip, she caught her breath. “Guess what? I had the most incredible experience.”

Curiosity with a hint of concern etched Keigo's brow - a familiar feeling with this rabid rabbit. He eyed her up and down and up again - studying the soot and sweat that clung to her costume. “What the hell did you do?"

"Your penthouse went up in smoke,” she laughed before coughing up smoke again. 

“What?!” exclaimed, biting the T at the end of the word. 

Rumi shrugged with a coy smile inflating her cheeks. 

“Was it deliberate?" Keigo growled like he swallowed sand. He rubbed his forehead as he cleared his throat. This curse of a woman always found a way to break him. "Fine, come inside.” 

What was he doing letting her inside? He got a sinking feeling in his gut as she stepped inside not only his home but his inner world. Leaving him vulnerable and open. 

Rumi pushed through his arm to the one bedroom, one bathroom house. Posters of golden age Endeavor plastered from wall to wall. Video games stacked messily between the couch and TV. The house itself was smaller than the average hotel room she stayed in. 

“This your secret base or something?” The curious bunny circumvented the room, eyeing every corner.  “I bet you think you're cool and humble living like this - an every man.”

Keigo stretched and yawned all his drowsiness out of his body. This would be a long night. “It just felt right at home for me,” he admitted, rubbing the nape of his neck. 

Marching to the fridge like she owned the place, Rumi found a water bottle before chugging it.

“What were you up to that started this, Bunny?” Asked Keigo as he mentally reviewed a web of possibilities. He made himself comfortable at the kotatsu.

This was going to be good. Playing with fire crackers? Cooking tempura?

However, she continued on her blissful rant:

“I think I get it now - why they want us to do this psyops stuff. People love a good story. They want to feel safe," she explained as she punched her hand with confidence.

“Well, yeah," he scoffed. Obviously. But, why did he enjoy this soulful declaration she was making? He felt an engine revving in his own core. She definitely had a star quality.

She slapped her chest bone. “I felt it, too - that need to protect the peace. I might not be afraid to die, but others are. And I think by putting on a show and telling people to trust the police and firefighters and stuff, we're giving them something to believe in.”

Keigo smirked. “Took you this long?" he playfully jousted. 

"Then there's the thrill of getting caught doing secret heroic things like saving people from fiery buildings,” she boasted with bravado in her voice.

If anything, Rumi always brought colorful energy wherever she went. The bunny hero brought baskets worth of surprises. That was part of the thrill for him - for better or for worse. 

“Oh right, I don't know how the fire started. I was with Moe and Ryuko at the Lunacy," she mentioned before chugging another water bottle. “I haven't been home since you picked me up.” 

He could have pressed her for more information about the fire. If it wasn't her, then it was what he feared - an external force, but nevermind that for the night.

She had an aura of smoke lingering from her heroic feat. 

"Listen,” he said, pointing to the back of the house.  "You can stay here, but you have to take a bath first. Then, sleep in my bed."

“How direct," she teased, covering her mouth with a hand. “In your bed? With you? I didn't think you'd be so forward." Coughs and chuckles bled through her fingers. 

Keigo groaned, slumping back. “I'll sleep out here." He could already feel his heavy body dozing off. 

“What a gentleman," she laughed and sat on the table next to him. “Is that what you want me to say?” 

“Bath!" he repeated, motioning to the bathroom again.

As Rumi happily hopped off to the bathroom, she hummed a tune with each step. 

Keigo had to wonder if he would one day rue this invitation. 

Chapter Text

Flashback

Months Ago

Haruhiro Hospital

At the Haruhiro Hospital, the heroes had formed an unlikely bond over comedy specials, Kaiju movies, and classic cartoons. They reminisced about heroic  feats from days of yesterday. Maybe they still weren't ready to let go. 

While they didn't talk as much as they could have within the endless amounts of free time, the comforting silence punctuated by synchronized laughter was enough to build a bridge between them. 

Despite her progress, Rumi had an unsettling thought form over the unknown of her future. “Man, I guess they're going to have me stationed in town with you for this Happy Hero crap - since you have the house and I've just been living at inns and hotels for the past ten years. You think I'm supposed to get a house?” 

“No telling,” shrugged Keigo - his prosthetic wings had been carefully reconstructed into his spine. 

“Do you live here?” she asked as she gazed out the hospital window at the city skyline. 

Leaning back in the hospital bed, Keigo smiled as if reminiscing. “No, I live in Fukuoka. It's pretty nice out there. Quieter and yet more to do at the same time.”

“Fukuoka? Oh yeah! I've been there,” said Rumi with a grin. “It's pretty great - ‘perfects the delicate balance of nightlife and nature.’ It really scratched an itch for me.” She had traveled there a few times for missions and meet ups, but she couldn't recall meeting Keigo there. 

Her praise may have sounded ripped from a travel blog, Rumi still held respect for most cities she visited. 

Keigo turned to Rumi, folding his legs on top of the bed. “If you're not ready to settle down just yet, you can stay at my place.” 

“Settle down? Your place? What are you trying to say, Hawks?” asked Rumi, pedantically. While she often teased Keigo, she didn't think he was actually that forward. 

Through his hair, he ran his fingers and sighed, “No, I mean - you can stay at my vacant condo. It's this giant penthouse. I'm not using it right now.” 

For just a moment, scanned the room and met his glance. Any place was better than here. “Alright, like a Bed and Breakfast sort of arrangement? I'll think about it. “

Present Day

Keigo's Place

12:29

That fateful talk at the hospital was months ago, and last night, she had nestled into his natural habitat. 

Last night - as he recalled - was wild and uneventful all the same. He could still remember the animation in Rumi as she seemed to spark awake, recounting her inspiration that maybe being a propaganda puppet wasn't so bad after all. Was it a cope or a revelation? Time would tell. 

Once Rumi had bathed in his bath, dressed in his shirt and shorts, and slept in his bed, Keigo expected himself to simply fall asleep on the couch. When he agreed to this arrangement, he had not expected Rumi to infest his thoughts like a fleet of mice. Now, he wasn't the type to think her naked, wet steps, but he had to admit, many of her fans would likely dream to be in his position. 

Rising, in his core, he felt a sense of - respect. 

His respect for Rumi's prowess as a fighter and a friend outweighed whatever lustful thoughts most people would have in his position. 

It was a perfectly normal thing to do - lending a bath and bed to his colleague at a time of need. That's what he told himself.  But it did not explain the gaping hole of loss he experienced when he woke up and she was gone. Was this that one night sort of thing? 

That morning, Keigo found comfort in the warm scent of earl Grey tea, faint and calming. He stretched to the morning sun, his muscles creaking like the rooftop beneath his feet.  Just last night, he'd offered his ramshackle bungalow as a refuge to his assigned partner, Rumi. This place was galaxies from the sleek, chic modern condo she stayed in before. 

It had a full sized bathroom built to accommodate his wings, and that was about the only amenity. 

In his heart of a home, dry walls held the damp chill of morning and tired furniture from second-hand shops. Rumi wasn't wrong about it being akin to a dorm room with the posters and ramen cache, and maybe he could take time for some housekeeping. The spoiled milk and dishes piled past the sink would send anyone running. If Rumi decided to leave, he'd totally understand.  She was sensible after all. Not to mention, these quarters were tight for two people who had only been on speaking terms for three or four months. 

All the same, he welcomed the warmth that followed the Rabbit Hero like a tailwind. 

Staring hard into the void of the familiar urban sprawl, his vision blurted - obscured by the horizon. A lone figure, with tones of white and rich copper brown emerged on the pale roads coming from town. 

Rumi. 

"Looking for me?" Rumi called up, her voice laced with lethal amusement. Her signature bunny ears flopped against her head.

Even from afar, her vibrant energy was unmistakable.  An unexpected smile tugged at the corner of Keigo's lips. 

As she neared, the weight of the overflowing bags she carried on her prosthetics became apparent. Clothes, groceries - a collection of the bare necessities. The familiar white shirt, now wrinkled and smelling faintly of fresh air, and mesh shorts, borrowed from him the night before, clung to her form, highlighting the powerful muscles stacked upon her pleasantly wide hips. 

Keigo couldn't admit the truth – that the silence of the house, punctuated by distant roosters and creaky wood, had driven him to wait for her from his rooftop. Her anticipated reappearance finally silenced his thoughts. 

"Just, you know, hunting for some breakfast," he bantered with a wide grin. 

Sliding down the shingles of the roof with practiced ease, his boots met the gravel of the ground. 

Rumi laughed, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Well, if you're hunting for me then you better be hungry," she said with a teasing lilt in her voice, the sweet scent of wildflowers clinging to her hair. "I'd be a hearty meal."

There was a boldness in her statement that sent a shiver down Keigo's spine. His eyebrow twitched. She always knew how to shoot that sensation through him. After all, it was Rumi, she never shied away from an innuendo or taunt. 

The worst part was: she wasn't wrong - she was indeed hearty and dense. But Keigo nipped the weeds of thoughts before they could fester. 

He cleared his throat, forcing his gaze away. "Bold words, Rabbit," he countered a bit too late and too weakly. “Walking into the nest of a bird of prey.” With an eager push, he swung the door open for his sojourner. 

“Yeah,” Rumi snorted as she stepped foot into the house. “Okay, Bird Nerd. Eat me then.” 

Her platinum locks caught the light of the sun - painting the room with her glowing aura. 

"If I'd known you'd be back already," he began, smoothly striding across the creaking floor. "I would have set some traps out."  His voice flat, masking that pesky flutter in his chest. 

"To keep me out or keep me in?" she replied before dropping the lot of wares with a brief commotion. 

Behind him, he closed the door before jumping to action to help unload her bags into the cabinets and crevices of his house. 

Her laughter, warm and real, echoed in the room, chasing away the dark quiet that had nested there before. They danced around each other in the tight corner of the kitchen, pushing past each other in good humor. By their pace, they seemed to compete to put items away quicker. 

Keigo wouldn't dare touch her clothes, but he made room in his dresser and there was plenty of room in his closet. After all, most of his junk was in the storage closet. 

"You know, I couldn't even cook last night," she declared, her voice laced with mock sympathy, the scent of frying onions filling the air. "All you have is junk food and takeout.  Bet you couldn't even boil water."

“Who would cook in the middle of the night anyway?” Keigo chuckled. Despite the teasing, there was a warmth in her words, a sense of domesticity that felt strangely comforting like something he'd seen on TV.

Keigo could not recall Rumi ever cooking in the penthouse, but he typically did not linger there for long. The thought of a bloody brawler like her with a wooden spoon and wok was somehow fitting - in a high-octane Iron Chef way rather than a happy housewife. 

"Setting up camp here for a while, are you?" he finally asked - shamefully anticipating her to say yes. 

Rumi paused before turning to face him, her gaze held his for a beat too long. The rhythmic banter seemed to faded to a black silence. 

"I don't know," she admitted through the clatter of the frying pan. 

Keigo cleared his throat, forcing himself to break away from her gaze. 

"Stay," he offered, the word quick and quiet. By taking a breath, he relaxed the tension in his shoulders. "It's totally cool. Stay until whenever.  We've got a mutualistic thing going, right?" he smiled, pointing at a nonexistent string between them. 

Rumi raised an eyebrow.  "Mutualism? And what exactly do you offer?" she asked, her voice a husky challenge, the scent of frying food. 

"Hey, I've got stuff - warm futon, messy kitchen, and fewer fires," he said.  Someone was targeting one or both of them, and staying together, at least for now, was the only logical solution. 

Though rational, the threat of a fire felt more like an alibi than a logical explanation for his urgency. 

Rumi reached over Keigo's shoulder to open a cabinet. Her arm brushed against his shoulder sending a current of energy through him. "What if I like trouble?” she said in a low, tickling tone. 

“Then I'll be ready,” he said like the stiff soldier before he realized the implications. 

With an eerie Cheshire smile, Rumi surprisingly agreed. She pulled back to pat Keigo on the head. "Thanks, bro,” she said with a sly grin - an obvious reference to the interview from the day before.

Although Keigo knew she was trying to get a rise out of him, it was her flowery scent that slowed his response, if only for a moment. 

"Haha,” he said through forced laughter before sharply turning away.

Her raw spirit crashed like waves into him. This was a complete shift from the Rumi from yesterday. Resilient in the face of anything that came her way...to a fault. 

This is how he saw the Rumi before the war ended. And this was the aura he always wanted to see from her.

However, there was one small issue: HPSC would have a say in this. As he saw it, he'd best go see them before they found out. 

Staying out of trouble meant making this a legal arrangement. “Hey, Buns, I'm gonna leave for a while.” 

Since his childhood, Keigo made a point to only come to the Public Safety Commission unless he had been summoned. However, now it felt like visiting his alma mater. Although he wasn't fully free of the commission, it had changed faces and allotted him more freedoms from major tasks like befriending and killing a league of villains. 

So, yeah, this was like his high school - hypothetically. Hawks, of course, never having attended a traditional high school. This building was his home - his extended family. 

A pit grew in his stomach. 

“I gotta put this on paper before it becomes a scandal. Even if it is only temporary,” he thought to himself.

Keigo had no issue taking responsibility for harboring his hero partner. He released the breath that he had held and stepped through the double doors of the elevators to the commissioner’s office.

There was a vacant chair facing a horse shoe of tables and chairs. However, the commissioner and a note taker were the only other occupants in the room.

The room had a dryness to the heated room that still managed to have several drafts of chilly air stream through.

“Sit, Hawks," called a voice from the dark shadows of the infinitesimally small room. 

“Uh, hey?" He asked, unsure about the new etiquette. Things had definitely changed, or maybe this was how all normal heroes felt in the commissioner office. The room felt tight and empty. 

Was the note taker really necessary? Were any of these formalities necessary?

The commissioner tapped her pen ominously. Like a metronome counting at a rhythm much slower than his heart beat.

Why was he so nervous?

“Many branches of this organization are being privatized. We've lost a lot of funding since the war, and this executive branch is one of the few left. We are in a state of regrouping,” she explained. "If that's what you were wondering.”

Hawks had read about many of the changes, but it seemed like there was more. “I wanted to report that my partner, Rumi Usagiyama is...” He hesitated and scratched at his ear. Anything he could say would have consequences. 

"Your partner,” she noted to the man typing hastily on his laptop. "ID Number: 626914. We are aware of the news reports regarding the recent interview. Hawks, don't tell me...” she began with her eyes widened. 

“Residing with me,” Keigo finished swiftly. Just roommates. In coming to confess his living arrangements, he was already making more waves than anticipated. Tucking his hands into his pockets, he kept his vision fixed on the Commissioner. 

“Residing,” she tasted the word. “Residing in what capacity?” 

Right, that was rather vague. 

“Separate rooms. Temporary. She is transitioning since the penthouse fire last night,” he explained as the guilt of the confession weighed heavy on his gut. As transparent as he has been trained to be with the HPSC, they had never inquired about his personal life. He never really had a personal life to inquire about. 

The Commissioner sat back in her chair. A faint smile appeared like an apparition on her face. “You're unnerved, but please, relax. Protocols are changing: with the Happy Hero Initiative and certain budget constraints, we are forced to re-evaluate certain Legacy Laws. Cohabitation is now encouraged - responsible cohabitation.” She tilted her head forward, sending a stern look to him. 

What was this supposed to mean? Sweat beaded at his brow as he maintained his blank stare. “Miruko and I intend to maintain a professional relationship,” he said while emphasizing professional. Yes, they were on their way to becoming close friends if anything. Despite the notion that she was objectively attractive... 

Why did he have to acknowledge that again? 

A shrewd glint entered the Commissioner's eyes.  "Of course, Keigo. But appearances can be deceiving, especially to the public.  The Happy Hero Initiative thrives on positive publicity, and a stable life for our heroes is a key aspect of that image." She leaned forward, her voice dropping.  "Six months to a year, Keigo. That's all we ask.  Maintain the illusion of stability. After that, you're free to do as you please.” 

Wait what? Was she saying that she wanted Rumi to stay with him long-term? He wouldn't bother speaking back, but he had to ask why. His hairs bristled as he sensed more beneath the surface waters. He had arrived ready to bargain for his roommate situation and here the commissioner was, encouraging him to stay in close quarters with his PR partner. Why was she being so complacent? 

Instead of questioning authority, Keigo held his tongue for now. “Affirmative,” he conceded. 

He stood up. As he rose, he felt a tension creep up his spine. Pensive and stuck in a loop of how this would work, Hawks's mind branched into the risks and costs and everything that could happen. 

He stepped towards the door. 

"Very well," he finally conceded, the words leaving a bitter taste in his mouth.  He owed them a debt, a debt for raising him, training him, giving him purpose after the war.  But a nagging unease settled in his stomach.  How would Rumi react to this charade of domesticity?

The Commissioner seemed to see the conflict in his eyes.  "Now, on a different note," she said, her tone shifting, "with the recent events, we've been impressed with your resourcefulness, Keigo.  Discretion, efficiency, all the hallmarks of a top operative."  She paused, letting the weight of her words hang in the air.

"Have you considered returning to the Special Operations Division?  We're…reorganizing there as well.  And with your unique skillset…”

Keigo held up a hand, cutting her off.  The allure of true flight and wings tugged at him.  But the scars of past missions, the ghosts of fallen comrades, were still too raw.

"I appreciate the offer, Commissioner," Keigo said, his voice steady, "but I'm not interested in taking on additional responsibilities at the moment.  I'm content where I am. I'll let you know if anything changes." His wings twitched at the prospect, but he had already convinced himself that he was fine with the way things were. He enjoyed living a peaceful life without having to spy and kill at the government’s whim.

The Commissioner's smile faltered for a brief moment, a flicker of something akin to disappointment crossing her features.  But quickly, the mask of professionalism snapped back into place.

As he scraped his boots across the tile floor, the weight of Rumi's impending reaction hit him first. She was totally going to be pissed that he'd even gone there. 

At least, this didn't take long - just as he'd assured her. 

Keigo drove home in his Miata with the roof closed. He needed privacy with his thoughts. The weight of the impending talk weighed heavy on his mind.  He replayed the Commissioner's words in his head, the manipulative undertones churning his stomach.  He owed it to Rumi to be honest, to explain the situation - he'd walked into a giant glue trap. 

As he entered the apartment, the savory sizzling okonomiyaki beckoned his senses, a notable contrast to the dead air of the HPSC building.  He found Rumi bustling about the kitchen, a vibrant splash of color against the muted tones of the room.  Despite her initial curiosity, she refrained from asking about his whereabouts, sensing the unspoken tension radiating from him.

"I'm home,” announced Keigo as he took off his heavy leather boots with a thud. 

Rumi turned from the stove, a bright smile lighting up her face. "Welcome back! I just wrapped up.” 

“Okonomiyaki? And it's not on fire?" Hawks teased, a playful jab escaping his lips before he could stop himself.  "Not bad, Chef Rumi.”

Rumi whipped around, a spatula held high like a weapon.  "Hey!" she countered, a playful glint in her ruby eyes.  "At least mine is edible. I saw the burnt toast."

They lapsed into a comfortable banter, the familiar teasing a balm to the anxieties gnawing at Hawks.  He finally sat down at the kotatsu, the warmth seeping into his bones.  Taking a deep breath, he jumped into his explanation, recounting his visit to the HPSC and the "Happy Hero Initiative's" latest directive – cohabitation. He explained the situation, recounting how they had been sentenced to live together for six months (to a year) to build camaraderie. 

Rumi's reaction was a hot pot of shock and annoyance. Her telling foot thumped against the leg of the table. She couldn't believe that Keigo had made such a decision without consulting her first, and she bristled at the thought of the HPSC trying to control her in any way.

"Sorry," Keigo said for the third time that day. "I thought it'd be simple - pick up some paperwork, do a little damage control. I did not think they'd flip the script like that." 

Rumi put her hands on her hips. "Really? You didn't think the HPSC would take advantage of us as heroes?" she said filled with frustration.  "We get it: you're this high flying genius, but you couldn't see that the HPSC would manipulate you?" 

Well, actually, she could believe it, Keigo was known for being a secretive hermit. Damn that little ninja bird man. Knowing him, he probably didn't object or fight back at all - didn't question this sudden arrangement. 

It was the HPSC who angered her the most with their evil conniving. Rumi in all her bloodlust had higher standards than them. This entire psyops with the Happy Hero Initiative left a bitter taste in her mouth - even if she could understand the purpose. Forcing her to live with her Keigo? What a joke.

The timing was odd, too. 

Suddenly, Rumi remembered what Burnin had said to her the night before at the bar - the HPSC was banking on them having babies. 

"They're probably trying to get us locked in together to..." Rumi theorized, her frustration evident in her tone like rats in a cage. 

She couldn't shake the feeling of being manipulated by the higher-ups, and it irked her to no end.

Quirking an eyebrow up at Keigo, she could barely say it. 

“Oh, Rumi! Come on, they still require us to be platonic,” he argued. Pink brushed Keigo's cheeks as he ran a hand through his hair. "I understand why you're upset, but I don't think it's as sinister as you're making it out to be.”

Well, there were those laws banning dating for heroes, and she knew nothing would happen between her and Keigo anyway.

Rumi scowled while scorning him with a finger. "No! Bad, Birdie!” she urged, pointing her chopsticks at him. Noting the shameful yet pensive glower on Keigo's face as he placed his hands in his lap and hunched his wings and shoulders. “We have to stay on high alert.”

“I'm not the one thinking of weird breeding conspiracy theories,” Keigo mumbled, rubbing his neck. “We're not going to have any conflicts of interest in that department.” 

Rumi sighed. She loosened her fist that she didn't know had tightened. “You just have to be careful. I don't want to sound crazy but: This isn't the same world that it was before, right? We have to at least talk to each other and, you know - question authority, set some ground rules.”

While Rumi understood that Keigo was duty-bound to a fault, she had no idea how deep that loyalty went or why. This went beyond an employer-employee relationship. She'd heard the rumors - that he couldn't be trusted, but she knew if they were going to work together and live together, she needed to reign him in. 

"Hey, I said that I'm sorry," Keigo admitted, his tone still apologetic for the fourth time. "Maybe ground rules wouldn't be so bad.” 

As they settled into the lunch, eating away at their plates bite by bite, there was a certain picturesque magic like to youths playing house. Neither of them were habituated to a domestic lunch such as this, but they aimed to play the part. 

Their conversation shifted to a low tide of quips and small talk - maybe a little bigger than small talk. 

"So, what should we call each other?" Rumi asked, her voice laced with a playful challenge, the question hanging heavy in the air. It was a classic newlywed question, but in their situation, it felt loaded.

"I like what we've been doing - but I don't really care," Keigo began, feigning nonchalance. "You could call me-"

He was cut off by Rumi's sharp, "Keigo."  Her voice held a surprising weight, sending a jolt through him. He straightened in his seat, surprised by her directness.

"Sure," he admitted, rubbing his neck self-consciously. A warmth bloomed in his chest, a strange sensation that both confused and intrigued him.

Rumi's lips curved into a mischievous grin. "What is it? I've called you Keigo before," she protested, her voice laced with amusement. "And, if we're building intimacy by setting boundaries, shouldn't we start with the basics?"

Keigo couldn't argue with that logic, but the way she said his name, with a hint of something deeper, sent shivers down his spine. It was more than just a name; it was a declaration, a realization that their forced cohabitation had the potential to become something more.

Mumbling, his voice barely above a whisper, "It just hit a nerve - not in a bad way." He quickly changed the subject, "But I like the nicknames you come up with."  A blush crept up to his cheeks as he recalled the little nicknames she'd bestowed upon him – Birdieboy, Cockadude, Chocoboy, Feather Butt. 

"I like when you call me different names, too," Rumi countered, her eyes sparkling with amusement. “But I guess… Bunny feels the most wholesome.  I think it's something about the way you say it, so soft and gentle.”

The playful banter continued, a comfortable rhythm settling over them.  Rumi erupted in a fit of laughter, a sound so genuine and unrestrained that it surprised even her.  With baited breath, she watched as Keigo's guilt and tension melted from his bones. His nonchalance gave way to a tenderness she'd never seen in public. 

"You know," she began, catching her breath, wiping tears from the corner of her eyes. "I don't even know why I started cooking all morning.  Since last night, I thought about how this place needs a okonomiyaki meal or you just looked…" she trailed off, searching for the right word.

"Hungry?" Keigo supplied with a lopsided grin.

Rumi let out another laugh. "Exactly! You always look a little peckish, like you could bulk up." 

Despite the forced nature of their situation, the evening held a strange sense of domesticity. There was a comfort in the shared meal, the easy conversation, a comfort that belied the underlying tension.  As Rumi refilled Keigo's plate, their hands brushed.  They flinched at the contact, a speck of tension crossing their features.

Rumi's gaze softened with concern.  "You should take a bath after dinner," she suggested gently.  "Those wings look dusty. I can run you a hot one, or…" she hesitated, a playful glint in her eyes, "we could even take one together."

Keigo choked on his food, his face flushing a brilliant crimson.  "Oi, I'm perfectly capable of bathing myself, thank you very much," he stammered, flustered.

Rumi couldn't resist teasing him.  "Sure, sure, Mr. Independent," she purred, her voice laced with mock seriousness.  But beneath the playful exterior, a seed of hope had been planted.  Their forced proximity would be amusing. 

As Rumi saw Keigo fill up for the first time since they'd met, a smile swelled her cheeks. In her heart and mind, she felt a call to be a healing presence in this humble home. 

If anyone knew self-neglect, it was her. She'd realized this after eating a carton of ice cream for a “little treat” three times in one day. Unlike Keigo, Rumi indulged in sleep and food, so surely, they could balance each other out. 

After finishing his meal, Keigo washed their plates and headed to the bathroom past the living room. 

“Hey, Bunny, why is there an extra futon in the bedroom?” he asked after doing a double take. 

“Oh, that? I got that earlier so we can sleep together.” 

“Sleep together?! Don't say it like that,” Keigo groaned. “That's like the opposite of a boundary!”

“Birdie, they're like a meter apart. What do you think is going to happen?” Rumi frowned, disappointment cascading down her face. 

Keigo slid a hand down his face. “Nothing at all. I just told the HPSC that we'd be sleeping in separate rooms.”

“Then there's no issue.”

The coming months would be a test – a test of boundaries, a test of patience, and a test of their will.  

Chapter Text

The aroma of green tea and steamed buns - a pleasant contrast to the usual sterile environment of HPSC headquarters. Keigo had seamlessly transitioned from his brooding bird to the flashy peacock persona of Hawks. He sipped from his cup with grace. 

Across from him, Rumi, the untamable rabbit hero Miruko, sat hunched over, a stark contrast to Keigo's poised posture. 

They had salvaged Rumi's luggage from the ashy debris of the penthouse - what was left of it. Cracking jokes back and forth like sociopaths. The mysterious origins of the fire didn't elude them, but as they fire marshal put it, it was most likely faulty wiring. 

Despite the lighthearted banter, they masked a lingering suspicion of foul play. 

Rumi would have rather been tracking down suspects than taking on this current mission - Promoting the Camellia Cafe. They had a certain quota of pictures to post, and they could not criticize anything about the restaurant. 

"This is so ridiculous," she grumbled. “How many times are we going to meet up at a Cafe? We're always eating. I'm going to gain a hundred pounds.”

Keigo chuckled softly. "Didn't you have a whole epiphany about purpose and passion?" he teased in a low whisper knowing only Rumi could hear.

The days had passed like grains of sand settling into the glass house of their lives. 

Rumi scoffed. She totally was whispering! "Yeah, well, there's a difference between promoting peace and promoting profit. Besides," she added, her voice rising a notch, “This 'Aerodynamic Special' is filled with chicken."

The HPSC could fine her if they wanted. She wasn't eating this damn bread bun! 

Keigo forced a smile. “Only good things, Miruko," he whispered, reminding her to stay in character. “I'll finish it for you. It was pretty good.

Rumi plopped the bun down on his plate. 

Murmurs rippled through the cafe, the unmistakable buzz of hero recognition. This was another Hawks's specialty - drawing crowds in with his charming air of wit and skill. 

Looked like their public display of eating was paying off for the once dead Cafe. 

“This is what normal people do, right? Go out to eat?” he asked rhetorically with a hint of genuine uncertainty. “And here we are: two top pro heroes, enjoying a normal afternoon. It doesn't have to be forced. We're helping out a struggling business.” 

Rumi couldn't help but grin, for Keigo always knew how to put a positive spin on their circumstances. As the cozy lights toasted the room on that autumn afternoon, Rumi felt like a normal, happy couple of friends. 

Only Rumi knew that Keigo's shoulders got stiff at the end of the day from his practiced posture. While may offer a witty quip or a devil may care attitude from time to time, even that was part of the public persona of Hawks.

Gazing at Keigo, Rumi could see flashes of his true smile - when she got a rise out of him with her blue humor. She could feel the melody of his true laughter fill her with comfort and familiarity that she typically only saw in private moments. 

By the moment, she found herself truly drawn into him. 

Suddenly, the door chimed. 

A woman with cascading white hair and gentle eyes entered the establishment, her presence radiating a quiet confidence. A flicker of surprise crossed Keigo's features for a brief moment before his mask of nonchalance settled back in place.

"Hey, isn't that Endeavor's daughter?" Rumi nudged Keigo with her elbow, her voice barely a whisper. "Think she'd like to join us?"

By the look of Keigo's flushed face, he looked like he was going to pass out. "No," he stammered, his voice barely audible. "It's fine. I wouldn't want to bother her."

Rumi had never seen that face on Keigo. Did he like Fuyumi? That made sense. They both had a certain kindness to them. Not to mention, Keigo was a big Endeavor fan. They would go well together like peas and carrots. 

This was going to be good. 

With a loud, enthusiastic wave, she caught Fuyumi's eye. "Hey, Todoroki-san! Come sit with us!" Rumi's booming voice sparked through the room. 

Fuyumi jumped before smiling. "H-hello," she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper. "I wouldn't want to intrude. Seems like you're having fun, Miruko-san." A light blush bloomed on her cheeks. She stepped over to the hero duo apprehensively. 

The rabbit hero could hear her loud and clear across the room. Her ears twitched and flopped playfully. 

Keigo silently glared at Rumi. “Don't talk about our living arrangement, Rumi,” he thought. 

“I'm not going to say I'm your roommate, birdbrain. I'm trying to help you - not hurt you,” she thought silently as her eyes shifted between her partner and Fuyumi. 

Keigo hesitantly broke the silence.  "So, Todoroki-san, how is your brother doing?"

Rumi cringed. Dabi, really? The same man that nearly killed Keigo? Why did he even care? She always knew Keigo had a weakness for broken birds like Dabi, villains, and anti-heroes like Endeavor. 

Dabi, the villain who burned Keigo's wings, was the missing Todoroki kid she'd heard about long ago. This genuine concern from Keigo freaked her out.  Yet, seeing Fuyumi's pained expression, Rumi held her tongue. It wasn't Fuyumi's burden to bear the weight of her brother's choices.

But it wasn't Keigo's either! Why did he look so guilty? His frown was so heavy and his breath so slow and stifled. 

Fuyumi offered a wan smile, her voice barely a whisper.  "He's… stable," she managed. “The doctors are doing everything they can, but…"  Her voice trailed off. 

Way to go, Keigo. 

A thick silence passed between them as Rumi patted Fuyumi on the back. 

“It'll be okay - you're strong to take care of your family like that, Fuyumi. I totally believe in you,” Rumi said with a warm smile. She leaned into Fuyumi. 

Fuyumi blushed. “R-Really, Miruko? You think I'm strong?” 

“Totally! You're taking care of the Todorokis, aren't you?” said Rumi as she finally pulled away. She could appreciate the strength of a caretaker waiting on the sidelines for her loved ones to come home. Such a life was a far cry from the one Rumi envisioned for herself. 

Maybe Rumi lacked that particular form of strength, for she would rather die than become a spectator. She had to fight physically and probably only physically. But maybe those elusive nurturing powers that the Todoroki heiress wielded were exactly what Keigo needed most. 

Upon consulting the rustic clock on the wall, she realized her shift was over. She could stop pretending that this outing was anything more than an hour long commercial. 

But she had to admit, part of her enjoyed seeing Keigo get excited around a girl - making faces, getting jitters. What other tricks did he have? 

"Hey, you two should order," Rumi declared as she pat the table. “I gotta meet Ryukyu at the shopping district. Apparently, we need lots of clothes and supplies for the Sports Resort thing."  

Silently, she pointed at her phone and mouthed the words, “Text me if you need anything,” to Keigo. Hopefully, he'd text her if he could think of anything he needed - including advice on talking to girls. 

If her hunch were true - and it was - then Keigo would appreciate this time alone with the lovely lady. As she left, she glanced over her shoulder and caught a glimpse of Keigo's smile lighting up his face like sunshine. 

A surprising warmth filled Rumi's chest, lighting up her face as well. What an infectious bastard. 

As Keigo stared at the empty chair Rumi had left behind, he felt a familiar flutter in his chest. Her obvious attempt at matchmaking was both silly and oddly endearing. 

Clearing his throat awkwardly, Keigo turned back to Fuyumi. "That's Miruko for you... Always on the go and shopping. I get tired just watching her," he remarked with a wry smile.  "It's been a while since we've been out like this, hasn't it, Todoroki-san?" he continued, trying to strike up a conversation with Fuyumi. 

Fuyumi Todoroki brushed a strand of hair back. "Sorry. I've just been handling family affairs," she admitted softly.

Before the war and the Dabi debacle, he would bring her lunch or have a quick chat after work. However, her family strife and reconciliation took precedent. And Keigo, of course, had steeled priorities on his career and recovery. Regardless, he cherished these little moments with Fuyumi.

"All the more reason to do this more often - when you have more time of course," he replied, his tone gentle and understanding.

"Thank you for introducing me," Fuyumi blurted out in a sweet whisper, her cheeks flushing slightly. "Wow, she was so dazzling - like a goddess. I've never seen anyone so beautiful before," she added with a soft squeak.

Keigo's eyebrows shot up in surprise at Fuyumi's passionate burst of energy. Goddess? Rumi? The same girl who spent a week binging k-dramas and forgetting to close the fridge? Yeah, sure. Suppressing a chuckle, Keigo decided to play along. "Ah, big Miruko fan?" he asked. 

Fuyumi nodded eagerly, her expression earnest. "Yes, of course! My students are as well - they named our class bunny after her," she admitted with a fond smile. "She's so down to Earth, too. Meeting her felt like... making a friend. Most heroes are so caught up in their public appearance but she's authentic - no matter where she is."

Keigo couldn't help but smile at Fuyumi's genuine admiration for Rumi. "Well, I've got plenty of Miruko tales if you want to hear," he offered with a grin. 

However, as he recalled the anecdotes of his capers with Rumi, he couldn't help but grin. His shoulders relaxed. Singing praises for his partner was easy. 

The busy shops of the Musutafu shopping district buzzed with activity as Rumi and Ryukyu weaved through the crowds. Their mission: to acquire suitable attire for the upcoming Spike Sports Resort promotional event.  It wasn't exactly a hero's work - just another glorified advertisement as she put it. 

"Alright, Ryukyu!" Rumi declared, her voice filled with fervor. “Let's find some serious hero gear. Clothes that scream power! Fun! Badass! You get it, right?”

Ryuko chuckled, her sophisticated laugh confined under a graceful hand. 

Rumi grinned,  "Maybe a little bit of both wouldn't hurt, right?"

They began their mission, browsing through racks of athletic wear.  The naturally athletic Rumi slipped into various sports bras and leggings, striking poses in the tri fold floor mirror with a bold confidence. 

Rumi's vigor suddenly faltered the longer she stared. Her right leg had grown weaker atop the prosthetic. Flexing muscles in her arms had become difficult since her forearms had been replaced by prosthetics. Yet they were nothing like the real thing. There was an ever present detachment. 

The familiar angst settled in her gut. 

“Wow, you look like a S-tier gravure idol. When did you get so curvy?” asked Ryuko with benevolent intent. Her approving state lingered at Rumi's robust hips. 

Not curvy! Rumi groaned internally. Was this really what she was becoming? A Symbol of Sensuality rather than anything meaningful...like kicking ass. 

Of course, she didn't mind looking good - confidence was part of the hero package.  However, her recent injuries, the loss of her forearms and a lower leg, had taken a toll on her self-image.  Building back muscle was a slow and arduous process. It also meant no high intensity workouts for a long time. 

Sensing Rumi's downward shift in mood, Ryuko wrapped an arm around her shoulders.  "Hey, there," she said warmly. "I meant that with respect.  You're rocking that outfit, and your recovery is coming along beautifully. You're still the symbol of power for women and people across the country.” 

Rumi felt a wealth of warmth spread through her. "Thanks, Ryuko," she said, her voice filled with genuine appreciation. "I needed to hear that."

Their shopping spree continued throughout the district as they chattered playfully.  When they finally emerged from the store with bags full of clothes,  Rumi hit a wall - a big, round wall. A wrinkle appeared on Rumi's brow. 

"Taishiro?!" Rumi exclaimed, her voice laced with a hint of annoyance. "Why is he here?"

“Fat Gum,” hushed Ryuko. They needed to use their hero names in public! She sighed, "He's coming to the Sports Resort, too, Rumi, remember?” 

Taishiro, his usual jolly demeanor softened by a hint of apology, approached them.  "Hey, Rumi!  Sorry, I thought Ryuko told you.  I'm gonna be tagging along for the resort trip."

"I did tell her," Ryukyu interjected, wrapping Taishiro in a friendly hug. "She just… forgot."

It's not that she disliked the guy. She was just hoping for some one on one time with her friend. Ryuko suddenly became so soft and nurturing around Taishiro. The stolen glances and quick brushes - Rumi saw it all melting the cool, calm Ryuko like a popsicle on a summer day. 

It was kind of gross. 

As Rumi watched Ryukyu and Taishiro  chat amiably, a pang of something akin to jealousy flickering in her chest. Seeing them interact, a comfortable ease evident in their body language, brought back the image of Keigo. But why?

That damn hermit even got groceries delivered. He wouldn't want to go shopping. 

Fortunately, Rumi didn't have to linger around Ryuko and Taishiro like a flat spare tire. She had a secret plan up her sleeve. With Taishiro keeping Ryuko busy, she'd have the perfect opportunity to escape.  So, she excused herself from the group, a mischievous glint in her ruby eyes.

"Alright, you two, have fun catching up," she announced - threatening to call them love birds with her grin. "I'll meet you guys later.” 

Ryuko and Taishiro exchanged confused glances before shrugging it off.  Little did they know, Rumi had a secret mission of her own – a mission fueled by affection and a touch of rebellion.  

Earlier, a calendar notification had popped up, reminding her of Keigo's birthday – less than a week away. 

Rumi had to find the perfect gift for Keigo! A gift that would not only express her appreciation for a free flat but also serve as a subtle reminder that despite the restrictions and regulations, she still wanted to give him something nice. 

Maybe even something that would make him make a weird, funny face. Something that would shock him! 

Navigating the crowds, her focus shifting from the flashy clothing displays  to the more subtle sections of the stores. She nabbed some cool, chic outfits his size that would complement his skin tone and his low key personality. 

But Rumi buying Keigo's outfits was more of a self indulgent task than a gift. 

For the gift... That was a mystery. Tech gadgets? Too impersonal. A new video game? He didn't even play them.

As she meandered through a bustling department store, a prickling sensation danced across her skin – the unmistakable feeling of being watched. It was a familiar sensation, one she had learned to live with as Miruko the Rabbit Hero. However, this time, something felt different. 

Guard up, Rumi continued browsing. Her rabbit ears picked up on the quiet shuffle of footsteps.  Suddenly, a middle-aged woman with eerily quiet intensity emerged from the surroundings. Her feathery ash blonde  hung in her face as a pair of piercing eyes floated around her. 

Cool quirk. Rumi smirked, but she sensed no malice. “Ay, what's up?” she asked with a sense of curiosity. 

The woman's response was anything but ordinary.  She spoke in a monotone voice, devoid of any warmth or inflection.  "Miruko," she stated, not a question, but a simple fact.  "You are different than I expected.”

Rumi's eyes narrowed.  The cryptic comment sent shivers up her body, exciting her nervous system. What could this be about? This wasn't a star-struck fan, that much was apparent.  There was something deeper at play, something that sent alarm bells ringing in her head.  

With a full 180-spin, Rumi met the woman head on. She bowed forward with a mischievous glint watching the woman's eyes float around her head like small moons in orbit. “You look like you have something you want to say,” she grinned. “And I'm ready to hear.” 

This cryptic woman would prove to be essential in securing the perfect gift for Keigo. 

Upon easing into her home, she immediately spotted Keigo reading an old book, The Storied Life of AJ. He had nestled into the patterned cushions of the couch that Rumi had meticulously picked out. The glow of the floor lamps painted him in warm light like a bird nesting in a terrarium display. 

She smirked. “I'm home,” she said low and monotone.

“Welcome home,” Keigo yawned and stretched like a cat before finally looking up. He jumped slightly startled at the sight. “Kami, that's a lot of stuff. What did you get?” exclaimed Keigo in forced exacerbation as amusement flashed in his eyes. He set his book aside and hopped over the couch to greet her. 

"Hey! We had a list," she chirped, her voice brimming with barely contained excitement. She sat down on the floor before rustling through the plastic bags. "But I just had a little surprise – six coordinated outfits for me and six for you as a duo! Black and gold for you, of course, Hawks-themed!" She paused, a playful glint in her eyes, "and white and gold for me, naturally, Miruko-chic! But they're all super sporty casual, just like you like. I even kept your cool bird-boy image intact with darker colors.”

He simply smirked and pat Rumi on the head. 

She sneered, chomping his hand away. 

“Well, looks like you had fun. But good luck fitting it all into this little place,” Keigo said with a playfully smug shrug. “I'm more of a minimalist.”

“Oh really, Keigo? Do you want to talk about your secret closet I found?” she said pointing to the door towards the back of the room. “It was big enough to be a second bedroom. But I guess you prefer to have me close for warmth or company or something.” She winked while flashing a peace sign. 

Keigo's brow twitched. “Eh? You can use the room if you can fit."

“Hm,” Rumi said, standing to feet. “I like where I'm at. Thank you.” She smirked before glancing over at Keigo over her shoulder. 

He cleared his throat before walking to the kitchen to take the take out from the fridge. The Cafe happened to have a vegan Mapo Tofu - a favorite of Rumi's. Spicy fragrances filled the air. He knew she likely has neglected to eat while engaging in her retail therapy. 

As they settled into their routine of endless quips, Rumi unpacked the bags and requested Keigo microwave a Mapo Tofu they'd bought earlier. The smell lured her back to the table to sit. 

"So, how did your date with Fuyumi go?" she asked casually as she stirred the soupy mixture in with the rice. 

Keigo slumped his shoulders. "It wasn't exactly a date," he clarified, rubbing the back of his neck. "We were just catching up," he continued, a hint of longing creeping into his voice, "it was nice. Nice to just… talk and laugh, not have to worry about hero stuff for a while."

Rumi...couldn't relate. Hadn't they had enough of the casual Cafe dinners? At least Keigo had fun with that sort of thing. “Oh, so you should make it a regular thing if it makes you feel that good,” she said with a thumbs up. 

There was a rest of silence as Keigo cringed, gritting his teeth. “Well, she asked if you could come along next time,” he said. 

“Ouch,” said Rumi before taking a sip of water. That wasn't the best sign - bringing a neutral party on a date. “She's probably just being shy. She'll warm up to you - you're Hawks.” 

“Am I... still Hawks?” he asked with a wistful smile. His brow wrinkled as he contemplated his public persona. “I mean, I know I'm him, but I could stand to be a little more...”

“Down to Earth? Authentic? Human?” Rumi chipperly added with a little too much enthusiasm. “You're fine... Just figuring things out. A lot of heroes struggle with identity. Don't think too hard about it,” she said before taking another bite. Her eyes lingered on his lips as they curved down into a frown.

Even Rumi wandered the path of self discovery at the ripe age of 27. Through the looking glass, she could feel her identity split into three just like her reflection. Victor, Vixen - both had merit in their own right. 

With time, he'd find someone - possibly Fuyumi. What would happen to these nights? Maybe the HPSC would make arrangements for her to live elsewhere. A pang of tension hit her throat. 

A rare apprehension in her voice, Rumi sighed. 

"Hey, Keigo," she began, rubbing her arm self-consciously, "hypothetically speaking, if the situation arose… would you…" She trailed off, searching for the right words. "Would you ask Fuyumi out?" she finally blurted out.  "Like, on a real date?  And if things went  further, would you consider… you know, filing for a relationship?"

Keigo's brow furrowed. “Relationship?” he echoed. Filing for a relationship - even with a civilian was a process. He'd have to get approval from HPSC, commit to a timeline, and deal with the media watching their every move. Most heroes didn't even bother with such a process. 

On top of that, Fuyumi just wasn't any random civilian, she was Endeavor's daughter. 

"Rumi, I don't even know how she feels about me.  Besides," he continued, his voice dropping to a low murmur, "I'm not exactly… relationship material."

The rabbit hero saw that something troubled Keigo. Maybe he was thinking of that one villain he killed or the war and loss of his true wings. If it didn't burden the sanguine Rumi, then how would it burden a caring and gentle soul such as Fuyumi? But maybe there were more secrets to be exposed. 

Rumi scoffed, rolling her eyes playfully. "Don't give me that brooding hero routine, Birdman.  If you want something, go for it.  At least, you owe it to yourself to find out.  Promise me, Keigo," she continued, her voice softening as she reached out and gently touched his arm.

A jolt sparked through him. 

Keigo stared at her, his mind reeling.  Rumi's words struck a chord, resonating deep within him.  Yes, there were risks involved, a tangled web of regulations and unspoken desires.  But for the first time, he couldn't ignore the tightness in his chest, the inexplicable apprehension in his thoughts. 

Something about this potential path with Fuyumi felt forced. It was the one kind of situation he should not calculate even if he could. 

He cleared his throat again. 

"I…" he started, "I don't know, Rumi.  She's going through a lot. I'm not like you where I could just shoehorn myself into someone's life - I don't even know if I have feelings like that. It's complicated.”

Rumi watched Keigo struggle for words. Her playful facade faltered for a moment, replaced by a pang of understanding.

"Yeah," she sighed, withdrawing her hand from his arm.  "It always is, isn't it?"  She knew the hero world, the strict regulations that governed their lives.  A life with the beautiful Fuyumi Todoroki, a life filled with normalcy, routine - maybe that wouldn't be so bad. 

Maybe. But Rumi, herself, did not fit into such a picture. She was battle forged! 

But a different fear bit at Rumi, conjuring unwelcome burnings of anticipated grief. The possibility of losing this every day with Keigo... Annoyed her but mostly because an unexpected grief had surfaced. 

In turn, for Keigo, a spark lingered in the air like an ember in the wind. He admired Rumi's unwavering spirit, a reflection of his own. He cherished their late-night talks, their movie nights, their competitive yet cooperative efforts with dinner. 

A brittle smile tugged at his lips. "Look," he said, his voice laced with a tension they both recognized, "let's not get ahead of ourselves, alright? We've got a Sports Resort promo to clown around at, remember?” 

At the end of the day, Rumi and Keigo could never admit that maybe they just liked having each other around. 

Chapter Text

Across the white snow that muted crowd clamor and crunchy footsteps, Keigo could still feel Rumi. Her crimson eyes burned into his shoulder blade. He could hear her as she played in the snow, throwing it into the air and falling on a fresh powdery mound. His core twitched as he imagined turning to dash toward her to get revenge over the last five snow balls she threw at him. Their tangible banter garnered pictures and laughter from onlookers like the spectacle it was. 

As inviting as her call to play may have been, there was work to be done. Keigo didn't have time to frolic or ski or whatever Rumi was doing.  The whole reason of the trip was to promote the Sports Resort. They completed their course down the slopes on skis and snowboards, and now, at the foot of the mountain, they were to engage the people. In fact, Rumi should be there right by his side engaging with their fans. 

Maybe once they finished with a few more waves of people, they could have time to enjoy the melody of the moment. 

“You look like an angel in the snow,” mused a young woman. 

Keigo's sight blurred before turning away from his partner to face the fan. With a short cough, he cleared his throat. “Hey, there. What can I do for you? You want a picture?” he offered with a grin as he triggered the girl to blush and smile and nod as girls typically did with him.

Such a routine interaction, but if he were being honest, he had enjoyed this aspect of heroism. 

That was until he lost his speed, his quirk, and spirit. Now, the character of Hawks burdened him like a corpse on his back. 

But who was Keigo anyway? Other than a name and a bloodline, he barely had a personal life to hide anyway. 

Well, except for that pesky rabbit. 

As the fan girl neared him for a photo, the photographer got into position. Keigo leaned his shoulder into the girl's shoulder and smiled. 

“Got you!” 

“Gah!” cawed Keigo as he felt someone grip his sides. Nearby trees burst with black birds. 

“Click!” snapped the camera in a blinding flash. 

Keigo struggled to regain his composure. It wasn’t the first time someone jumped on him. But the sensational waves that buckled his core were enough to shake him. As he looked down, it wasn't the strawberry blonde girl but a platinum haired bunny snickering up at him. Rumi snaked her arms around his waist as her cheek pushed into his plush coat. Like she owned him.

Keigo's face burned. “What are you doing, Miruko,” he muttered in a decibel below his pounding heart. 

“Hey, did you get that?” asked Rumi to the photographer who looked up at Keigo for confirmation. 

Shaking his head, Keigo mouthed to the photographer to please for the love of the holy, never let that picture see the light of day. Whatever kind of face he made at that moment, he didn’t want to see it. He couldn't afford tangible evidence of losing his shit around this rabbit woman. 

Prying Rumi off of him, he turned to bend over and glare at her. “Chill. I'm with fans right now.” 

“Oh, come on, birdie, you've been doing this for hours,” Rumi playfully pouted before turning to the distraught fan and smiling. “Sorry, he’s surprisingly squeamish sometimes for someone so uptight.” With her white gloved hands, she pat Keigo on the shoulders and stretched up to meet his face. 

“I wouldn’t say I’m uptight or squeamish. You’re the one who spends an hour per day in the bath - sometimes twice per day,” argued Keigo. He could feel her hot, fruity breath on his neck. 

The two went on arguing about considerably personal issues regarding their daily life in their shared shack back in Fukuoka. But, they were far from home on the northside of Japan at the Spike Sports Resort. They went on for a few minutes longer than normal, caught in the fervor of one-upping each other. To Rumi’s amusement, Keigo had completely lost sight of their true goal.

It was Rumi who finally snapped the string that tethered them. She turned back to the girl who idly stood near. “So, how about a picture with the Aerodynamic Duo?” Rumi smiled before stepping towards the girl. “I’ll autograph it, too.” A single hand tightly lingered on Keigo’s shoulder.

The girl, feeling dejected and slightly annoyed, shrank and looked off to the side. “Is it true that you two are a couple?”

Dryly, they both said in harmonized unison, “No, we’re just partners.” They put their arms together to form an ‘X.’ 

No, they couldn’t even admit to being friends, but maybe that meant this whole cohabitation thing was bringing them together.  

At first, Keigo nor Rumi gave the question a second thought. This was just a routine and scripted as any other fan interaction or autograph session. Next, the fan would accept the picture. 
They’d pose - crossing their arms and placing a hand on the girl’s shoulders. Then the photographer would say to get the photo from the link provided on the pamphlet. 

It was simple.

But as Rumi jetted away to Ryuko, Keigo noticed a subtle jolt in her alternative athletic prosthetic leg - the, metal one just for the occasion of the trip. She favored it. 

Keigo stared after Rumi as she glided through the snow with the skiis strapped to her back. He contemplated these moments where she seemed uninhibited by the ghosts of war. She moved effortlessly through the snow, her body flowing with grace and ease. Fuyumi's words rang out in his mind. She was right; in that moment, Rumi, dressed in white and gold, was evocative of a goddess. 

But Keigo also noticed something else. Rumi had been favoring her leg, as if it were hurting her. He frowned, concern settling in his chest. 

"When she lost the leg, I wasn't sure what to think. Her power and looks were all she had going for her," a fan nearby said to his friend. "But at least she still has thick thighs.” 

At the sound of the slander, Keigo couldn't believe that someone would say something so irreverent. More than just her body, Rumi was a strong, talented, and kind-hearted person.

As the Winged Hero opened his mouth, a snowball hit him square in the face. 

"Hey!" Keigo exclaimed, chasing after her.

Rumi laughed and ran ahead, her long hair flowing behind her in the wind. Keigo caught up to her and wrapped his arms around her waist, grappling her to him. 

"Come back here!" he called, feigning fury. 

Rumi laughed before pulling out from his constriction. "I told you those things don't bother me," she assured him. Gently, she pulled him into a Nelson Hold. "You don't have to be so territorial."

“Territorial? Weren't you the one grabbing me in front of fans?” he grunted, resisting her hold. His back twitched against her warm body. 

If Keigo were territorial, then he wouldn't have let Rumi out of his sight. He would be on her like a shadow. 

The HPSC had forced this proximal partnership. Could he even call her a friend? 

She finally released him. 

Tucking her hair into her snow hat, she shrugged and flashed a smile. “I can't help it, you know,” she muttered into the wind. 

“Huh?” Keigo jumped. His brow knitted as he tried to replay what she said. 

Having already forgotten about the situation, Rumi dropped Keigo from the hold. “Hey! Let's head back! I'm getting tired!” she shouted, waving at Ryuko and Taishiro from across the field. “Ryukyu! Let's go!” 

As the sun set, Keigo, Rumi, Ryuko, and Taishiro made their way back to the cozy warm cabin to spend the rest of their Christmas Eve. Illuminated by the glow of string lights and a crackling fireplace, the cabin welcomed them with a sense of festive jubilance. Scents of pine, cloves, and eleven fragrant herbs and spices filled the air. 

Rumi quickly claimed her room in the quad to shed her snow gear - snowflakes and all before changing into some lighter sleepwear. Upon returning to the common area, she hopped into a spot right next to her trusty partner Keigo who had been watching her since she entered the room. 

Slouching into him like melted putty, Rumi noted how the heat between them was more comfortable kilometers away from home.

Striding across from the kitchen, Ryuko served the catered chicken and cake - a tradition for a holiday like that night. Taishiro handed around steaming mugs of cider, his booming laugh filling the room. 

This was a night among friends and Rumi hoped that Keigo could see that. She hoped that he could feel the warmth in the room that lit up everyone's faces. Someone like him needed a night like tonight - surrounded by friends. 

Rumi never knew Keigo to have a lot of friends. Sure, he had colleagues within his own agency, but it was unclear if Keigo ever had any friends outside of his obsessive attachment to the Todorokis. Then, the idea dawned on her, maybe he should be texting Fuyumi. “Hey, Keigo, did you remember to send her a Christmas message?” 

“Oh, yeah, I just said, ‘Merry Christmas,’” he whispered, nonchalantly with a shrug. 

Rumi guffawed, “No emojis or anything?” She knew he was bad but not hopeless. Jeez. They'd discussed the importance of emojis - he always sounded like a robot over text.  

The muscles in his body clenched, and Rumi could tell just by the way his heart rate doubled that he'd become unsttled. With a sigh and a wry smile, she leaned further into his arm. “It's not the worst thing,” she said assuredly. 

For such a cunning flirt, Keigo had such an innocence about him deep down. Maybe he had lost something more than just his wings. This interest he had in Fuyumi with such an earnest heart became something Rumi wanted to protect. She adored the downy softness in his voice and the soothing drum of his heartbeat as of late. 

However beneath the surface of altruism, she felt a pressure in her head. A dam, inundated by an undefined force, caused a dull ache that radiated down her throat and to her chest. No matter how hard she gulped, how hard she pressed her fist against her chest, the pressure wouldn't go away. 

Where was this coming from? 

When Rumi glanced up, she realized Ryuko had been staring to the point that her eyes were wide and reddened. What was her deal? Rumi scowled over at her. “What?” she barked tightly. 

While Ryuko may have seemed like the cool, elegant type, Rumi knew she was overprotective of her friends. Maybe that was it. She had been nagging Rumi all day about getting too close to Keigo. But, if Rumi were concerned with public perception, then she wouldn't have any fun. 

Besides, it was just Keigo. Being this close physically wasn't a big deal. Proximity, personal space wasn't something they even thought about anymore. They shared their little bungalow with pride.

After just a few months of living together, it was only natural for her and Keigo to gravitate towards each other. Rumi found it amusing that two aloof hermits like them could work so well together. That was the point of this whole cohabitation deal - to grow closer as partners. 

With a deep sigh, Ryuko shook her head. “I have some news,” she announced, unable to keep the grin from her face. 

“You're pregnant,” guessed Rumi with a cheeky grin. 

“Rumi, please,” Ryuko frowned. She was trying to share some good news. 

Keigo smirked and playfully tugged at her ears. 

Taishiro sat beside Ryuko, his hand finding hers. “Ryuko and I filed for a relationship,” he declared proudly before using his free hand to spoon in more cake.

Startled, Rumi forgot Taishiro was even there. 

Now that the words were in the air, they couldn't be taken back. The words colored the room in a different hue. The lights screamed over them. They shifted the tune of the crackling furnace. They snapped something, and Rumi couldn't explain what.

“Good for you. That sure came out of nowhere. I haven't even seen you two in the same room together,” Rumi scoffed. A tension gripped her neck. Her words boiled over like bubbles in a pot. And being Rumi, she had no lid to keep them down. 

“That's my point. That's how things have to be for us,” she replied, covering her face, defeated by the disconnect. When their every move was potentially broadcast to the world, they couldn't just do what they wanted. Ryuko while pointedly connected eyes with Keigo - her last hope. “Rumi, I know you have a fear of these sorts of relationships.” 
 
Rumi's voice caught in her throat before she pushed Keigo back into the couch. Raising her head defiantly, she bore her teeth as if they were fangs. “Oi, don't look at him. He's got nothing to do with this. I don't have a fear of anything, Ryuko. Just say what you're trying to say,” challenged the rabbit with a scorching glare. 

“Perhaps it would be wise to be mindful of your proximity in public,” she said before pausing, carefully choosing her words. “Trust me. You don't want the HPSC to force your hand in anything. It's safer to file now before things escalate - especially since you two work so closely together. You know how they have a set protocol for these sorts of things.”

‘They’ meaning the holy HPSC. 

This was more than just a passing comment. It was an intervention. 

Keigo stiffened as he glowered before forcing a smile. “Hey, I appreciate your concern. But, there's nothing going on, so there's nothing to worry about,” he explained. He set down his plate full of chicken bones before stretching into a yawn - already planning his escape. His dry eyes froze over. His expression masked something deeper and unreadable to anyone in the room.

“Otherwise, I would agree,” Keigo said plainly. 

Snapping to look at Keigo, Rumi's eyes widened with a glimmer of pain. “What?” she said in a hushed tone. “Come on. Not you, too.” 

Rumi wanted to grab Keigo and hold him still so he didn't move. He stood up before she could reach him. Her heart lunged against her ribs. Here she was, fumbling to grasp at this nebulous cloud of mirth. She didn't want to let it go on that Christmas Eve. 

Was he seriously agreeing with this rhetoric? The happy couple inundated them with questions, and he just left? 

Standing up, Rumi bracing herself on the coffee table between the two couches. Her partly metal arms clinked at the joints. “You're making things weird, Ryuko. We were fine. I'm helping him with another girl.”

“What? How could you do that to Rumi?” Taishiro asked Keigo, offended at the idea. 

“I don't know what she's talking about. I'm not pursuing anyone,” Keigo explained with an unyielding dryness. He kept a small, cordial smile. “Anyway, that's my cue. I'm headed to bed. See you.”

No. 

Stop. 

As she closed her eyes, hearing his footsteps trail down the hallway, she realized that Christmas Eve suddenly meant something to her. That sentimentality had instantly shattered.

Standing upright, Rumi turned to the door. “I'm going to head out. Just going on a night ski,” she said. If she stayed,she'd only want to argue and cause trouble. Her temperament wasn't made for talking about complicated subjects like Keigo and Christmas Eve. 

Why did this bother her so much? No one in the cabin understood the sharp escalation of the quaint evening. Least of all Rumi Usagiyama. 

She prepared her gear and headed out the door. Immediately, the bitter winds and snow pelted her face. Already, relief washed over her. This was what she lived for.

Her friends, Ryuko and Moe, had known her to disappear for days or weeks. They had gone months without talking to each other after arguments.  But, this new era of Happy Heroes had bound her to a station with Keigo. She had to come back to him. 

It's not like Rumi could leave that bird even if she wanted. 

In bed, hours had passed and Keigo realized he hadn't gone to sleep. The whistling of the icy wind fogged his window. Maybe he has gotten too comfortable with Rumi. Having her near dulled his senses to everything outside their little world. Whether among peers or public, eyes watched them. And beneath their gaze, he had fully embraced her. An unyielding desire to keep her near has possessed him even in that moment of solitude. 

But that wasn't why he left.

This level of scrutiny over their relationship was easy to evade and deflect. They had that down to a science. It was the way Rumi trembled at the notion of a relationship that struck a chord within him. The way her firsts tightened and her foot thumped. While it may have all gone unnoticed to her, he tracked her movements with his sharp golden eyes.

Seeing her frozen with fear like that stirred something within him. Was it his own aversion to intimacy? 

Keigo stared at the glowing screen of his phone. He had never sent that Christmas message to Fuyumi, and he had not stopped to consider why. With her, his hesitance meant something. 

How could you do that to Rumi? 

To his chagrin, Keigo had no idea what he was doing. Taking his potential pursuit of Fuyumi for granted. Shamelessly and possessively dominating Rumi's attention.

Dropping the phone to his face. He wished sleep would finally take him at that midnight hour. 

But the cabin had the ghosts of sounds echoing through it. He felt someone approaching. 

A gentle knock shattered the quiet of the room. 

He smirked, rolling his eyes. Surely, it was that impish bunny wanting to crawl into bed with him just to cause a fuss. Or maybe, she too recognized the pestering cold would keep her wide awake. 

“Oh, hey there,” he said with a playfully sly grin. 

Answering the door, he froze at the sight of the sharp toothed blonde woman. This wasn't Rumi.

The corners of his mouth twitched. 

Crossing her arms, Ryuko sighed and looked off to the side where shadows shrouded the hall. “So you were expecting her. I feared this,” she frowned as worry furrowed her brow. “Please tell me you've heard from her. She's been gone for a few hours now, and I'm starting to get worried.”

Hours? It was past midnight. The wind had been blowing sharply against the If she were really going night skiing - whatever that meant - then she would have been back by now. But. 

In an attempt to protect her privacy, he masked his trepidation. Rumi wouldn't want people to worry for her. 

“Rumi? Yeah, we were just texting not too long ago,” he explained volumes above his throbbing heart. His shoulders hunched tightly mimicking his defective wings. Pulling out his snow gear with a thud, he kept a stiff grin. 

Ryuko smiled softly as her shoulders relaxed and grateful. “Thank goodness. I knew I could trust you with her, Hawks. I guess that's why you're the wonder boy.” 

As Keigo danced around the room, grabbing masks and gloves. He added layer upon layer to himself before grabbing yet another layer for his lost partner. 

“She's staying in a solo cabin on the northside of the resort. Can you believe she's wanting me to come all this way? Well, anyway, I'll probably stay up there, too - separate cabin of course. So, don't wait up for me. Haha. I'll bring her back by tomorrow just in time for breakfast,” he explained in a way that his words ran together in a marathon of sentences. 

Ryuko stood in the doorway, wide eyed and dumbfounded. “I mean, I suppose that does sound like her,” she conceded, biting her lip. “I only said what I said out of caution. The HPSC tends to be heavy handed. You understand, right? But she does this - she runs when she feels like she's losing control.”

With a zip, Keigo closed his final layer of a jacket. “Yeah, totally. Anyway, catch you later,” he waved before rushing out the door. His thoughts had left the building long before his exit. 

Of course, she was okay. The cold couldn't kill her that easily. 

But, it was Rumi's recklessness that killed Keigo three times over. 

Chapter Text

Rumi’s little excursion wasn’t an act of desperation. It wasn’t an act of rebellion. It was just an impulse. Everyone got impulses from time to time. Just not everyone acted on those impulses like Rumi did when she decided to go night skiing at midnight on a course clearly labeled to be under development. And now, she she was paying the price for it as she crawled across the snow. Her athletic prosthetic leg was somewhere buried in the snow, but she had spares. 

The cold had numbed her an hour ago. So as she inched towards the north, she did not feel anything anymore - not even the length of time she’d been out there. 

And although the frigid weather threatened to take her, she had felt alive. She would have gladly allowed the snow to bury her. 

That was until she saw him. Dammit, she didn’t want anyone to see her like this - especially not him. 
“Rumi!” Keigo cried out, neglecting to use her hero name in the solitude of the night. 

The wind howled, and she could see crimson wings stained by the glowing blue moonlight. There he was - ole’ birdie-boy desperately searching for someone to save.  He followed the faint crimson stain on the snow leading to her.

As he fell to his knees, crunching the snow beneath him, she could barely see his quick exasperated breath. “Go away. I’ve got this. I can crawl,” she growled. 

After a few moments of assessment, he let out an exaggerated sigh. “Nothing crazy, it just looked pretty bad," he noted just a few decibels above the wind, his voice comforting and steady. "You’ve got two choices: I can carry you to the clinic, or a private cabin. Which do you prefer?"

“Carry?!” Rumi exclaimed with the remnants of her waning energy as she flailed around. “I can crawl!"

“What? What are you talking about, Rumi? You’ve been lying on your back this whole - look, it’s not up for debate. I’m taking charge here, okay?” he said, scooping her up before gently cradling her. His arms pulled her tightly against his body.

Rumi's eyes fluttered closed. Exhaustion, hitting her harder and faster than the blustery wind caused her to tremble. Her voice was lost to the wind as she nodded off in his arms. His chest melted the frosty snow on her cheeks. 

Keigo watched her for a moment, irritation giving way to a warming sense of relief in his chest. 

The flight to the cluster of cabins was slow and arduous. His wings weren't what they used to be - that's for sure. They weren't his wings, but they still ached from his back. 

Once they stumbled upon a lightless building tucked away from the main path. As he gently laid her down on the soft bed, her eyes fluttered back open. 

Keigo couldn't stifle a smile. “Bumpy ride, I know. But you should be used to hopping,” he joked as he saw the color slowly return to her cheeks.

Heat, light, and movement brought the desolate cabin to life as Keigo prepared the fireplace and bed. The small boarding felt like a oasis against the howling winds the expansive winter night. The scent of pine kept the place feeling fresh. While shadows dominated the dimly lit room, Rumi's eye found him humming in harmony with the quiet of the cabin. 

Beneath the quilt, the warmth slowly thawed her numb extremities. Well, the ones she could feel. Her eyes fluttered open, drawn to the movement beside her. Keigo, his brow furrowed in concentration, knelt beside her, his nimble fingers carefully cleaning a gash in her thigh.

"What the hell are you so chipper for?" Rumi grumbled, her voice raspy from the cold. 

Keigo chuckled, a hint of mirth in his eyes as his gaze lingered on the moon framed by the window. Its light painted the perfect backdrop to Rumi's profile. "Once again, we end up alone on the outskirts. I guess it's just the natural habitat of the hawk and the hare.” 

Rumi's gaze drifted towards the moon, her expression growing somber. "You should have left me," she mumbled, the words barely audible.

Keigo paused, his smile fading as he met her eyes. "Come on, Rumi, " he urged with sincerity that surprised even him. “Do you think I'm a total psychopath?” 

A silence descended upon them. Rumi stared into the smoke scented flames. 

"Yes," she sighed, defiance in her voice. 

Keigo chuckled softly, his gaze never leaving her face. "I guess we're both a little crazy then," he admitted a hint of self-deprecation in his voice. "I might be a little conceited or conniving, but I still care about... Obligations.” 

Rumi's lips twitched. "Well, you definitely try to be cunning and manipulative," she retorted, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "But those are qualities I like. It keeps things exciting.” 

Keigo raised an eyebrow, a spark of interest igniting in his eyes. "Oh?"

"It's freezing in here," Rumi explained, her voice dropping to a low murmur. "And there's only one bed anyway." She stroked the empty space beside her in a way that felt more suggestive than friendly. Her ruby eyes, made hotter by the light of the flame could deceive any man into thinking there was something more behind her words.

But Keigo knew her heart. He knew the light in her laughter and the sharpness of that smile. 

“That’s not something I should do,” he said shortly, snapping away from the rod of tension that joined them. 

Seeing him fade back, she reached for his arm as a firm confirmation that she meant what she said. Her eyes pierced through his defenses. “Keigo, it's not that serious,” she sighed, though the intensity of her leer never diminished in power. 

There was a slight tremor in Rumi's grip that led Keigo to jump into action. He shed his hat and outer coat and dropped it to the mattress. Maybe she was cold. Maybe she wasn't. But if there was any chance she needed him, then he'd be there. "Happy?" he muttered before lying on the full, firm mattress before turning away from her. His prosthetic wings clumsily bent beneath him. 

"Yeah," she admitted before inching closer to him. Her breath sent ripples through his feathers. Wrapping her strong arms around his surprisingly slim waist, she slid her hands up. His abs flinched at the touch. Everything about his body was so much fun just like he was. "This is okay, right? Just for warmth or whatever, right?" 

As she faded in and out of consciousness, she had a whisper of a thought creep into her mind. It heaved slowly, steadily as the rhythm lulled her towards him. Deeper and deeper. She leaned her cheek into his wings, allowing the feathers to brush up her skin as she muttered a secret. 

“I was supposed to be the one who saved you.”

Returning to the quad cabin on the other side of the resort, Keigo and Rumi found Ryuko and Taishiro waiting for them with open arms for Rumi. The entire time, Keigo tried to rationalize why Rumi had embraced him the night before, but his thoughts were interrupted as Rumi immediately locked herself in her room for the remainder of the trip. With her cosmetic prosthetic leg, she couldn't ski or skate or do anything athletic, and so, the HPSC approved her to abstain from public relations for the time being. 

A short report of conflicting schedules was issued as she isolated herself. 

As she recovered, Keigo brought her food, wondering if this pattern of reckless behavior was related to something deeper. Should he be concerned as her partner? Well, that was a given. After all, she had said she wished he had left her there - an implicit desire to be buried by the snow. Were those thoughts of giving up? It’s not like he couldn’t relate.

 But he wanted to respect her space - almost as much as he wanted to be closer to her. Fortunately, he had the restraint to respect her boundaries, so the short moments of exchanging a few words and plates was enough to hold him over until they got back to their home. Back in Fukuoka, they’d be back to sharing a room. Maybe slipping back into their normal routine would help her return to her normal self.

Until then, every evening, he lingered a few meters outside her door on the common area couch. 

One evening, Ryuko approached Keigo. “Hey, want to join us out by the fire pit? It’s our last night here.”

Reluctantly, he obliged. As the fire cooked the wood in the shallow pit, it did little to warm Keigo’s cold nature. His mind remained in another space. Although he smiled, his voice failed to match the disquiet brewing beneat the surface. “So what are we doing roasting marshmallows or roasting me?” Keigo joked in his cheeky, yet oddly charming style. 

His joke was met by silent stares from Taishiro and Ryuko.

“You’re a totally different guy when Rumi’s not around,” laughed Taishiro, patting Keigo’s back.

Ryuko’s eyes lingered on the flames. There was a gravity in her tone that weighed on the atmosphere.  “Hawks, I don’t know much about you. We don’t even know your real name, but you’ve been in the public eye for longer than Rumi and me. I’ve seen your work, and it’s not like I don’t trust you. I’ve just never seen Rumi so affectionate with a guy or anyone before,” she noted with a sudden chill in her voice as she frowned. 

“Heh,” sighed Keigo. “I guess I just have that effect.” At this point, his hero name felt more authentic than his given name. However, when it came to Rumi, she had re-birthed his name in a way that pleased him. It wasn’t the shrill voice of his mother. The harsh tone of his father. Or the choleric voice of the HPSC. It was a 2 note melody. Over time, he’d shared more with her than he’d cared to admit. And perhaps, whatever bound them to each other - whether it be law or circumstance or comfort, it drew from their shadows. From their core. 

“With Taishiro, she used to hug him a lot, but I think that's just because he's so soft,” Ryuko said, pressing Taishiro’s belly. “But with you, there's a raging storm in her eyes.”

Taishiro? Was he involved with Rumi? Keigo tensed up, clutching the arm of his chair until Taishiro slapped his back.

“Hey, Hawks, relax, it was nothing! I promise. Sure, I asked her out, but she turned me down outright saying she wasn't into relationships,” Taishiro assured him.

Asked her out?!

Ryuko sighed, choosing her words carefully. “Taishiro, enough of that.” Then she turned to Keigo and smiled wistfully. “With you, there's a storm in her eyes that has an incredible velocity, and I'm not even sure if she's on the precipice of discovering its power. I trust you’ll do things the right way. You're not the kinda guy to act on whims, right? So even if something did happen, you'd be careful?”

Resist Rumi? He affirmed the directive with a curt nod. Rumi certainly didn't seem to have any ulterior motives with the embrace that occurred nights before. In fact, if this storm was going to be an issue, it would have presented itself when they first moved in together. 

“That's not going to be an issue - but I hear you,” he said plainly with a hint of smug irreverence. 

Underestimating his opponent - a classic mistake.

As his eyes averted, they met Rumi, standing in the doorway leading back to the cabin. A chill shot up his spine. She was merely wearing a pair of sweats and a t-shirt stolen from Keigo's closet. His face dropped into a scowl. “Rumi, I'm not taking care of you if you get sick,” he chided. 

“Yes, you will - not that I'd need it,” she teased before stepping on the chair between Keigo's legs. “I need to talk to you, birdo. Come on, let's go over there.” She pointed to a pathway past the trees. 

Forgetting about their friends, Keigo became absorbed once again by their little planet. “No, no, let's just go back inside, Rumi.”

“Okay, okay, I see how it is. I guess you're trying to act tough in front of Ryuko and Taishiro,” she teased with a twinkling smirk and a quirked eyebrow as she twirled back towards the door. She drew him in by the hand, keeping him close in tow. “It'll just be for a second, guys.”

Ryuko sighed waving them away, “Don't mind us. It's just good to see you up and around again.” 

A force. Keigo recalled parts of Ryuko's words as he got caught up with Rumi once again.  

“You have to come in here, I don't want anyone to see,” she directed him towards her room. 

“Wait a minute, what?” Keigo exclaimed, running a hand through his hair. Stands clung to his palm.

There was a slight blush on Rumi's cheeks as she closed the door behind her. Furrowing her eyebrows, she grinned with a sort of nervous energy. Her tail rapidly brushed against the wood.  

“What's... Rumi, what is happening?” he asked sharply, attempting to keep his voice steady. Though his throbbing heart shook his voice, he remained stern. 

She took his hand once more and lifted it. Her touch, her eyes, her voice all so gentle with him. “Keigo, I don't do this for everyone, and I know I'm kind of a bitch with you and most people. But you're cool, and after spending time with you every day, I just like being next to you. It's like even though I've lost like half my body, I don't feel like that when I'm with you. And I'm not going to apologize for something like this."

“Rumi? You're worrying me,” Keigo formally replied with much trepidation and doubt. There was a hidden meaning, but he couldn't decipher the definition of her words layered like cream and cake. 

Her mechanical fingers moved deftly. Faster than he could think as she slid off his glove. Her hand felt like fire against his bare skin. 

She shrugged a shoulder up to her cheek. “It's not a bad thing, alright? I'm just saying you're chill and it's...grounding or something. I don't think this about most people, but I actually want you around. And that's the kind of thing worth celebrating,” she said before releasing his hand to reveal a golden watch with diamond accents and the head of a red hawk on the face. “Oh, and happy birthday.” 

Birthday? Oh, that's what this was about? His heart rate continued to ascend. “Oh, I forgot that was today,” he said - not disappointed nor relieved. 

As she adjusted the watch on his wrist, Keigo looked at her, his eyes scouring, searching for something deeper in hers. He felt an overwhelming urge to  bridge the gap between them with something witty or humorous. But the moment was fragile, and he didn’t want to break it with something irreverent. 

“There you go, think of it like a collar or something,” she said chirped, patting him on the shoulder.

"Thank you, Rumi," he said - a temporary dam to the concoction of words brewing within him. 

Rumi poked Keigo's chest. “No problem, Bro.”

Keigo's eyes widened. A rush of heat rose to his face. Bro? This time the word annoyed him even more than it did before. He clenched his jaw. 

“What? You okay?” she asked, poking his cheek with a smirk. “Do you like it? I just wanted to see you make a funny face."

She was so unserious. 

His mouth twitched at the corner before he sighed, “Yeah, I do. I’m just thinking of all the paperwork I have to get done when we get back.”

Folding her arms behind her head, she grinned, “Of course, you are. Always thinking about work.” As she strided out the bedroom, she turned back to him. “Well, let’s go show off your gift to the gang.”

“Sure,” he smirked at her righteousness. She had every right to be proud. The gift had a thoughtful impact on him that not even he fully understood. 

However, his grin slowly faded as he realized his gaze lingered on her swishing cottontail. 

Maybe he shouldn’t have let his guard down after all. 

The majority of the trip back was uneventful - on the exterior. However, Keigo’s mind bounced and crashed around the idea that he could possibly be having unprofessional sentiments about his colleague. The widely known notion that she was attractive was suddenly becoming pertinent to him. Her sensual mass appeal was becoming a conflict of interest.

Something like beauty and attractiveness were concepts he could handle with ease. Keigo found himself surrounded by all kind of adoring fans that never distracted him from his objectives of the moment. Until this point, he had only been tempted by Fuyumi, a familiar friend who shared a connection to his idol, Endeavor. 

“You good over there, birdie-boy? You’ve been breathing hard,” Rumi snickered. 

As their bullet train approached his hometown, Keigo had to make a decision. Or rather an excuse. “I have a lot of paperwork to do,” he muttered to Rumi who sat next to him, elbow to elbow.

“Huh?” Rumi asked as her face warmed into a smile. “Leaving the unpacking to me, eh? Don’t worry, I can handle it.”

The moment they set foot in Fukuoka, Keigo made a beeline for the Hawks agency where he’d absolutely drown himself in work just long enough to shake this. Upon arriving,he noticed Tokoyami reading a book in the darkest corner of the room. 

“Hawks,” he greeted as he came to his feet. His black cloak draped down to his feet. “There’s been many whispers among the shadows regarding your Spike Sport Resort promotion.”

“Great,” Keigo thought to himself as he plopped down at his executive desk near the window. “What do these shadows speak of? Good things, I hope - enough to promote abundant growth as intended.” Over time, Keigo had grown amused with this side of Tokoyami. Maybe he was letting his guard down or playing around, but he was more than happy to keep up with their wordplay. 

Tokoyami broadcast the social media articles to the large, flat-screen TV showing images of the famed snowball fight between Hawks and Miruko. 

With a heavy sigh, Keigo thought, “Oh, that.”  He crossed his eyes. His chair clicked beneath his weight. 

“You seem encumbered by this matter,” Tokoyami frowned as he sat back in his wingback seat illuminated by the floor lamp. 

“It's complicated,” Keigo finally admitted beneath his breath. While he wasn't going to pour his heart out to his teenage Intern about a woman they both had to work with, he felt like he owed Tokoyami a modicum of truth. 

With Rumi, the storm had begun without him realizing. 

Keigo continued, “It's become abundantly clear that this has... Garnered a cacophony of commotion.”

“But what does your heart desire?” asked Tokoyami.

Sitting up in his chair, he grabbed a sheet of paperwork from the stack. “Tsukuyomi, I know I dabble in deceit - often, more than necessary, but for this matter, it feels appropriate to conceal my dilemma, does it not?” he asked with an earnest hint of strife. “To disclose this matter, seems inappropriate given the context, and the spectacle - the storm of calamity it would start.” 

And Keigo, sweltering in his chair, wasn't even sure what he was disclosing, what he was concealing, and what storms brewed on the horizon ahead. 

“Hawks, I respect your decision, but I think Miruko would want sincerity,” Tokoyami broke his brooding, dramatic character to tell Keigo. 

He couldn't do that. There wasn't even anything to sincerely share! 

Besides, if Rumi had any idea that Keigo was ever remotely attracted to her, then she would hold it over him for the rest of his life. He couldn't even begin to imagine the torment she would put him through. 

With the constant surveillance in the public eye was not conducive to anything healthy. 

Keigo dragged a hand down his face. “Miruko? Who said anything about her?” he replied in much delayed fashion before clearing his throat. If he could erase this entire conversation, he would. Hearing just her hero name in this context drew all the blood in his body to his face. 

“I'm sorry. I assumed since you're living with her,” Tokoyami apologized as he crossed his arms beneath his cloak. 

Keigo thought to himself, “Ugh, how did that get out?” Yeah, there was no reason to tell Rumi anything. Or anyone else for that matter. He'd have to weather this storm alone somehow. 

Until this all passed, he simply needed to wedge something or someone between him and his rabbit partner. 

Meanwhile... 

Upon returning home, Rumi met a woman with eyeballs floating above her head and feathery blonde hair. She had answered the door before Rumi could enter. 

“You're not just a fan... are you?” Rumi asked as the corners of her mouth twitched. 

In a monotone voice, the woman replied, “I'm sorry. I just need a place to stay. They're angry. They're after me.” 

Chapter Text

When confronted with the woman who was allegedly Keigo's mother, Rumi decided to carry on with her day of unpacking. Tomie’s floating eyes followed her throughout the house, triggering a wave of agitation. The scrutiny was enough to unnerve even someone as unflinching as Rumi. They had been cool at first, but did she really have to watch her like that?

"Listen," Rumi said, her voice tight. She dropped a load of clothes into the hamper before straightening up to face Tomie. "I don't know what your relationship is with Keigo, but I'm gonna go by what he says—not you. Got that? Don’t get your hopes up about staying here."

Rumi decided it was best to wait until Keigo came home before she brought up the news that his mother had returned. He deserved to hear it directly from her, in his own space.

Yet, she couldn’t shake the pang of disturbance in her chest as she glanced at Tomie—not because of the eerie golden eyes floating above, but because Tomie represented a part of Keigo that Rumi did not know. It was disconcerting to think there were aspects of his life still shrouded in mystery, even after all this time they’d spent together. 

Maybe she could probe her for embarrassing childhood stories of silly hobbies and obsessions, but she had a feeling that she'd find something a little darker. 

Rumi recalled the dramatic callout video that Dabi had dropped almost a year ago, exposing Keigo's felonious father and branding him a killer. It hadn’t changed how she saw him; the revelations were part of a harsh reality many heroes shared. Dabi might have thought he was owning Keigo, but Rumi knew better. Keigo's past did not define the man she knew. Deep down, he was a thoughtful, kind-hearted dork. She witnessed that part of his heart in waking life. . Rumi had heard of heroes who had done worse than following orders to kill a killer in a world that wasn’t as black and white as the public’s been led to believe.

Clutching one of Keigo's worn black shirts, Rumi sank deeper into thought. 

Surely, Keigo knew by now that Rumi had unyielding faith in him. But that didn’t mean she wanted to remain ignorant. She wanted to know Keigo, to understand the layers beneath his carefully composed exterior. And he was one of the few or first people that she had been so curious about since they first met. 

Tomie finally spoke, her voice a chilling whisper—monotone yet with a shrill pitch that cut through the air. “You’re his wife, so I’m sure he’ll listen to you,” she noted, nodding as if stating an obvious fact.

Rumi furrowed her brow, pointing at herself in confusion. “Me? His wife? Where’d you get that idea?” She let out a sharp laugh, the ridiculous notion eased her tension. "Bless the unlucky guy who takes me on as a wife. I've already been deemed unmarriable by my folks, and I’ve never given it a second thought anyway."

That was right. She was a solo fighter to begin with. That’s what made her curiosity for Keigo all the more peculiar. 

Tomie’s gaze remained steady as her monotone voice like a stone pillar. “I saw the loaded fridge and nice decor. You’ve been taking care of him." Her eyes drifted around the small one-bedroom house, assessing every detail. "And you’re always near him—you even sleep in the same room."

Rumi hesitated, a smile tugging at her lips as she recalled the last time Keigo had made breakfast - an omurice plate. He was getting better than Rumi with that. "Oh, that? Well, we’re just working together as partners and friends," she said, the fond memory softening her tone. "We take care of each other."

Tomie frowned, furrowing her brow. "Who’s going to take care of the triplets?"

Rumi’s eyes widened, and she pointed an accusatory finger at Tomie. "Woah, what are you talking about, lady!?" Her voice was a mix of shock and indignation. "We’re not getting married! We’re not having kids! We’re just buddies who live together!"

Fate could not possibly be so cruel to allow for such misfortune to divert her from her true goal of returning to the battlefield. 

Suddenly, she experienced a flashbang from the past as she recalled the lashes, the damnation, the promises doom of her childhood. Maybe she was being overly critical of Keigo. Sometimes the past wasn’t worth sharing. 

She turned back to her unpacking, trying to shake off the sudden memory. 

“Please don’t be upset! I’m sorry if I bothered you,” apologized Tomie as she sat at the kotatsu eating mikan fruit that Rumi had prepared for her. She neurotically flailed as she talked.

Tugging at her rabbit ear, Rumi let out frustrated sigh. “It’s fine,” she said as she took one of Keigo's coats from the luggage. She inhaled a whiff of its scent, catching the smell of pine and cedarwood that lingered from that night they shared a bed. A smile came to her lips. “Just know that we’re happy right now. There’s no need to call it anything, right?” she frowned before checking the clock on her phone. 
Tomie nodded, “Thank you, Miruko.”

“Call me: Rumi,” she said with a smile still lingering on her face. “But, you know, the idea is hilarious. I’ll have to play along when he gets back.”

“Rumi! Keigo’s coming back! What do we do?!” shouted Tomie as she flailed in her seat. Her floating eyeballs spun in midair. 

Rumi jumped from her seat. She flipped her hair, and grinned over her shoulder back at Tomie. “Leave him to me, Mom,” she joked with a mischievous grin. 

Out the door, Rumi flew to run into the hard wall of Keigo who had been standing on the porch. With her muscular build, she toppled him over before catching him by the arm. 

In the cool of the evening, the two locked eyes before Keigo quickly averted to circumvent the area. 

Cracking a smile, Rumi's tail whisked the air behind her. It was good to see his golden boy face after a long day. 

“What's gotten into you?” asked Keigo as he got back to his feet to dust himself off. He flashed a half frown. “Did something happen while I was gone?” 

Rubbing the back of her neck, Rumi bore her teeth. Family relationships weren't easy to discuss - even for someone like her. “Yeah,” she muttered under her breath before flashing a grin. “You've got a big fan waiting for you inside.”

What an exhausting day. Unpacking around that erratic woman, but at the same time, she kept her entertained. 

Keigo let out a dry chuckle. “Be serious. What's actually going on?” he asked. Placing a hand on the door, he noticed the beat of silence and paused. They both knew she wouldn't actually let just anyone inside. 

With a quick sigh, Rumi placed a placating hand on Keigo's shoulder. “She's got her floating eyes on you as we speak,” she noted. 

“Oh, her,” sighed Keigo as he tossed his head back. Fatigue evident on his features, he took off his visor. 

“Don't worry. I've got your back no matter what - she said she needed a place to stay,” Rumi assured him, patting him on the shoulder. However, she noted how he evaded away from the touch at the last moment. 

That was odd. Was he being distant? With her? For what?

Maybe it was all in her head. After all, she had possibly felt a little disappointment that Keigo had so much left to share about his past. Especially after he saw her so vulnerable in the snow. 

Keigo opened the door. “It'll be fine. It's not as bad as it looks,” he smiled. “Her quirk can make her a little delusional, but I'll straighten it out.” 

Having Keigo finally returning home after a long trip and what felt like an even longer day, felt right. She tailed behind him. Her eyes traced the lines of his lips. 

“Hey, mom - good to see you. I've got no problem with you staying here. I'll talk to HPSC about getting you a new place tomorrow,” Keigo spilled out like he was leaving a voice message on his mother's phone. Though his stare pointed at his mother, his vision seemed to see past her, fixated on the empty blank wall. 

It was an empty, fast and transactional offer - one of obligation and nothing more. 

Tomie covered her face as she cried out, “I'm so sorry. I had no other choice. They're after me!”

Rumi's ears drooped. “I thought you said everything was fine, Keigo,” she sighed. To Rumi, it was clear that his tone and disposition were all forced. Maybe he had a talent with hiding his feelings, and maybe Rumi couldn't read exactly what those feelings were. But with her strong gut, she easily sensed the incongruencies between his words and subtle mannerisms. 

Crossing his arms, Keigo's eyes darted to Rumi and then to his mom. “Huh? Everything is fine. This is about cousin Kyo, right, Mom? He's who you've been staying with. I'll handle it, and you can move into the new place. So relax and don't worry about it - Either of you. “

Rumi's eyes fixated on Keigo's back. Hearing directives from him, hearing him skate around truths, hearing the dryness in his throat made her blood heat up like Mercury. 

“Right,” said Tomie with a sigh of relief. She looked at Rumi and bowed. “Thank you, Rumi for talking to him.”

Pointing at herself, Rumi exclaimed, “Why are you thanking me? I just told it like it was.”

Clasping her hands together, Tomie nodded, “Even if you didn't, your love has softened him.” Her floating eyes never left her son who squirmed beneath the constant surveillance. 

Through his teeth, Keigo protested, “Rumi and I are just living together because of complicated circumstances. Nothing more than that,” he said, tightly. “Besides, I've taken care of you my whole life. What makes you think I'm gonna stop now?” 

Rumi's wide eyes lingered on Keigo as she searched his face, noting the tightness of his lips. 

The oven rang out, interrupting Rumi, and she jumped to retrieve the potato-leek gratin, a simple dish with the only good ingredients she could scavenge. 

Nothing more? Sure, there was no need to label anything, but there was no need to dismiss it completely! Rumi reflected on his flippant denial of closeness. Maybe she expected something more comical like some fluster or something surfacing in his features. But instead, he couldn't even admit to a friendship. Here she was thinking they made progress, but instead, they were backsliding. 

After she let herself show weakness to him. 

From the kitchen, Rumi could hear Keigo and his mother talk with relative ease, but her racing thoughts were louder. Her rabbit ears twitched as she played housewife - or rather, housemate. Doing laundry, fraternizing with his mother, and making a home cooked meal all before he returned home. All for him to attribute everything to a complicated circumstance. 

What was happening? 

But this wasn't over, Rumi planned to be his shadow until she got to the bottom of things. 

The conversation bled back into Rumi's perception. 

“We just sleep in the same bed because it's a small place,” he answered casually before his voice shook. “Bed? Totally meant to say room. I mean, clearly there's two futons in there.”

Although Rumi couldn't see Keigo's face from her vantage point, it was that subtle hint of fluster that satisfied her. The tightness in his words and posture likely meant that he was trying to conceal a thought about her. 

Tomie turned her head to Rumi as she approached the dining room table with plates of potato-leek gratin. “You can sleep with Keigo tonight,” she assured her. 

Keigo let out a groan, but Rumi stepped in before he could respond. 

“I guess, but you really don't have to sleep out here, Mom,” Rumi answered coyly with a slight head tilt. She could see Keigo's shoulders tighten as he inquisitively mouthed the word “mom.” 

“Please, I wouldn't be able to sleep in that room knowing I came between you,” Tomie mumbled as she dug into the gratin. “I'm sorry for intruding, but you shouldn't feel the need to hide so much, Keigo. Just continue on as you would normally.”

Sitting down at the table, Rumi looked up at her hero partner. “Hear that? We're gonna be bed buddies,” she joked but Keigo didn't flinch. He kept a small, stoic smile that sent shivers down her back. 

“Just until tomorrow. Shops are closed by now. We can buy another futon then,” he noted. 

Rumi's eyes narrowed with a twinkle of amusement. She caught that discrepancy right away. Surely, they could find a way to buy a futon that night if absolutely necessary. They could still make it to a store that sold futons if they really wanted one. Although he claimed disinterest in sharing a bed, he seemed to find an excuse to let it happen. 

However, as the vibrant colors of twilight faded into night, and Rumi emerged from the bath refreshed and dressed to a house quiet and empty. The television leered its blue glow upon Tomie surrounded by orange mikan peels and half-full water bottles. 

Scoffing, Rumi turned to the door, ready to tail Keigo. He couldn’t have gotten far. She grabbed one of her pull-over sweaters and headed out the door. 

That foolish bird, leaving without a quirk or any kind of backup. What was wrong with him? Ever since she gave him the watch, it was like his mind lingered in another space and time. And this bizarre behavior unsettled her down to her gut. 

As she prowled the streets of Fukuoka with her sharp senses, she felt herself coming alive during the cool, December night. 

“What’s wrong with me?” muttered Keigo as he let out a heavy sigh as he leaned his head against the door. Simply by entertaining the possibility of pursuing Rumi opened up the floodgates. His nostrils still flared from the mere scent of her wild musk that had only become louder among the fragrant steams of her bath that evening. He should have known this would happen since the first night they stayed together.

Tomorrow, perhaps he could negotiate a deal to not only acquire housing for his mother but his rabbit partner as well. If he wasn’t going to disclose his thought to her, then he needed to put physical distance between them. His mother would not be an appropriate buffer especially if she insisted he stayed with Rumi. 

But, he wanted Rumi close to him. Separating from her felt like cutting a wing from his back. The grief of emptying his home came before any decisions had been made. 

Here he was standing at the door of his cousin’s condominium trying to clear his mind before he cleared a debt. His mother’s side of the family were as uncannily perceptive with various abilities to read into people, place, and possibly futures. Cousin Kyo in particular liked using his quirk to extort people.

It was a simple, mind reading quirk he could use with the eyes on his palms. With this ability, he honed in on a deep secret, bringing it to the surface.

Opening the door, Kyo with his ash blonde bowl cut that hung in his face greeted him. Neon electronics cluttered the living area, and Keigo focused on the surroundings instead. The white noise of humming computers and gaming systems filled the room. The 10 monitor set up covered a wall an entire wall, each holding something different - code, video, shopping websites. 

“Hello, big brother, good to see you,” said Kyo in a monotone voice. “I’ve been watching you.”

Yawning, Keigo waved politely without looking up from the cluttered carpet. “Yeah, yeah, let’s just get this over with. How much do you want this time? No questions asked, I’ll Line it to you,” he said, wanting to get this over with. His cousin likely just wanted to refresh his set up. But with Keigo, as the only one of both sides of his family who made it big, he had the responsibility of not just his mother but everyone’s well-being. 

“500,000 is what Aunt Tomie owes for rent,” requested Kyo as he retreated back to his corner with the computers as Keigo fumbled with his phone. His head tilted, looking around at the monitors. “You were followed,” he frowned, disappointment evident in his tone.

Keigo’s heart skipped a beat as he shot up. “What?” he exclaimed, searching the monitors for Rumi before his eyes met Kyo’s palm. 

Crap!

An evocative and incredibly provocative thought of his partner surfaced to his senses, stealing his breath. His voice cracked into a short, stifled moan. Biting his thumb, he attempted to snapped himself out of it. Heat covered his face like a transparent mask. “Get out of my head, Kyo. The money is sent. She’s not a threat. Leave her out of it,” he urged through clenched teeth. 

“Y-You’re a freak! Isn’t that your partner?! Did that happen or is that what you want - I can’t even look at you,” Kyo cried, his voice cracking and his face burning red. He was able to see the alluring thought in sharp detail. 

Keigo shut his eyes tightly as he leaned his head back. This exactly what he was afraid of. But, he was fully prepared to counter this. “I’ll double it. You forget whatever you think you saw, and I’ll double the money, alright?” Keigo bargained, running a hand down his face. 

His senses were so damn dull that he couldn’t sense Rumi. Perhaps his, but he should have sensed that she would want to follow him.

“O-okay, deal,” agreed Kyo as he sank in his desk chair. “But as your cousin, I don’t think it’s a good idea obsess over your partner like that. I mean, you work with her."

“Yeah, okay. I’m not obsessing. She’s an attractive woman. This just happens sometimes. You’ll understand when you're my age,” he said before turning out the door, eager to escape. “Oh, and don’t tell anyone, alright?” There was no way he was going to take advice from his 20 year old cousin even if he made sense. 

When he exited the house, Rumi was nowhere to be found. He glided over to his car, his eyes searching for her. Maybe she had already left back home. 

Lying at home in the futon just large enough to fit her and Keigo, begrudgingly sprawled across the surface. Even if she somehow fell asleep before he returned, she wanted to explain herself and why she decided to follow him. 

It was totally fine for him to have privacy, but as she saw it, he needed back up. 

The door opened with a creak. She could hear the rustle of his clothes as he dropped his shoes in the entryway. Her heart rate quickened, climaxing as their eyes met. His golden eyes looked like rings illuminated by the pale moonlight.

“Hey,” Keigo greeted before taking a moment to gulp down his nerves. He hung up his khaki jacket and put away his black gloves. “I wasn’t far. I just had to take care of some family business. Nothing to worry about.”

“I wasn’t worried!” protested Rumi as she shook with shame. Maybe just a little, but there was nothing wrong with that in her opinion. A little concern was healthy. 

Keigo smirked as if he could see through her bluff. Humbly, he knelt beside the perimeter of the cream-white futon, not daring to enter until he got the okay. He stared off to the window before clearing his throat into his fist. “Um,” stammered Keigo as he eyed her figure in the oversized black t-shirt. “You gonna move over, or were you just joking earlier about sharing a bed?”

After everything, he knew this wasn't his brightest idea, but he didn't intend to deny himself the opportunity to sleep next to her either. Their last night of bed sharing was nice. 

Retreating to her side of the mattress, Rumi shrugged. Her eyes were like open windows, shedding light on a truth she hadn’t fully understood. “I didn’t think you’d be up for this after the way you’ve been acting all day,” she said under her breath. With a small smile, she felt motion through the sheets. 

“What do you mean by that?” he asked, knowing fully that he’d been avoidant all day. However, as his  winged back melted into the mattress, he realized he never considered that the distance could strain her more than this proximity. 

With the sheets, she childishly covered her head. “It’s dumb. After everything - the late night movie marathons, the cooking together, and spending every day together...the cabin, I thought I’d know you better. And it’s just weird because...” This was the most she had ever stammered. She was practically stuttering, tripping over her words to say absolutely nothing. Talking in crooked circles, she continued, “Maybe I shared more than I should have with you. Maybe tomorrow we should find a place for me instead of your mom.”

Her heart was pounding. She bit her lip hard enough to draw blood. As she saw it, she had definitely let her guard down too much. This was one of the many reasons why partnerships were a bad idea. Sometimes goals and expectations didn't match up. 

Keigo pulled the sheets away from her. “What...” he said before taking another gulp of air. “What do you want to know about me?”

Their eyes met again, and Keigo was determined to maintain this connection. 

With a half shrug, Rumi shuffled in bed to turn towards him. The cushions whispered beneath her. “Whatever. Anything really,” she said under her breath. There was just this rift whenever she thought of him and she wasn't sure how to fix it. 

This sort of vulnerability felt like shedding a layer of skin, but at the same time, as their eyes stayed locked onto each other and Keigo’s tales from the past flowed out. There was a spark that ignited a wave of satisfaction, a relief, like truth and transparency had rolled off his shoulders by his own volition. He talked about his impoverished childhood, his father’s abuse and incarceration, and the truth behind his relationship with the HPSC. 

Rumi, in turn, tuned in fully as she nodded in acknowledgement allowing all the feelings of anger, frustration to surface as she cursed various players in the tragedy of his past. Any of his adversaries became her enemies (along with some of his friends.) But, she felt like their lives had finally begun to weave together.  

Then came a confession that weighed on him heavily. “Not gonna lie, but if I had a choice, I wouldn't want to go back to that life of espionage and duty," he confessed, with his heart full of regret. "I mean, of course, I miss the skies, but I don't want to be put in those positions where I have to choose between life and death for people close to me. And when you're a spy - a Special Operations agent with the HPSC. That situation happens regularly." 

"Then don’t go back," Rumi shrugged. She drew invisible designs on his pillow with a finger. "It's quite simple, isn’t it? I’ll be your bodyguard and you can rest easy taking care of household duties like that old house husband anime.”

He laughed a laugh that rubbled the room. As he saw it, it wasn’t as simple as that. If they truly had a way to return his quirk, he had obligations to the public. “That - That sounds good, but I like the way things are now for the most part. Maybe it’d be nice one day, but for now, just hanging out, doing movie marathons and trips is good enough for me.”

“What about patrols?” she asked, with a sliver of hope for a certain answer. They both knew she had the PR aspect, but she’d be lying if she claimed to hate the trips and outings with her partner. 

“Yeah, that’d be good one day, too - if they ever let us go,” Keigo agreed that maybe that part of the status quo - being a regular hero - wouldn’t be too bad. He knew not to mention the new normal around Rumi. 

Rumi's eyes closed as she gave a smug smile. “Well, Keigo, thank you. You've left me completely satisfied,” she noted. 

“Don't talk like that when we're in this situation,” Keigo muttered, hiding half of his face with the futon sheets. 

She could hear his heart rattling his chest. Either she scared him or excited him, but she'd let it go for the night. For that night, she could almost see an array of possibilities for the upcoming new year. 

Chapter Text

“Hey, what's with you never letting me drive your car, you control freak? I've driven before,” complained Rumi with a scowl rather than a pout. Propping her feet up on the dashboard, she crossed her arms. She wanted to feel the wind stroke through her hair but Keigo just had to close the roof and the windows because he hated the cold. 

Driving to HPSC headquarters was a hike, and while this could have been done with a quick phone call, he felt like he'd have better luck in person. He had no idea which department covered what these days anyway. That day, all they needed to request was housing for his mother, and the oversimplified website completely confounded him. 

Keigo explained directly, devoid of his typical playful lilt, “You can't drive my car if you don't have a license. Besides, I can tell just by looking at you that you're a speed demon.” Internally, he had successfully suppressed the notion that her sculpted legs looked enticing in the brown leather leggings she wore. 

Rumi snorted. 

Keigo flinched. 

Poking his cheek, Rumi quirked an eyebrow and probed him, “What's been up your ass all day, birdie? We had a good time last night and now you're being extra hot and bothered.” 

Keigo sighed, exhausted, drained. “Nothing. Just tired,” he admitted that much at least. His hands tightened on the steering wheel. He didn't get an ounce of sleep last night sleeping next to Rumi who tossed and turned and clung to him all night. All night, he spent his energy and thoughts suppressing, suppressing, suppressing with a 10-ton weight of willpower honed over the last twenty years of his life. And today he was fine - renewed in a way despite the droopy eyes and the constant yawning. 

Whatever secrets Kyo had thought he saw had died and decomposed into a subconscious level that not even 100 years of torture could reveal. 

Keigo reached for the knob on the car radio to turn up the volume. He was pretty much done talking. 

However, Rumi swatted his hand away. “Since you're dying to know why I came along, I'll tell you,” she began before flipping her silky morning-glory-scented hair. “I've been getting like this pent-up frustration, y'know?”

“Right,” he said as his vision tunneled to the center of the lane. “So like stir crazy? I don't care about you tagging along.”

Rumi shivered at that phrase - tagging along. What was she in this situation - a sidekick? An Intern? “I'm in this cockpit, too, Colonel Sanders. But yeah - maybe that's it. I'm feeling stir-crazy,” she affirmed. Any other day, she wouldn't be caught dead going to the HPSC office on a whim. 

But her restlessness was only one factor leading her here... 

As they entered the public sphere, even if people kept their distance, their eyes glued to the invisible cage that enclosed Rumi and Keigo as they walked. Rumi stayed close behind Keigo just long enough to adjust his synthetic wings so they fit smoothly through the slots of his winter jacket. 

Her touch notably lingered on the mechanical hinges attached to his body. While the two discussed ground rules for a cordial and idyllic meeting, Rumi had another idea of telling the HPSC off for putting Keigo through hell. 

On the way up to the HPSC headquarters, Rumi walked on the edge of the sidewalk that met the streets, guarding Keigo from the occasional speeding car. Walking through the automatic doors, Rumi circumspected the area before leading the way to the elevators. Her white rabbit ears stayed straight and perky like horns. 

Following signs, they searched for the Happy Hero Department floor, President Mera stepped onto the elevator. He yawned at the same time Keigo yawned before they looked at each other over Rumi's head. 

“Keigo?” said Mera, having known him 20 years. His eyes widened and shifted between Rumi and Keigo. “What brings you up here? Why don't you come into my office to catch up? “

As they entered the office with files stacked on every surface along with empty coffee cans, Mera cleared two chairs to offer them a seat. Rumi had to sit through small talk and banal stories of the public relations gigs they'd been getting. 

Despite the energy in Keigo's voice, the conversation put Rumi to sleep. 

“So, you need housing for your mother?” asked Mera calmly as he typed up the report on his computer. “I heard about the penthouse fire. We got the insurance check back months ago.”

Keigo raised an eyebrow at that remark. The Happy Hero commissioner had said they could barely afford extra housing.

Mera continued without looking up from his laptop as he clicked the keys and scrolled. “Alright, just give us a few days and we'll have that taken care of,” he explained. “Rumi, I noticed you're still assigned to Keigo's house. Would you like your own dwelling as well?”

With his breath restrained, Keigo noted how odd this all was. Just months ago, the Happy Hero Commissioner Takeuchi said that they had to stay together for a year or so. Why were there so many discrepancies between Mera and Takeuchi? Keigo narrowed his eye, trying to collect his thoughts muddled by sleep. 

A shiver went up Rumi's back as she pulled her jacket closed. “No, I'm good,” she said, waving it away. 

Keigo couldn't help but release a layer of tension when Rumi declined, but he asked, “Is the Happy Hero Initiative still in effect? They didn't give us much wiggle room for the budget so I'm kind of surprised.” 

Yawning again, Mera slouched over, already losing his gust of energy. “Oh, yeah, it's just been privatized - contracted out. They handle hero public relations and hero resources, and then the HPSC handles the law enforcement and budgeting among everything else.”

“Ah,” noted Keigo. So, in other words, it was a complete mess right now. Standing up, he was ready to go back home with Rumi. 

However, she stayed still in her seat. “Since you said you cover law enforcement,” Rumi began with a giant grin. “When can we expect to see Miruko's return?”

Mera laid his head upon the laptop, exhausted by the question alone. “We'll have to test public opinion this summer. I hear things are going well for you two, and you're making a big impact with public trust,” he said before drifting off to sleep. “But that's not... My department...”

Rumi's gloved hands gripped Mera by the collar. “Come on, wake up, Mera - make it happen! I've been itching to fight!” she demanded with a sense of desperation in her glare. Her blood boiled with the heat of passion - of urgency. 

However, Mera stayed asleep as he limply hung from her grasp. 

“Hey, you said you'd play it cool, Rumi - this isn't the way to handle things,” he reminded her, prying her from Mera’s collar. Was this why she insisted on coming up here? With a chuckle in his throat, he somehow lacked the foresight for this. 

Then he saw it - the tears that glossed her red, strained eyes. Stress colored her features. With a sigh, Keigo reflected the turmoil she must have masked with the outburst. He understood. This PR gig was demanding with little payoff for her, but they needed to just stick it out.

The lubricious longing that haunted him the night before crumbled away as their eyes connected. Guilt had fooled him into resenting himself for coveting Rumi. She was his friend, his confidant, his partner, and a woman he admired and clumsily cared for. 

Rumi finally released Mera to the desk. “Fine. Letting it go. I've had enough of this shit anyway,

“Hey, that's the spirit, Buns,” he whispered, fully knowing there was more to that resignation. Yet he forced optimism. “A deadline is good, right? Something to look forward to,” Keigo suggested with a wry spark. He knew firsthand that the bureaucracy treated their deadlines as rough estimates rather than guarantees. 

“Don't patronize me, feather-butt. I've been in this game for a few years - an uncertain date for an uncertain future isn't what I wanted to hear,” she shrugged, stomping out the door and to the corridor of stairs. “I'm taking the stairs.”

Keigo followed after her, down the stairs. Damn, what was he supposed to say? Every form of flattery seemed inadequate at that moment. So he yielded to the silence all the way home with the windows rolled down.

Restlessness plagued Rumi for the next day, and she put her body into overdrive by bumping her morning jog up to five kilometers. She'd be ready for whenever Mera decided to draft her to the heroics. The endorphins of a brisk run, pushing herself to the limits was just what she needed to dispel this negative energy. 

Everytime they jogged, pacing and panting to the beat of their shoes against the pavement, Rumi trounced Keigo effortlessly. That day, beneath the pale winter sun, she tried to keep a closer distance. Despite her competitive nature, she often taunted Keigo's need for more leg days by flexing her thighs. 

All in good fun. 

Or at least more jogs. A holiday wouldn't break this cherished tradition. Well, at least Rumi cherished such a tradition. 

Upon returning to their humble shack, Keigo's hair, straightened by the sweaty jog, hung in his face.

Keigo made it despite his doubt. 

But before Rumi could congratulate him and celebrate that after-run high, he dodged her shoulder pat and headed for the bathroom. 

Out of the corner of her eyes, Rumi spotted the redness in his face. 

With a twinkle in her eyes, twirling around to follow him. “If you're thirsty, you should-”

“Shower. I'm gonna... take a...shower,” he muttered before shutting the bathroom door behind him. 

Rumi frowned as she stated at the bathroom door. "Weird, he usually lets me bathe first," she whispered to herself.

Keigo wasn't known for having a capricious nature. In fact, he'd been known to be infuriatingly calm. But then why was he still so moody?

Well, who better to ask than Tomie Takami, his mother who had been crashing in their living room for the past few days? On that New Year's Evening, she watched television specials featuring festively dressed dancers.

“Hey, what's up with Keigo? He's been so moody lately,” Rumi complained as she sat at the kotatsu with an icy bottled water. The heat radiating from the center of the table soothed the tension from her joints. 

Tomie's eyes peered down like two moons orbiting the table. “He's hiding,” she said solemnly. 

Rumi paused, her eyes widening with curiosity. Keigo was hiding? Like literally hiding away in the bathroom? She slammed the bottle down, causing a minor splash. “No way!” grinned Rumi. “I didn't mean to wear him out too much on our little marathon.”

In response, Tomie merely offered a blank stare. 

“Huh? Is it something else? Come on, tell me!” Rumi urged, never knowing whether to point at Tomie's head or her floating eyes. “You can read minds or futures or something, right?” 

Tomie shifted atop the cushion, her head never turning away from the magnetic blue glow of the television. “I can't read futures or minds - I just see things that may or may not exist. I've always been unreliable,” she admitted. Her voice stayed even but not without notes of remorse. “Keigo has never once told me he hated me - even after everything I'd said to him as a child and everything I allowed his father to do. He's never expressed resentment or love.”

Slouching over onto the table, Rumi contemplated, “Yeah, I can see that. He's got everything wrapped up inside, right? That's why I wish he'd just have more fun sometimes instead of work, work, work.”

“He's trapped,” Tomie said cryptically, giving an extensive delay to her explanation. “Not just by duty but shame, guilt.”

With a frown, Rumi's veins tensed as she tried to reframe their more recent moments. But what would he be ashamed of with her? For the first time, Rumi had no witty comeback - just a genuine interest in the anatomy of Keigo. 

“After Keigo's father went to prison, he blamed himself for turning him in. I wouldn't be surprised if he still visits him because he carries that guilt even now,” Tomie told the story as her voice finally began to crack under the weight of her words. “Despite the burdens he carries from his past, I've discovered that I like the soft way he smiles when he's with you.”

With a pause, Rumi reflected on a vivid image of Keigo and the way his golden eyes caught the sun. “Yeah, me, too,” she said under her breath with a wistful smile.

A challenge presented itself to Rumi’s monotonous life, and although she hadn’t figured out just what it was, she knew that something invigorated her need for amusement. 

Her eyes wandered to the drum players on the TV. Rumi hoped that they could have some fun tomorrow to make the burden Keigo carried just a little lighter. 

Not a single soul stayed up to midnight that night. New Year's Day arose to a silent house.

That day, the famed Aerodynamic Duo had an assignment to complete - visit the shrine on New Year's Day. 

To Rumi, this wasn't an ideal mission, but with birdie boy by her side, they could probably find some trouble. 

Tomie struggled to help Rumi with her kimono, creating uneven layers of the garb. She apologized for the fiftieth time. 

“It's okay, Tomie. These things are complicated,” Rumi smiled with a gentle voice that betrayed her intense nature. “It'd be nice if you came with us, too, you know. You gotta stop seeing yourself as being in the way. Keigo loves you even if he doesn't say it.”

In the full-length mirror hanging on the bedroom closet Rumi fiddled with the winter rabbit patterned furisode. She could hear Keigo pacing around the house in his wooden sandals - presumably the final touch to his outfit. 

From the other room, Keigo called out, “Our glorified, sacrilegious photoshoot starts at 10, so we need to hurry, Buns. I don't know whose idea it was to do a promo at a shrine.”

Everything was a photoshoot as a hero. Rumi thought Keigo should be accustomed to that by now, but it was understandable. The voyeurism of their fans knew no bounds. But maybe they could make this day their own and go to the festival. 

“Who cares if we're late? They can wait,” she shouted to him in the other room. Tomie handed her the scarlet flower hairpin. “I'm pretty much done anyway. What time is it now? I don't have my phone.”

Keigo's footsteps became louder as he approached. 

He replied, “Time to...” 

A flutter. 

All Rumi heard was a slight flutter like a tiny Sparrow. “Huh? What was that? I didn't catch the last part.” She looked up into the mirror, past her reflection to see Keigo fully dressed, ready, and slack-jawed. Their eyes met in the mirror before he quickly averted his gaze. 

Rumi's ears perked up as she heard Keigo gulp down air before clearing his throat. What was that face for? Was he nervous?

“Time to go,” he muttered before turning to leave. 

His heart beat like a wild hummingbird. 

Rumi tailed him, closing the distance before he took another step. She clung to the sleeve of his crimson hakama. “Hey, Keigo,” she sang in a drawn-out tune. “How do I look?”

To obscure his face, he turned away, hunching his shoulders. “You look,” he began before clearing his throat again. “You look fine. Picture ready. Any adjustments can be done once we get there.”

Maybe it was just in her head or in her heart, but that was weird, right? She pulled away, and Rumi glanced back at Tomie who averted her gaze, trying to keep out of the way. “We'll be back later, Mama Takami,” Rumi waved with a giggle in her tone before heading out the door.

With her eye on the hawk, Rumi realized that knew her object of fixation just got a lot more interesting. “Hey, Keigo,” she called out, gently. 

“What is it?” he answered, tightly. His throat betrayed an audible dryness. 

Pointing down to her obi sash around her waist with her gloved hands, Rumi frowned, “It's a little tight, could you help me adjust it?” That wasn't a lie. Tomie did her best but put the sash up a bit too high for her liking. 

As they walked down the path, Rumi thought to herself, “There's no way I ruffled his feathers, right? Hell yeah! Did I just unlock another side to him?” Her eyes lingered on his shoulders which stayed stiff. 

“Isn't it supposed to be tight? Not like I can do cartwheels in this thing,” he said with a stretch showing off his layered kimono.

“Ugh, come on, birdie, just help me lower it a bit - I can barely move in this thing. They can fix it how they want when we get there,” she said with an ever-smug smirk as she turned her back to him. 

Keigo swallowed again before approaching her. She could hear his breath hitch as he dug his fingers into her sash. Biting her lip, she stifled a giggle. He sounded awfully suspicious holding his breath like that. 

“Thanks, Hawks, that feels good,” she said with an approving nod. Twirling around, she looked up at him with a smile. “Now let's get over there. You can blame me for being late.” 

Well, as much as she wanted to continue their game of hawk and hare, she could abate her curiosity for the event. The cameras had no business seeing such a side of Keigo. 

Yes, this side of Keigo was for her eyes only. 

As they stepped onto the cobblestoned courtyard of the shrine, Rumi witnessed how Keigo eased his shoulders, his posture shifting to assume the charismatic persona of Hawks. His eyes sharpened and adorned with his signature, ingratiating smile. 

He buzzed around like a bumble bee, in a way that both exasperated the agents while simultaneously magnetizing their PR agents and fans alike into his sphere of influence. 

Rumi managed her stance, fierce yet with a hint of grace. If anyone asked her, she was always like this, never showing restraint. The only thing she felt the need to hide in public was this vexing engrossment in Hawks.

However, together, even with their movements scripted like actors in a stage play and agents coaching their moments with earpieces, she dwelled on the warmth that radiated between her and Keigo. Although she could hear the camera shutter through the crowds of people, knowing this was manufactured and as mechanical as her arms, there was something enjoyable about this picturesque day. 

The snow, as white as Rumi’s ears, piled on the rooftops of every structure of the shrine.

Pressing her hands, together, she closed her eyes, wafting not only the incense of the shrine but the unique scent of Keigo - potent, earthy, and most of all, grounding her in this cherished moment. 

It was time to make a prayer, a wish for the new year. However, as she closed her eyes, her interest in Keigo’s wishes absorbed her, pulling her like gravity toward his core.  Rumi leaned a little closer to Keigo, her upper arm at his side. 

Intrusive thoughts flooded her mind of wanting to investigate every part, every facet of him like an artifact. There was always something new to find. It was a bizarre feeling, but her delight in being near him overwhelmed any semblance of shame she may have had. 

She nearly wasted her wish, wanting to know what was going on inside that man. 

Power! Fighting! Punching! She consciously made a selfish wish to return to her work as a hero this year. Ha. That was the true goal all along. 

With a sigh of relief, she opened her eyes and turned to Keigo, indulging herself in asking, “So, what’d you wish for, birdie-boy?” 

In a quick answer, he smiled, “Peace on Earth, goodwill towards men, same as always.” He waved it away. 

“We need you to move onto the omikuji,” their agent urged through the earpiece. 

“Damn, Okamoto! I heard you the first time,” shouted Rumi, startling the people around her. 

Keigo moved Rumi by the shoulders, “Let’s just get through this,” he chuckled.

As they moved to the fortune box, shaking it for an outlook on the new year, their fingers brushed together. The paper revealed to Rumi her fate. “Worst luck,” she read before rolling her eyes. 

Rumi unfolded hers, a chuckle escaping her lips. “Worst luck,” she announced, holding up the paper for Keigo to see. “Looks like this year’s gonna be a real adventure.”

Keigo flashed a grin, his eyebrows raising in the face of the pleasant surprise. He revealed his own fortune. “Same here,” he said, his golden eyes meeting hers with amusement

While they both doubt the gravity of fortunes on paper, something felt real about facing their fate side by side. A sense of camaraderie, settled over them, maybe the next year wouldn’t be as monotonous as they thought. 

Their smiles widened at each other as their eyes locked in place together.

“I guess we’re in this together, then,” Rumi shrugged a shoulder to her ear and let out a hearty laugh. 

After a day of restraint, their ears cleared of earpieces, Rumi led the way on the path outside the shrine. She turned to Keigo on that New Year’s Noon. She was ready to have some real fun. “I’m starting to understand why people call Hawks a heartthrob,” she smirked. “All dressed up and cracking jokes like an everyman. You were pretty cute out there.” 

“Cute?” he asked, his eyes widening at the notion before his eyes darted to the side. A rush of warmth rose to his face. “All in a day’s work - you know how it is. I try to have fun with it.” The compliment formed a pit in his gut. 

“Yeah,” she said as she stretched to the sky. “I’m learning to have fun in the public arena, too. But we don’t have to stop here, right? I’ve been wanting to go down to the festival - I’ve been having a crazy craving for taiyaki.” They were already dressed for the occasion. It’d been ages since she had time to go down to a festival for leisure. But peacetimes were the time to do it, right? 

However, as she gazed up at Keigo, withdrawn and looking to the ground, her ears slumped down. 

Keigo clasped his clammy hands together. “Actually, you go ahead. I’m not really feeling up to it?”

Rumi furrowed her eyebrows, her frown deepening as she gulped down the tension in her throat. They were having such a good time. What happened? “Kei- Hawks, what’s going on with you?” she asked a question she should have asked days ago. “I thought we’d moved past this.”

Before Keigo even said anything, Rumi had a hard time believing him. Her trust was a fragile thing, and it was ready to break against all this covering up and hiding from her. 

“Give me a break, Buns. Nothing’s going on. Being out in public has been exhausting lately,” he explained, rubbing the side of his neck. His sleeve fell, revealing his silver watch that she gifted to him. 

Her eyes twinkled at the sight of the watch, a symbol that bound his wrist. And, in some way, it bound them. He never took it off, did he? She couldn’t remember a time when she had seen him without it in fact.

Rumi’s self-proclaimed, egomaniacal nature took over. Of all the things she wanted to know about Keigo, the question that burned in her throat the most. But she couldn’t ask it out here in the open. She wouldn’t get a clear answer from him now. She waved off the thought.

“Uh, hey, Miruko? Now, you’re starting to scare me,” he said with a wry smile that twitched at the corners. A cold sweat beaded across his temples.

With a ferocious glare, Rumi stomped towards Keigo, pushing his back into a nearby alleyway deeper and deeper until the shadows obscured them. She clenched her jaw and growled, “You’re not going to ‘nothing is going on’ me. You told me no more secrets, so I just gotta know.”

Rumi pushed Keigo against a brick wall, her grip tightened on his shoulder. “How do you think I look?” 

Fettered, Keigo’s shoulders hunched up to his ears. “Ah,” he winced, trying to pull back but he was against the wall. What was this? A shakedown? With a groan, he continued, “Why are you asking this again? I’ve said a million times that you’re objectively attractive. The polls-”

“Forget the polls. I want to know,” she began, her eyes never leaving his face. Her fingers with their warm, life-like feel interlaced with his. A jolt shot up her nerve as their hands seemingly fit together. “I want to know what you think of me, Keigo. Do you find me attractive?”

Gulping, Keigo breathed, “Rumi...” He could feel the heat of her body so close to his but not touching, erupting a firestorm in the space between them. The smell of her naturally sweet scent stimulated his senses.

Her grip on him loosened. Lowering her head to his chest, “Keigo, I just want to see something, okay?” she whispered, softly. She put her ear to his sternum.

As she closed her eyes, it was like her heart jumped to sync with his. The heat in her body rose to his temperature making that winter afternoon feel like the hottest day of the year. What do you call this phenomenon? “I make you nervous, don’t I?” she hummed. “I wonder why.”

But it was such a sweet song to her. Once she heard his beating with such life, she didn’t want to pull away. 

“Anyone can be physically attractive,” he argued, wry yet weak. His voice was low, husky, and dried by the winter air. “But for me to be attracted to someone, I need a spark.” 

Rumi gently pulled her hand from his. Her fingertips traced up his arm, his neck, all the way up to the edges of his jawline. She rose her face to meet his, tilting his head to look at her. 

Shadows veiled his face, and she could only see his golden eyes peering down at her. Her numb, mechanical fingertips stroked Keigo’s cheek, and she never wanted to feel anything more than the heat in his face. 

Keigo’s chest heaved a heavy sigh. He couldn’t look away from her intense stare. 

But she did feel one thing as their gazes locked together. 

A spark. 

Rumi pulled away, putting her hands to her chest. “Okay, I guess I found out everything I needed to know,” she smiled to herself, hiding her face so Keigo couldn’t see. 

"What's that even mean?" groaned Keigo before taking a deep breath. "Don't think too much about it, Buns."

Chapter Text

On the first night of the new year, Keigo had a nightmare that he prayed would not be a prophecy... 

The cold clutched at every sense, numbing him to the sight before him. Approaching their bedroom, crimson feathers floated around like dust, twirling and sinking into a 200 pound pile. Like leaves at the height of autumn, they carpet the room. The mound covered the futon and sticking out from the pile were a pair of white rabbit ears. The feathers clumped together, sticky from crimson fluid. 

What was this? 

And as Keigo looked up he saw a figure neither beast nor man. Its hands, stained by the red feathers dripped to the hardwood floors. With golden eyes on every feather, not a single one looked up at him, only staring down at the mound. 

The feathers stained the bed, eventually staining the stark white ears protruding from the bed. 

Keigo ran over, knowing it was Rumi, fearing what he'd find and losing hope by the second. But before he had reached the bottom, the figure from the shadows struck at him with a sword. 

In its wake, crimson painted Keigo's hands as well by the monster he feared most. 

That day was moving day for Keigo's mother. Boxes piled high in the modest new home did just enough to hide him away from a pesky rabbit looming over his shoulder. No matter how many times he gently guided her to another task such as putting away clothes or keeping Tomie company, she managed to find her way back to him. 

What was he going to do when they ended up back in their house together? What monster would they meet that time? 

When Tomie had laid down to take a nap, Keigo looked up and there Rumi was - falling back onto tatami mats and sprawling out like a cat bathing in the sun. He nearly fumbled the ceramic glass he'd been unraveling from paper. 

Hunching his shoulders, Keigo clenched his jaw. “What do you want now?” he sighed in a soft hiss. 

Her giant grin burned into his side.

“Oh, nothing - just resting,” she sang as she curled up on her side. Her ears stretched playfully, fanning at Keigo, threatening to poke him. “And thinking about last night.” 

Right, last night - when she cornered him into a certain revelation regarding his attraction - a physical phenomenon that he could easily compartmentalize. “Water under the bridge, Rumi,” he smiled smugly with a shrug. Although she posed herself to be so vulnerable, literally showing the gentle rise and fall of her belly through her fitted white shirt, he could tell by the glimmer in her eyes that she was just trying to get a rise out of him. To provoke him. 

“Easy for you to say. But you know we're not talking about a little stagnant puddle, Keigo. What I saw in you last night would pulverize a bridge, you little freak,” she chuckled, her abdominal wall twitched at the notion and Keigo felt himself mirroring her. “I just wish we'd figured this out sooner.” 

Hunching over, Keigo dug in the box for another stack of dishes. Now, why would she wish that? “There's nothing to figure out. We're good friends and colleagues. Why mess up a good thing?” he asked, rhetorically to convey that their friendship meant more than whatever it was she was getting at. 

“Mess up!?” Rumi asked, shooting up from her languid position. 

Keigo cringed like he struck a discordant note on a piano. It wasn't the volume but the caustic tone. “Hey now, chill out. I'm rooming with Heroes Illustrated’s Hottest Heroine of Japan. Cut me some slack. I'm not a eunuch - at least, I don't think,” he forced laughter. What did she want to even happen with this? It couldn't have been a relationship - not by the way she acted at the Sports Resort. “But maybe you're the one who has a raging river or whatever the metaphor was,” he added as a final quip. 

Standing to her bare feet, Rumi crossed her arms before pivoting on her heel. “Me? Well, one thing's for sure - you're going to need a helluva dam to forget about this.”

Keigo noted how Rumi had used the pronoun, “this” several times throughout the conversation without ever defining what she meant. Attraction? Or something more. Perhaps Keigo could not yet perceive the energy between them - an energy that possessed an array of colors imperceptible to him. 

But as flashes of his dream from the night before resurfaced, Keigo reminded himself that even if by some marvel his attraction matched hers, he could only harm her. Therefore, the radiant colors of their energy was better left unexplored. 

No matter how supple her moist skin looked as it clung to that white tank top. The sight indeed had beckoned him to succumb to his desires to touch her with a desperation that frightened him like some life sucking cryptic. Heat rose to his face long after she had left the room. His restraint was rooted in the notion that he could only ruin her, but for how long could he hold himself back? 

As he looked up from his thoughts, she was already gone. “Rumi?” he called but did not move.

It was an ominous note to leave the conversation, but at least it was over. If only they could just leave things as they were - nothing more, nothing less. The last thing he wanted was to disturb this precious peace he'd found with her even if it occasionally led to these contentious skirmishes. 

So Keigo finished unpacking alone after an hour or so, he decided to make it up to her somehow. “Rumi?” he called out again. She would probably enjoy breaking down some boxes. 

A grin grew on his lips as he heard shuffling from around the corner but quickly vanished once he realized it was his dear mother. 

“What did you do to Rumi?” asked Tomie from the hallway leading to the main room.

“Nothing,” Keigo noted dryly before standing to his feet. “Where is she?”

“Gone,” she answered. 

“Gone?” he parroted, glancing around the corner. Where could Rumi have gone to? Was she really that upset by him suggesting they practice restraint? He hunched his shoulders as he reached into his pocket for his phone. 

Alas, no messages from her. 

Tomie frowned, her eyes staying on her son. “She's searching for honesty and you pushed her away. You're afraid,” she said softly.

Keigo rubbed the back of his neck, “Sure,” he said a bit too dismissive and sharp as if to cut away the feeling with a knife. His mother was too perceptive at times. 

Had Rumi been sincerely searching to connect with him? Somehow? He still wasn't sure what his roommate wanted. Did she want for him to touch her? Dragging his hand down his face, he knew he couldn't contemplate this now. With his mother peering up at him, he may as well have been saying these thoughts out loud. 

 “Anyway, you're good to go. This place is a little more cozy than the old penthouse, but I'm sure that's fine with you,” he said with a chipper sentiment. His voice nearly trailed off as he looked off to the side. 

“This is kind of you to do, Keigo. Caring, gentle, you're a good person and always thinking of others,” she assured him with a warm underlying tone. 

Taking a tentative step towards connection and honesty, Keigo paced forward. “I have enjoyed spending time with you, and it'll be nice to have you close,” he said, finally making eye contact with his mother's face. He smiled, though his voice trembled a bit. 

His heart still raced, wanting to know what exactly had upset Rumi to the point that she'd run away. Wanting to hunt her home or wherever she'd gone. 

Tomie, sensing his sincerity, faced him. “I promise to be a better grandmother than I was a mother. Please don't let her go.”

Keigo couldn't help but chuckle, “Rumi is free to do whatever. Also, I don't think you're a bad mother, so no need to make it up to me with your future grandkids - which are definitely not going to happen. Rumi is just my friend.” 

Nominally, nothing had changed between him and Rumi, but physically, he'd felt as if the earth between them had shifted together like tectonic plates. Friend felt insufficient... 

After saying their goodbyes, Keigo left his mother to enjoy her new home. He hit the digital dial pad of his phone as soon as he closed the door. His finger tapped the glass only to be met with Rumi's generic voicemail. The light left his eyes as he reluctantly ended the call. Maybe she was just at home and he was overreacting. There was no need for the hairs on the back of his neck to stand. 

But they did. 

“I'm sorry, Rumi. I don't know if I have whatever connection you're looking for,” he said to himself, still holding the phone to his ear. There was nothing to connect to. He just wanted sterile, quiet peace... But with her. And surely, someone as wild and free as her yearned for something more. “I want to take you, to trap you, to keep you caged with me, and you deserve so much better.”

Meanwhile, some time later that evening, Rumi had finally arrived at Shizuoka. She took the first train out of Fukuoka, desperate to escape... Something - not someone, of course. And maybe she wasn't even escaping just getting out.

Formerly, she was a nomadic hero, traveling from city to city for various missions and assignments, so it made sense that she was a little delirious from being stuck in Fukuoka for the past few months. Why else would she be craving to be so close to Keigo? 

As she entered Burnin's floor, she looked around. This place was a lot more opulent than her office with Hawks. And definitely more employees. Everything had to be ten times the size of Hawks with dozens of employees instead of their measly two dozen. Endeavor had a long time to establish such a place, but Burnin definitely did what she could to maintain it. 

Was this entire skyscraper under Moe now? 

Rumi finally found Moe in the exercise room with the three interns she inherited - Shouto, Dynamight and Deku. 

“Oi, get your flames under control, Shouto!” shouted Moe as she faded back away from line of fire headed her way. “Focus them more.” 

Deku and Dynamight practiced hand to hand combat against Shouto while dodging his flames - but barely. 

While Moe wasn't known for her martial arts, she could still keep up with the interns as she dodged their attacks and countered with her yellow-green flaming hair. What she lacked in martial arts, she had mastered in creative ways to utilize her hair. 

Moe's eyes darted to the side as she finally caught sight of Rumi. 

“Rumi?!” Moe exclaimed, sliding away from the boys to meet her friend at the sidelines. “What the hell are you doing in Musutafu?”

“Oh, you know, just passing by - thought I'd stay in a hotel or something for a change of scenery,” Rumi replied, which wasn't a lie. Or, if it were a lie, she'd convinced herself that wanderlust was what brought her here. 

Narrowing her highlighter yellow eyes, Moe linked her arm around Rumi's. Then she nodded as if she made a decision. She pulled her out the door towards her office. “Take a 10 minute break, boys. I'll be back in a bit to de-brief. No sparring until I get back,” she ordered, dragging Rumi out the door. 

Rumi stretched before falling back onto Moe's leather couch that faced her oversized executive desk. She folded a leg over her prosthetic one. “You know, I could have stepped in and showed them a few moves,” she said, but she has a tendency to not hold back with sparring matches. Keigo knew that first hand. 

Moe leaned back against her desk, crossing her arms, “Yeah, sure. That would have ended well.” 

“I've never been patient enough to work with kids...or anybody, really,” Rumi admitted proudly, but she realized the repercussions of having a big ego. And she could see how it was already pushing Keigo away. Cringing, she suppressed the thought as soon as it surfaced. 

She didn't want to push him away. 

Moe gestured towards Rumi, “Aren't you the leader of the top agency in the country now?” 

“In name only. I don't handle most of the leg work with the people, paperwork and what not - I never have, really. I'm just a name and face they plaster on the branding,” Rumi explained and she was fine with that as she saw it. Typically, she used the HPSC to handle the back of the house stuff. She showed up where they told her to show up. 

Moe got so close that Rumi could feel her glowing, hot hair. “And you're okay with that?! You just take orders? You don't even plan events?” 

Rumi averted eye contact, recalling the last few weeks where Keigo went to the office alone for meetings and paperwork and whatever else brought him away from home. “I mean, I do some things, but like I said before, I'm more of a fighter. This celebrity life was supposed to be secondary, you know.”

“Listen, you gotta find your niche. There's something you can do. I run such a tight ship here that even though we're partners, Ryukyu and I run separate agencies and just collaborate sometimes. Maybe you should set yourself free and separate from...him,” she suggested, poking Rumi's forehead. 

Rumi stood up and paced towards the window. “I don't know. This works for us,” she said, but admittedly, she could have more agency over their promotions and relational events. With a sigh, she stared out at the evening snowy cityscape. The uncertainty of their future as a partnership loomed ahead, beyond the horizon of skyscrapers and lights. 

Closing in on Rumi, Moe rose an eyebrow. “Does it work - like for real? You, Miruko the miraculous warrior taking orders?” she grilled her like a piece of steak. “Then why are you here if it works out?”

Swallowing, Rumi swung around to look up at Moe who stood taller than her. “Oi, what's your deal? I already told you!” she growled. The nerve was struck and the fur on Rumi's ears frayed. 

Moe placed her hands on Rumi's shoulders as their foreheads touched. “Yeah, right. I know Ryukyu would tell me not to talk about this, but I heard about the little couples retreat you all had - how Feather-boy snuck off with you in the middle of the night,” Moe frowned, deeply. She sighed, seeing Rumi's eyes widen. “Why are you so hooked on that chicken lately, anyway, Rumi?” She pulled away from her friend as if the notion hurt her. 

Hooked on Keigo? She had never thought about it like that, but she had become rather attached to him. Always by his side morning, noon, and night since that trip they had a week or two ago. She'd relished the moments they had in bed together as she watched him snore and battle for blankets in the middle of the night. And even now, she longed to hear his voice. 

It was all so cozy. So comforting. And she had never had a home that she longed to return to like the humble ramshackle that she shared with Keigo. It had become precious to her. And she had to admit that maybe she yearned to hear some validation that these thoughts were not misplaced with the wrong person. 

But she couldn't tell Moe that. 

Furrowing her brow, Rumi struggled to answer. Her ears flopped down the side of her head. “Moe...”

Just then, Moe's computer rang out. The flat screen TV projector mounted on the wall displayed Keigo's hero portrait. “Speak of the chicken,” Moe snorted before turning back to Rumi. “Should I ignore it or hang up in his face?” she asked with a mischievous smirk before plopping down in her chair. 

Rumi's breath caught in her throat before the palpitations started. Her ears slung loosely down at the sides of her face. 

Waving a hand, Rumi walked back to the couch, reclining across it, far out of the camera's reach. “Do whatever. Just pretend I'm not here,” she said, flippantly. 

“What do you want, Hawks?” answered Moe to the web camera, spitting his name like acid. 

“Uh, good to hear from you, too,” he began with a stammer. Dressed in his hero costume, he was likely in his office. “Happen to hear from my little bunny partner? I haven't heard from her since this morning and her phone has been going straight to voicemail.”

Peeking over the couch, Rumi caught a glimpse of his captivating golden eyes. She could see him in full definition but he couldn't see her. Her heart raced at the sound of his voice. 

Moe shrugged with a giant smirk on her lips. “Hm. Who knows? Probably off on some romantic rendezvous with someone who can treat her like the goddess she is,” she said, doodling circles on the paper in front of her. 

Keigo winced before crunching his teeth together. With an exasperated grunt, he looked away, “Okay, that's fine. I...”

Finally, Rumi stepped into view, behind the desk. She slammed her hands on the hard wood. “Yo, Birdie. My phone's just dead. I didn't mean to worry you.” 

Taken aback, Moe made a comment on the out of character apology in disbelief. 

Heat on Rumi's cheeks, she continued, earnestly, “Is everything okay?” It was nice to hear his voice. To have the attention she craved, she felt so shameless, but she could admit this to herself alone. Her tail twitched behind her, betraying her joy. 

Clearing his throat, Keigo leaned forward with a smile. The tension in his brow had dissipated in an instant. “Yeah, I was just curious. But, I'm at the office now. Need anything while you're in Musutafu? Hotel? Food recs?”

Interjecting, Moe noted, “You guys are so sappy - checking in on each other and making googly eyes.” She cringed, covering her face. 

“Shut up, Moe!” Rumi exclaimed, scrambling for the mouse. Her face glowed with a hot copper tone. “I'll be back home tomorrow.” 

“Home?! Are you two living together?” exclaimed Moe, flailing her arms up. 

“She meant that as in like Fukuoka is her home now...” Keigo began, trailing off. Though, the lie slid smoothly off his tongue. 

Rumi ended the call, panting and exasperated from the embarrassment. She slowly turned back to Moe who was fuming. 

“Living together?!” Moe fumed. She hugged Rumi tightly to her. “You're not sleeping with him, right?” 

“W-Well, yeah I am. It's not like I enjoy it every night-” 

Moe's hair turned bright yellow. “Every night?! What are you talking about? Like... Like...”

“Oh, not like that! We just share a bed. It's convenient, you know. We don't touch. And comfortable with it being winter and all,” Rumi explained, gesticulating to defend herself. “I don't think he's into me like that.” That was a half lie. She knew there was attraction, but he didn't seem willing or ready to make a move. 

Moe let out a sigh of relief as her hair faded back to normal. “You're way too precious, too innocent. He doesn't even realize how lucky he is,” she said, sinking back into her chair. “You're smoking hot - crazy, curvy, wavy, big tits, little waist, cute, funny, strong,” she listed off until she was out of breath. “People around the world would kill to be with you, and he's fumbling you? Maybe he's into guys or something.”

“Do you want us to be together like that or not?!” snapped Rumi, placing a hand on her hip. She sighed, lowering her voice to mutter. “I mean, I know he's attracted to...women. I don't even know what I want with him. Like, I don't want to mess things up, but I also just want to... I don't know.” Have fun? Discover something more with him? Above all else, she wanted to stay with him. 

Moe folded her arms behind her head, “I mean, I just want you to be happy with someone who can give you everything you deserve, and if the Feather-boy is playing games, then maybe...maybe he's got someone else on the side.”

Two timing? Wait, why did that ring true? It struck a chord with Rumi. She retracted into her jacket. 

Fuyumi Todoroki came to mind. Her pure smile shining in Rumi's memory. 

“Ugh, I'm such a fucking homewrecker, Moe,” she whined, covering her face. She sank back into the couch. Fuck. She helped Keigo pursue Fuyumi, coaching him on flirtation tactics. And since she caught the notion that he may be attracted to her, she jumped on him, demanding his complete, undivided attention and forgetting about the repercussions for anyone else involved. 

No wonder he was trying to push her away. 

And poor Fuyumi - if something were burgeoning between Keigo and her, Rumi was crushing the poor girl's porcelain heart with a jackhammer. Miruko was supposed to be a hero, bringing them together. Not to mention, a friend at the very least. 

“Give me Fuyumi's number. I have to go see her,” Rumi said, jumping up on top of Moe's desk. 

Moe backed away, horror etched on her face. “Wait... Fuyumi... Todoroki?! Lady Fuyumi? No way! What does she have to do with this soap opera?”

Rumi growled, “Just give it to me! I have to go meet her while I'm here. We're just going to talk.” 

In disbelief, Moe clutched her phone. Her eyes widened as she smiled nervously, “Is she... the other woman? Lady Fuyumi has enough going on as it is - come on, don't tell me she's in this mess, too?”

Yes, Rumi was aware. The fractured family, the dying brother, but this meeting would set things right and provide Fuyumi the assurance and support that she needed. 

Rumi decided that she was ready to let go of Keigo if it meant setting things right. She sat on Moe's desk, folding her legs neatly. “I might be the other woman,” she said softly, her guilt weighing heavily upon her slumping shoulders. “But, I'll fix this.” 

“I don't know what's going on, but you better not let her get hurt. I've known her for a long time and... Just be gentle,” ordered Moe as she reluctantly gave Fuyumi, Rumi's number. 

Rumi nodded, but deep down, she doubted that she could make any promises. Already, as she made arrangements with Fuyumi, she felt a tension in her throat. 

Later that evening, Rumi met Fuyumi outside her house. Fuyumi had eagerly agreed to meet for a stroll. 

Rumi tensed at the cold, so Fuyumi immediately offered her jacket, claiming her marked resilience to low temperatures. They made their way down dimly lit avenues coated in fresh blue-white snow. 

Before now, Rumi had never realized that they stood at the same height. 

The tension in Rumi's throat had only spread down her sternum and to her gut. It was a hot guilt, burning her from within. Fuyumi was an innocent and troubled maiden - a tragic princess waiting for her knight - sort of girl. It was difficult to deny that she was the perfect match for a cheesy gentleman type like Keigo. Like, straight out of Disney with the exception of his odd fixation with Endeavor. 

It'd be so easy for them to fall in love if they hadn't already.  There'd be less red tape with her being a civilian and maybe even less attention, and they could both have the same decorum and grace of a prince and princess. Happily Ever After.

Beyond the small talk over heroic days of yore, there was a difficult confrontation to be had. This burning had a source. Rumi's attachment to Keigo had grown, unfettered, unabated. The entire evening, she had tried breaking her own heart so this wasn't so difficult. 

But when it came time to bring it up, to end this pursuit once and for all, Rumi blurted out what had surfaced in the murky waters of her heart. 

“Do you...do you have someone you like?” Rumi hastily asked, feeling like a schoolgirl. Not even a high school girl but an elementary schoolgirl discovering crushes for the first time. 

Fuyumi stood straight. Her glasses caught a glare from the street lamp hanging above. “Oh, Um, not really? I guess,” she admitted with a blush. “I've been pretty busy, you know. Why... Why do you ask?”

As their eyes met, Rumi tapped her foot, crunching against the snow. “I...uh,” she cringed, tensing at her own puerile habits.  Even Fuyumi's eyes were pure and innocent as they looked back at her. 

Although Rumi aspired to be a hero, more than anything, she wanted to be honest and authentic. So, she placed her hands on Fuyumi's arms. “I'm...I'm attracted to Kei- uh, Hawks. And I don't know what I want but, I know I don't want to lose him and our living situation together,” she declared with her heart. Suddenly, the tension began to fade from her body. 

This was so childish and silly. But she had to convey just how much she wanted to be the person Keigo came home to. If Fuyumi wanted him, then she should know that Rumi wasn't willing to let go of these ordinary, mundane moments without a fight. She knew this was cruel and selfish to feel this way, but what was she supposed to do? Lie? The least Rumi could do was own up to her scum behavior. 

Fuyumi smiled. She admitted, “Keigo kind of had a thing going where he'd bring me lunch when I worked at the preschool. We walked to a market and maybe an art exhibit, but heroism took up so much of his time that we couldn't do much. This was before the war for the most part, so maybe things have changed.” Naturally, she had experience with heroes. They rarely had an easy personal life. 

Nodding, Rumi said, “Yeah, yeah, he's a total workaholic. But isn't that what's great about him? He's got a lot of passion for what he does - even if it's silly public relations like this.”

“He was funny, charming, and I guess you could call it dating, but,” she paused, pulling a strand of hair back from her face. “There was something missing.”

With her fists clenching, Rumi felt a wave of protectiveness over her partner. She bit her lip. What could be missing about someone like Keigo? He was handsome - like, a perfect ten for people who were into the slim, athletic build. And, then he had a charming mysteriousness to him that always left people guessing. Not to mention his massive ego where he knew he could do or have anything he wanted - that's probably one of Rumi's favorite qualities. “What's missing with a guy like him?” she had to ask. 

Fuyumi's Gray-blue eyes gazed at over at Rumi. “I never really knew what an ideal relationship looked like. My parents... Well, you know. They're together but not healthy,” she began, making circles in the snow with her boots. “But, Miru- I mean, Rumi, when you and Keigo are together, I see a magic between you. I realized that's what I want, and that's what was missing.”

“Magic?” Rumi asked, reflecting on the faint sparkling she felt from just touching his skin the night before. The sensational memory rattled her breath, sending tremors through her legs. Or maybe that was just the cold. “That's...that's just for the cameras, you know.”

The sensation that continued throughout her body was a vulnerability better left hidden. The force between Keigo and had the power to weaken Rumi, and she couldn't say that she hated that. 

Maybe that's what she meant by magic. 

Fuyumi continued making her argument, citing photos on an Aerodynamic Duo fan page. MiHo was their ship tag. Much was there - Sports Resort, New Year's Day, and other planned promotions, but they didn't even capture the best parts. Their rare, quiet moments at home sharing meals and memes and stories. That's where the alleged magic happened, hidden between the lines of promotion and heroics. 

But maybe, the aura followed them wherever they went even when they weren't together. 

Rumi wrapped her arms around Fuyumi's waist, pulling them together in a clumsy yet wholehearted hug. “Thank you, Fuyumi! You're a good friend! Please talk to me and know you don't have to be alone. We can talk about anything, okay? I'll try to respond quickly, but I can't make any promises,” she exclaimed with a grin, burrowing her face into Fuyumi's shoulder. And Rumi saw herself as a selfish, hedonistic animal with no regard for others...not even the people she supposedly cherished. 

“Yes, that'd be nice,” Fuyumi whispered as her cheeks iced over. She rubbed her palms against her cheeks.  

“This is probably weird for you to see Miruko be so mushy and soft and out of character,” Rumi muttered, hearing the drum of Fuyumi's heart rattle between them. 

Shaking her head, Fuyumi disagreed. She straightened her glasses. “No, it's... It's on brand. It takes a lot of strength to be honest about feelings, and she would never back down from what she wanted, so... Good luck, Rumi,” she nodded. 

As they said their goodbyes and parted ways at Fuyumi's doorstep, Rumi felt satiated - like she had formed a connection with someone new that would be invaluable to her in the years to ahead. 

At the Hawks Agency office, Keigo kept the lights low as he sat at his desk eating cold pizza that he didn't bother to heat up. Rumi had suggested low, warm lights for the office, accenting corners, shelves and desktops within the executive suite. However, she would not have approved of greasy sausage pizza past 9pm. 

His sidekicks had gone home for the night, and his only companion was a newly minted Miruko figurine sitting atop his desk. Conspicuously, it had been removed from the display case of Miruko and Hawks merchandise. 

Keigo had fully prepared to pull an all nighter at the office. Anything beat returning to a dead and empty house. The couch was comfortable enough. 

His phone buzzed with an alert to the Hero Newsfeed set to any and all posts tagged regarding Rumi. And at the sight of the image, he nearly coughed up his pizza. “Eh?” he exclaimed. 

Was that Rumi...and Fuyumi? The hashtag was affectionately Snowbunny. Keigo grimaced. 

There was no way this had any merit. Sure, they were hugging in a way Keigo had never hugged either of them. And Keigo knew of Fuyumi's deep-seated admiration of Rumi, but...maybe there was some merit to it. 

After all, Burnin had mentioned Rumi had fled to Shizuoka for a rendezvous. He gulped. Could he really do anything about it if Rumi turned out to harbor feelings for Fuyumi? It's not like he would stop her from pursuing anyone else.

Keigo frowned. But this was just a rumor based on social media. 

But then, he received another message - this time directly from Rumi. His fingers raced to open it.

It was a cityscape - one he's seen before, but likely, just a confirmation that Rumi had recharged and settled somewhere. And possibly with someone. 

“I've got a nice view from room 1201 at Lucky Life Hotel,” she had texted. 

An invitation, perhaps? But it was far too late - this was his excuse. Besides, she was only teasing, taunting the monster lurking inside of him. There was no way she actually wanted him to come there. 

But as his keen eyes lingered on the image, scanning the cityscape that rivaled his own view, he caught sight of something that made him spit out his soda, just a hair above his computer. “What?!” he exclaimed. 

In the glare of the window, he saw her reflection. The lacy, creamy lingerie contrasting perfectly with her skin. Sticking to her like it was painted on and contoured to every curve of her body. It even had matching garter belts that striped her thighs symmetrically.

Keigo slammed his fist on the surface of the desk before leaning back in his office chair. He couldn't look away. She was doing this on purpose. Taunting him. Beckoning him. 

And it was working. 

And what was Keigo supposed to say in response? Pinching the bridge of his nose, he wanted to say that he was on his way. His legs twitched as if they were ready to go before he was. 

But of course, if he got there, he wasn't sure what he'd do. 

“Yeah, nice view,” he texted simply but then he added the final touch - a smiling emoji. 

Chapter Text

Hooked on Keigo...Man, Moe Kamiji had gotten deep into Rumi's head even as she took the first bullet train back to Fukuoka on Monday morning - two days after she left. She knew her friend had her best interests at heart. This was so unlike Rumi to think about someone else. Every second spent thinking about him felt obsessive. 

And Keigo rejected every part of her - not even entertaining her flirtatious advances. But she could put that behind her. 

Over the years, Rumi had gone months without talking to Ryuko and over a year without talking to Moe. However, going a few days without seeing Keigo left her solemn, sore, aching. Seeing her friends, talking to Fuyumi had been nice, but she became sick with an unfamiliar pang of discomfort wanting to return here.

And this small house was far from the luxurious five star suites she had grown accustomed to staying. For nearly a decade, she floated from city to city like a transient ghost with no body to return to. Somehow, she kept returning to this creaky house like a stray cat who had been fed too many times. Except, in this case, she was responsible for cooking breakfast. 

That morning, the house was dark, cold and empty like no one had been there for days. So, maybe it wasn't the house itself that she was missing. 

Rumi expected the bird to be there sleeping in after a long night at the office, filling the house with his radiance and warmth like a little ball of sunshine. She wanted to snark and gossip with him about her conversations with Moe and Ryuko while hearing his laugh and guffaw. 

Shuffling around, she got to work cooking a late breakfast with just enough servings of rice and eggs to serve another person...just in case he returned. After that, she gathered a pile of dirty clothes, haphazardly mixing lights and darks and his and hers. From time to time, she'd look out the window, scanning the perimeter for her avian roommate as if he were a threat. 

Eventually, Rumi's compulsions became so rhythmic, so methodic that she lulled herself into a state of somnolence and collapsed onto their futon - notably, Keigo's side of the bed. His sunny must had seeped through the sheets and into the mattress. 

Rumi closed her eyes and inhaled, sharply and deeply, savoring each particle of fragrance as it entered her hungering senses. 

By the time she opened her eyes, time had passed. 

Her ears twitched at a faint chewing sound coming from the doorway. She hopped up, alert and ready. 

“Yo,” waved Keigo as he notably dumped the last pieces of rice into his mouth. There was a breathless reprieve of silence as their eyes met. “Guess I'm a bit of a savage scavenger, but I was super hungry.”

Rumi smirked. Her roommate was notably eating from her bowl - black and chipped at the bottom. He was so shameless. “You weren't watching me sleep, were you, Birdie?” she asked, standing up to her feet with a hand on her hip as if she weren't just smelling his pillow. 

“Just stopping by to check for signs of life,” he answered quickly, not even entertaining her suggestion. “But...I can help out with laundry if you need a hand.”

What was normal now that Rumi knew what she knew? 

Rumi answered, “Yeah, sure.” She touched the nape of her neck, grinding her teeth. 

How could they go back to normal? Was it even possible? 

But as they packed the laundry bags and made their way to the laundromat, Rumi noticed the life that had returned to the air around her. The Winter sun shined brighter. She felt pins and needles through her body. The feeling of phantom limbs, that she did not have, taunted her whenever he looked at her. 

Perhaps, sincee the beginning, it was never normal to live with Keigo. 

Rumi sat on the rumbling washing machine as it swirled a colorfully large load of clothes. The vibrations of the perch reverberated throughout her body. The place smelled of fragrant soap and mildew while the lights felt too dim yet too bright. 

They still had more clothes to load. 

Notably, Keigo kept his back turned as he chose a laundry detergent. 

Rumi sighed without thinking. There was something she wanted and needed and wasn't getting. She just couldn't put whatever it was into words. 

It's not that she didn't enjoy spending time with Keigo. 

She just craved more - more of his warmth, more of his touch, and more of him. 

Keigo glanced over his shoulder, and said, “Hey, Miruko, did you hear me? They have a new detergent fragrance. Do you wanna try it for the sheets? It's like honey autumn or something,” he grinned, showing off the pod of powder. 

Ugh, phony pheasant. His back was obviously stiff and rigid. 

How could he smile so facetiously? Rumi turned away from him. Her hips continued to rock across the top of the machine. 

Just everyday moments of waking up, eating breakfast, and laundry were notable parts of Rumi's day with him. 

But it was never enough. 

“Sure, whatever,” Rumi muttered with a shrug. Irritation crept up into her voice. 

As if drinking salty ocean water, her throat became dry. 

Keigo, who realized he'd been staring too long, quickly turned away. “After we're done here, I've - uh, got some important business for you down at the office. So how's about we head down this afternoon?” he asked as he kept his back stiff like a stone wall. Moments passed as he loaded the detergent. “Miruko?”

Rumi nodded but her mind was elsewhere. 

Amidst their calm morning of laundry, Keigo and Rumi kept a notable distance that slowly warmed up with stories of their weekend and plans for weeks to come. Maybe they just needed a moment to get back into their grove. It was difficult to resist falling back into their usual routine and banter. After finishing up, they were finally ready to head to the Hawks Agency.

As they entered the Hawks Agency, Keigo keyed into the humble office. There were one and a half floors with Keigo's executive office and the conference room lofted above the gym, showers, miscellaneous offices, and lounge. Rumi always thought the office lacked color and decor. She'd been meaning to change that. 

Their footsteps tapped across the white tile floors as Keigo entered the door to the gym. 

“Okay, right this way, Buns,” Keigo chirped as he approached Rumi from behind. His hands covered her eyes. 

The office was quiet with only a few employees - a notable difference from the behemoth of Burnin's Agency. 

“What's going on, Birdie? You're not trying to do some big surprise, are you?” she asked as the corners of her mouth twitched along with her cottontail. 

Keigo kept a careful distance. He did indeed have a surprise. Afterall, he had been rather cold towards her as of late, and he wanted to create a haven for her away from home...away from him without her having to go across the country. 

“Alright, open your eyes,” he announced.

The agency gym. 

Her gym. 

But not the gym she remembered.

The space had been transformed. The bare walls had been painted - sky Grey-blue. State-of-the-art equipment had replaced the thrifted exercise machines with potentially smarter, more powerful options. 

“What do you think?” Keigo asked with a sense of apprehensive excitement. 

Keigo hopped onto an elliptical, enthusiastically displaying its features. “It's got built in entertainment so you can watch shows while you work out. And the interface syncs up with the treadmill so you can switch machines without losing your place,” he raved as his golden eyes sparkled in a way that made Rumi's heart race just by looking at him. 

He’d gone all out, taking care to meet her needs of a domain within the office. And he did so in haste while she had left for the weekend. 

But then, Moe's words echoed in Rumi's mind. Taking orders from Hawks. Pft. 

“Why didn't you ask me?” she asked a bit too sharp and defensive like she had forced the annoyance. Her irritation made for a comfortable mask against feelings that lied within. “We could have worked on this together. “

Keigo’s face fell, his shoulders slumping as he hopped off the treadmill. “You’re right,” he said, his voice laced with a sincere remorse that surprised her. “I can return everything, if you want. You can pick out your own equipment, design your own space. Whatever you want, Rumi.”

Rumi’s anger quickly dissipated. She was being ungrateful, bratty, letting her feelings shine too bright. Stepping forward, she bumped her hips into a nearby treadmill to move it 5 centimeters to the left. 

“There,” she cleared her throat and said with a shrug and a playful smirk. “Perfect. Thanks, Birdie. You’ve outdone yourself.”

Keigo let out a sigh of relief, his shoulders relaxing, a grateful smile spreading across his face. “You really had me for a second there, Buns,” he chuckled.

But then, Rumi caught sight of a dedicated appliance, and she squealed. “Is that… the Samurai Smart Smoothie 2000 maker?” she exclaimed as she dasher to the corner. “The one that’s not even on the market yet? How did you—“

“Pulled a few strings,” Keigo mumbled, clearing his throat. “Figured you'd be into it.”

Rumi sauntered towards him. Her unwavering gaze met his. “Keigo,” she sighed, her fingers reached out touch his shoulder, connecting a current between them. “I… I love it. A lot.”

He slowly nodded, unable to speak, his heart pounding before pulling away. 

“I’m-... I’m gonna get back to work,” he stammered, turning away, fleeing the room as if chased away. 

Rumi watched him go, her smile fading, a quiet frustration settling over her heart. “I don’t need all this,” she whispered to the empty room. 

“I just… want you.” 

The restraint was easier promised than practiced as the days that followed proved to be difficult for their partnership. The Hawks agency buzzed with tension among other things. 

They helped plan aerial operations and security for the upcoming Veteran Gala. Albeit not a planner, Rumi insisted on working closely with Keigo to attempt to exert her control over her role but also...something she couldn't quite describe that bubbled within her. 

Keigo’s sidekicks, Tokoyami, Sparrow, and Aero watched from the sidelines. 

“What happened to them?” Tokoyami murmured, his brow furrowed, his dark eyes filled with worry. He recalled the pictures, both candid and posed, sparking rumors of undeniable chemistry. “They've seemingly entered a state of utter acrimony.”

“Nah, kid, they don’t hate each other,” Sparrow chuckled, nudging Tokoyami with his elbow. “It's something else, you know.” He typically sported a bird skull helmet, but that day he simply had his long silver hair in a bun. 

Aero, ever the perceptive observer, nodded in agreement. “Yup, you can cut this tension with a knife,” he said, his voice a low murmur through his half-black, half-purple mask. 

Tokoyami, still confused, tilted his head. “Are you certain?”

“Yup, just wish him luck,” Sparrow assured him with a pat on the back. “He's gonna need it with a girl like that.” 

As cool as Rumi may have wanted to be in this situation, she too struggled to contain the storm brewing within her. Frustration, stress, and maybe a hint of desire flooded her body. And she unleashed the irrational tumult onto her partner, Keigo. 

Keigo wasn't much better, poking the bear - or bunny, making quips or just changing the subject around her. His coiled muscles held something back. Something powerful that he rather not entertain. Clicking his projector remote, he scanned over the monitors, reviewing PowerPoints and situational plans. 

Periodically, his eyes would drift to Rumi as she turned her back, studying the sleekness of her form-fitting black compression shirt beneath her ivory leotard. It was a nice alteration for winter wear. 

“Let me pilot a plane!” she exclaimed with a grin wild enough to disqualify her from the task immediately.   

Keigo had stared at her, his golden eyes narrowed. “Seriously, Rumi? Get a grip you don't even have a license,” he responded. 

“Control freak,” Rumi barked as she plopped down on Keigo's desk, blocking his view of the monitors mounted on the walls. She nibbled on her lip as she felt his hard gaze on her back. 

“Oi, why don't you go back to your dramas or your gym,” he said through grit teeth, trying not to stare at the rabbit tail she stuck in his face. 

“I knew it! You just created a little cage to keep me out of your man cave,” she complained, gesturing to the indoor window overlooking the gym. 

Keigo rubbed his fingers across his forehead slick with cold sweat. “Think again, Rumi. I did that to give you space.”

“Oh, really? Did I ask for distance? Maybe you shouldl have put some newspapers down so I could piss there, too,” Rumi argued. As she saw it, Keigo was treating her like a little pet or something - attempting to fulfill her basic needs but not what she truly desired. 

They continued arguing about the past weeks, spilling way too many details. 

Sighing, Rumi gazed out the outer windowed walls. Her eyes softened but only for a moment before catching the stare of the sidekicks. Rumi snapped, her voice sharp, “What are you boys looking at, huh? Why don't you get back to work? Aren't you supposed to finish the paperwork Hawks claims he does?”

The team shifted their focus, pretending to busy themselves with laptops. 

And she knew Keigo didn't have that much paperwork to do - enough to keep him away for half the day. Sure, they were a small agency, but his little trips to the agency office must have been empty. Whenever she stopped by, he may have had a few Soom meetings or phone calls  while playing board games in the background with his camera off! 

She huffed. 

He sighed. 

“It’s fine,” Keigo intervened, his voice firm. He didn’t want to drag this into this. “We’ve done enough squawking for one day. What do you say we all go home to roost and fly the coo-”

Rumi rolled over on Keigo's desk, bracing herself on her hands and knees, knocking stuff over. “You’re undermining my authority, Keigo - as always,” she accused, her voice low and lethal.

The team froze, unsure or who to listen to. 

Tokoyami, feeling fidelity towards his mentor spoke up. “Hawks is just trying to diffuse the tension,” he explained. 

“Scary,” sighed dark shadow. 

Keigo, however, didn’t shy away from the accusation. “Actually, Rumi's right,” he admitted, his gaze meeting hers. “My feathers have been in a bunch lately.” He stood, his chair rolling across the tile floors as his shoulders lowered. 

Rumi sighed as her tone and ears lowered, flipping back to sit on the desk properly - or as properly as one could sit on a desktop. She realized going off on a kid wasn't fair. Turning to Tokoyami, she apologized. “Sorry, little bird. I didn't mean to get so intense there. You guys can go,” she muttered. 

The team rushed out the door leaving a stiff silence in their wake. 

Keigo locked the door behind them. He leaned against the cold, hard door. His face remained neutral, filtering through words that crossed his mind before he spoke. "What do you want from me, Rumi? I don't get it. If you want a plane, then fine. We'll figure out the logistics...maybe,” he said with words clipped and professional. 

It was absurd to learn to fly a plane within a few months. She knew that. But... She paced towards the window overlooking the skyline for Fukuoka. "Forget the damn plane, Keigo," she muttered, her brow twitching. The cityscape drew her gaze as she longed to return to the action of the streets more than anything. "You're so dramatic." Leaning to the side, she stuck her tongue out with great petulance. 

Keigo’s brow twitched as well with a flash of annoyance. He leaned forward. "I'm the dramatic one? You're the one who—" He stopped abruptly, dragging a hand down his face. This was pointless - this dance of avoidance. He was doing everything but addressing the heart of the matter. 

And after days of shattering eggshells and weakening walls, Keigo grew weary by each passing second. 

Rumi pulled back. 

“I just want to feel something,” she confessed under her breath. Her white ears stiffened with tension. “I just feel kind of numb. All over. Maybe I just need more excitement... More sparks.” As bold as Rumi wished to be, she felt a tinge of heat on her cheeks. Her eyes focused on the outline of the cityscape rather than the object of her mind's fixation. 

Keigo's gaze remained on Rumi. Her hair had grown past her shoulders since the war and it appeared as radiant as ever beneath the dim office lights. Did she truly have trouble feeling anything? He wanted to help her reignite the ferocity that he saw in her since the day she came to live with her. To support her with what was left of him. 

But he could not acknowledge that. His mind filtered the words like a cheese cloth. 

“So… we're talking trips, right?” he offered, his voice hesitant, his mind already tallying up expenses. Money was no object. “Outside Japan, maybe somewhere like Hawaii? If our schedules—”

Rumi laughed, a hollow, caustic sound cutting through his words. “It’s not that, Keigo - feeling stir crazy or whatever,” she said, glancing over his shoulder. “I may not know how to fly a plane, but I can sure as hell buy a ticket. Whenever I want - with or without you.”

"I feel like there’s something you want from me," he said, his voice dropping with more bass. With a few wide paces, he stepped up to her, approaching her figure by the large windows. “And believe me, I've been trying. The new gym, the smoothies, the take out… I’m even trying to share the reins with you more, to give you more control—"

He stopped short, holding his tongue with his teeth as their eyes met. While he had natural skill with evasive prowess both physically and mentally, he could not avoid those leering red eyes - intense, vulnerable, and filled with a longing that mirrored his own. 

And for a moment, as he looked into her eyes, he wanted to surrender, to take her in his arms. But his fear overshadowed his desire. There was no doubt that Indulgence would lead to heartache. 

“Rumi,” he began, his voice strained as his stare dropped to the floor, “you know I’m limited. In what I’m able to do. As things are now.” He was retreating, rejecting her tentative advances. 

Keigo was a coward. 

He knew it. And she deserved more than his cowardice. She deserved honesty, vulnerability, anything she wanted, really. 

Rumi, her shoulders slumping, her gaze falling to the floor, wrapped her arms around herself, her body trembling with a mix of anger and pain.

“Yeah, whatever you say," Rumi mumbled, her voice cracking, a rare display of vulnerability that tore at his heart. “You think I'm fucking nuts, don't you? Messed up. Ever since the war… I’ve lost half of myself. Literally. So it makes sense that I can't, like, feel anything anymore. Maybe this is my villain origin story, or something. I'll be just like Dabi.” Her voice broke, a sob escaping her lips. 

“Look at me,” Rumi whispered, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears, “practically begging for your attention after you've already rejected me in every way possible."

The sight of her tears, the raw pain in her eyes left him exposed, vulnerable, shattered. He stepped towards her, pulling her into his arms to atone for the distance he'd maintained. In that motion, he embraced his silent surrender to the truth and warmth of their connection. 

She melted into his embrace like resting into a plush mattress after a cross country run - no protest, no words, just feeling him. Her hands rested on his firm chest. 

Keigo could feel the frantic beat of her heart against his. It mirrored his. 

His lips brushed against her ear, sending shivers down her spine, his voice a husky whisper against her skin. "I'm sorry, Rumi," he murmured, his hands sliding down to her hips, pulling her closer, closer, until the city lights faded. 

Rumi's breathing hitched as she shut her eyes. 

He wasn’t sure if he was apologizing for what he hadn't done, or for the things he was about to do. Rumi nuzzled closer, her body molding against his. Her breath trembled as if she, too, were drowning in the sensations. Through his sweater, he could feel the dampness of her cheeks. 

His lips, still tasting the tips of her ears, traced down the edge. 

Once she tilted her face up, he knew what they both needed. His lips hovered over hers... 

But then, a sudden knock on the door shattered the spell, yanking them back to reality. His fingers gripped onto her white shirt above her wait, pressing into her skin with a possessive hunger. 

With a sigh, Keigo inhaled. Exhaled. And began to tear away from Rumi - slowly. 

“I… I should get that,” he murmured, unable to meet her eyes. 

“Yeah,” Rumi agreed with a frown, her voice barely a whisper. 

Keigo pulled away, the sudden absence of her warmth leaving him on empty. He stepped across the room towards the door, finally flinging it open. 

His eyes landed on Tokoyami - a person he could never resent. 

“Ah, sir,” Tokoyami stammered, his back to Keigo, his gaze fixed on the cityscape beyond the window, “s-sorry for interrupting. I just needed my backpack… for school tomorrow.”

Keigo’s jaw clenched, frustration mixed with subtle humiliation. There was no way he knew what was going on. He just needed to calm down until he returned to Rumi.  “Oh, yeah, no problem, buddy,” he said, straining words through his voice. 

Before he could think of something witty to say, his breath hitched, his body stiffening as a familiar hand landed on his back. He cleared his throat. 

“Here you go, baby raven,” Rumi’s voice, light and with a calm that softened the tension. Gently, she handed the young bird a jet black messenger bag through the small window of space between the door and Keigo's side. 

Only briefly, her eyes met her partner’s, and he swallowed. 

“Sorry about earlier. I guess I was a little...heated,” she said to Tokoyami, her eyes flickering back to Keigo just to captivate him once more. “But I’m all fixed now.”

Tokoyami nodded, his dark eyes filled with a sincere admiration that made Keigo’s chest ache with a mixture of pride and possessiveness. “It's okay, Miruko,” he said, his voice soft. “I respect and admire your indomitable resolve.”

“Smart kid,” Rumi smiled, patting Tokoyami on the head with an endearing softness. “See you boys later,” she said, her gaze lingering on Keigo for one, last fleeting moment. 

As she crossed between the mentor and the student, Rumi held her head low as she fanned herself. 

Keigo stared after her down the hall, his breath caught in his throat, his gloved fingers digging into the doorframe. His body ached in the areas where she had been - longing for her. 

Where was she going? 

Keigo needed Rumi. 

“She really is a tempestuous force of nature, Hawks,” Tokoyami smiled, his glancing down the hallway where Rumi had disappeared. “I hope you two are able to find your synergy.”

“Please stay together!” chimed Dark Shadow. 

Though concerned with Tokoyami, Keigo's heart was completely occupied. The words floated by as he struggled to nod along. “Right,” he replied, forcing a smile. “Thanks, Tokoyami, Dark Shadow.”

He waited until Tokoyami’s footsteps faded down the hallway then swiftly locked the office door. With that, he was free to go. Free to chase.

Down the stairs, he ran. 

To him, it seemed like centuries had passed since he concerned himself with the weight of the world. The expectations. And he only stuttered a moment to contemplate this gap in thinking. 

Metal wings brushing against the concrete walls as his heart pounded harder than his footsteps. 

Keigo burst out of the building met by the lag night air. Dizzied by the lights, his leer swept across the crowd searching for any hint of a white bunny.

Knowing her speed, she was probably long gone by now. His hand raked through his hair as he clenched his jaw. That rabbit knew how to drive him for sure. 

Suddenly, he caught a whiff of Rumi's jasmine and wildflower scent. 

Where is she?

Just then, a hand brushed against his back, a touch as light as a feather, yet it sent a jolt of electricity through him. That could only be her. 

Recklessly, instinctively, he reached for her, his fingers grasping at empty air as she dodged with glee. 

“What are we looking for, Birdie?” she asked in jest. Her eyes sparkled with a spirited cheer rather than the raw emotions that had welled up in her eyes before. She hopped from one foot to the other in a playful dance. She formed a visor with her hands, circumventing the concrete streets. “Someone? Something?”

“Ha. Ha,” Keigo retorted, his voice dry, laced with sarcasm. Hands shoved deep into his pockets, his shoulders tense, his gaze fixed on a point somewhere beyond her like a soldier. 

“Whatever. We’re going the same way,” he mumbled, his cheeks warming with a blush. 

Rumi, her laughter echoing through the night air, zoomed ahead, her movements a blur of white hair. She paused, glancing over her shoulder, her eyes meeting his, a challenge shimmering in their depths.

“Oh, you weren’t looking for me, were you, Birdie?” she asked, her voice a husky purr, her lips curving into a knowing smile. “Well, if you want me… you’ll have to catch me first.”

And then, with a wink and a mischievous flick of her cottontail, she was off, vanishing into the crowd. Keigo was left alone with his primal fear and urge. 

This is crazy, he thought. His typically  strategic mind dissolved into the chaos of this simple moment. Why was he playing with her? He didn’t even have a plan, just a goal, a primal goal: 

Catch her. 

He surged forward, matching her brisk pace, weaving through the throngs of people, his gaze fixed on the flash of her white fur, the rhythmic sway of her hips, a beacon in the urban jungle.  

“Hey,” he said simply yet clearly an acceptance to her taunt. 

“Oh, so you do want to play,” she asked, twirling around to face him. She walked backward with the promise of adventure centered in her eyes. 

“I'm up for a hunt,” he admitted without a semblance of his signature wry charm. The glint in his eyes said it all as he failed to restrain the vestiges of desire. 

Rumi’s laughter echoed between buildings as she weaved through the crowds. Suddenly, she leaped above the sea of people. Keigo had never envied the sky so much. 

Although hesitant, he quickly realized that he'd never be able to catch her if he stayed grounded. 

He couldn’t resist. His prosthetic wings unfurled behind him in their crimson glory as they stretched out from his back. Wind cut past his face as he flexed his appendages to take flight. 

Rumi’s eyes widened as she twirled back to watch him ascend. She uttered a pleasing laugh. 

“Woah!” she exclaimed with wonder. “Somebody’s been making gains! Didn’t know you could fly like that. You look like a beast!” Her feet touched a nearby skyscraper. 

Keigo couldn't help but smile. His insecurities slowly dissipated into the air. He had been training to reclaim usage of his new wings without the natural ease of telepathy. Hawks had yet to die completely. And for that moment, he felt real. 

He propelled after her, beating his wings against the sky. 

“Feeling peckish, Birdie?” she called out. She twirled in midair with the grace of a dancer. “Didn’t think you were the type to play with your food.”

The taunt could only pull him towards her. She wanted him to catch her. He knew it. She needed him. 

This wasn’t just a game, he realized. This was a rescue mission - an attempt to save them both from this isolation of their impaired superhuman status. 

Keigo didn't even think about the people gawking below them. The crowds with phones that could potentially capture them, trap them in the cages of the public eye. 

They raced across the cityscape as Rumi's feet slammed against skyscrapers while shooting playful remarks up at him. Soon, the tall rooftops gave way to buildings that decreased in size as they got further from the city center. 

Rumi slowed down until she was forced to finish on foot while Keigo caught up with his aerial advantage. 

Their home, their haven, and their destination was only kilometers away as they faded into the inky blue-black of the night. 

And as Keigo closed in, his shadow falling over her, blocking the moonlight, eclipsing the stars, Rumi saw him. 

This liberating, exhilarating chase reached its climax. 

Keigo's feet met the ground as Rumi approached the porch. His steps were slow and deliberate and he struggled to catch his breath. 

“Oh, look, you caught me, Birdie,” Rumi smirked as she leaned her back against the front door to their home. “What are you gonna d—”

Her words were cut short as Keigo swooped down to kiss her. Arms wrapping around her waist he kept her after the peck of a kiss.

For the moment, he gazed at her crimson eyes, studying the tear streaks from a day of both stress and joy. But shock and confusion soon washed over her features like this came as a complete surprise. 

It was a fleeting flavor of freedom that they both wished to taste again. 

Rumi's brow furrowed. This boldness was new to her coming from Keigo. She wasn't sure what to make of it. Unable to resist or wait, he had kissed her without even getting inside the door.

Her heart pounded as a vulnerability glossed her eyes. 

Keigo's gloved hands caressed Rumi's jaw, tilting her to face him. 

The kiss left them more breathless than their chase across the city. 

But it wasn’t over.

In a seismic shift, they clashed together for another kiss that erupted into passion birthed from weeks of longing. 

This time Keigo dug deeper with his tongue grazing past their lips and against her teeth until she could taste the strawberries she at that day. 

Her scent had become intoxicatingly sweet. Potent enough to drive him wild. 

She answered with a soft moan as their tongues met, sparking a current of energy that bound them together. It set off a bolt of emotions that branched between them, shocking them. 

Rumi surrendered to him, falling limp against his warm body as her knees began to tremble from the bliss of his embrace. She had never felt this comfortable being weak. 

Keigo leaned forward, bracing himself against the hard wood of the door. He plunged deeper, tasting the heat of her.  Never had he felt this comfortable with power. 

Was Keigo Takami finally unleashed that night? Had he let go of the notion of duty to please himself and his beloved partner? What lied ahead in the moments to come once they entered their confines of their house?

Chapter Text

Every once in a while, Rumi would find a dish that nourished her, filling her with a satisfaction that she craved from time to time. When she consumed such food, she felt stronger, cleaner, and healthy. Typically it involved some kind of fibrous fruit or whole grain. She found such a meal to be healing. 

Rumi savored every sip of her green smoothie, tasting the spinach, berries, and bananas all together and apart. From across the gym, she scanned Keigo, watching his legs aduct and abduct. She could see his leg muscles flex through his compression shorts. 

Admittedly, he neglected his typical workout routines. That had all changed with Miruko. Without his quirk, he could make use of his legs. He could one day launch from the confines of the Earth. With Rumi. 

Before the war, he considered his legs to be vestigial organs - only for decoration. But Rumi knew how to use him. 

The clinking of the metal machines echoed throughout the gymnasium. The exertion from earlier that day left a pleasing burn throughout the organic parts of her body. 

Keigo stopped to sneeze. 

The kiss from nights ago had burned her lips as well as her cheeks. Perhaps it was meant to be forgotten, but the memory alone sustained her. 

As she sipped the last drops of smoothie, she flashed back to the kiss - the climax of their chase across Fukuoka:

As a cold wind blew past them, Keigo's eyes shot open. Tearing away from the kiss, he pulled Rumi tightly to his body as he dug for his keys. 

Rumi kept her eyes shut as she nuzzled further into his heaving chest, relishing the beat of his racing heart. It matched her own in a divine rhythm. Everything had been so magical in poetic perfection. Her anticipation surged as she eagerly awaited whatever came next. 

Once they entered their house, she eagerly gazed up at him. Yet his eyes averted her completely. The light left her body as her rabbit ears slumped against her head. 

Keigo pulled away, still catching his breath. Pacing to the kitchen, he ducked his head into the sink before turning on the water. 

"Um, what are you doing?!" Rumi exclaimed, running over to Keigo at the sink. "Are you crazy?!" 

He finally faced Rumi, his head dripping with water. "Okay, we're good," he sighed. 

"Good?! Come on, birdie, things were just getting started. Don't tell me you're going to back down now," she ranted before her words got stuck in her throat. Watching Keigo walk to the bedroom, she shrank, unsure of what his intentions were. "You're chickening out?" she asked, her voice cracking slightly. 

Keigo leaned against the doorframe. "I am," he admitted, looking off to the side and everywhere but her. 

Rumi hated begging, and it wasn't like she could pressure him. That wouldn't be right. This wasn't a fight. Yet and still, the rejection stung. But she could certainly act in a way that said, “I want as much as I can get of you."

Her face burned hotter as the pins and needles returned to her phantom limbs. That sounded so cringe, so desperate, and she was helpless to stop those thoughts. 

Keigo sneezed again, snapping Rumi back to reality. He stood up, stretching his back before moving to the weight bench. 

It was next on his routine. 

Rumi got into position to spot him as he laid across the bench. 

Keigo’s gloved hands wrapped around the metal barbell. “Knowing you, you probably didn't see it on the calendar, but there's this Setsubun Festival coming up for our next assignment,” he began before pausing. 

Without looking down, Rumi could feel him stare. She crossed her arms, and sighed, “Yeah? I saw it.”  Seriously, who did he think was picking up the kimonos from the cleaners tomorrow? 

“Well, I just figured you'd like throwing beans around. Plus, there will be plenty of taiyaki and taiko drumming. I've actually been to this one a few times, but this year...” Keigo said before trailing off.

Oh. Rumi scratched the back of her head. For the moment she glanced down at him, their eyes met. 

This year, they could go together. 

She turned away and grinned, “You know I can't turn down a good time, Birdie. Plus, the festival food? I'm in.”

Keigo cleared his throat, mirroring her grin. “Yeah, it seems pretty fun.”

“Okay, now let's start off with 100kg,” Rumi chirped, blowing steam through her nose. 

“100kg to start? You're killing me, Buns,” he chuckled in protest.

Meanwhile, Tokoyami crossed his arms, peering down at Rumi spotting Keigo on the weight bench. As always, he remained pensive and perceptive. From the conference room, he could see Rumi and Keigo arguing while continuing to bench press. 

Sparrow waved from the couch. He typed up documentation on his laptop. “Hey, Toko, anything interesting happen between them yet? What about the other night when you got your backpack?”

Right, the other night. Tokoyami recalled the tension in the atmosphere, but he shared his support for Keigo and Rumi. 

“I'm not spying on them,” replied Tokoyami. He was cautiously observing the duo as they got closer and closer. It was troubling as it was comforting. Even he knew of the dire consequences of a relationship blossoming - alleged relationship. At the same time, he wanted to see Keigo happy, free and showing a side that only seemed to come out around Rumi. 

They could both be so reckless. Chasing each other through the streets. Tokoyami saw the sightings posted to the web. 

Aero, the oldest of the trio, approached the window. “You know, Hawks asked me to put the Setsubun Festival on the schedule. He seemed kind of erratic about it, too. You don't think...?” He nudged Tokoyami. 

“I prefer not to speculate about Hawks' personal life,” Tokoyami claimed firmly.

In an attempt to lighten the mood, Aero continued, “We're just trying to help out. I was super nervous when I first asked my wife out.”

Tokoyami had to wonder if this would work out for the two. 

Sparrow leaned back in a fit of laughter. “Yup, definitely a date. Wish our bird luck, guys. He's gonna need it for a woman like Miruko,” he added. 

At that point, Tokoyami could only hope that Rumi and Keigo would be responsible. 

The morning of the festival, Rumi woke Keigo up while fully dressed in a dazzling ivory and indigo kimono themed with bunnies and moons as usual. Her obi hung loosely as she threw beans around the house, warding off evil spirits that threatened them. The beans clattered around the bedroom and onto Keigo's face before he finally joined her. 

Part of him wanted to stay within the perimeter of their home, using the shelter the shield them from lying eyes. 

Rumi helped dress him, tying his festive kimono up with grace and precision. 

Unbeknownst to Rumi, Keigo had an ulterior motive. Largely innocuous yet hidden all the same. 

Entering the festivities as celebrity guests posed to be an obstacle. Standing upon the platforms placed a magnifying lens over their every action. Cameras, admirers, expanded across the shrine grounds. Rumi playfully danced as she tossed beans into the crowd (while savoring some for herself.)

Words tangled in Keigo's mind as he kept stopping to steal glimpses of her. She had the effortless joy of princess with the regal Dominance of a Queen. 

Effectively, she drowned out everyone's presence and commanded his attention.

He could only see her. 

Then, when they entered the crowd, Keigo had hoped to have a chance to say something - an affirmation, a compliment, or something positive. He wanted to validate her. To say how he saw her - not just an object of desire or an outlet for his impulses but as the woman he adored and admired. A woman worthy of his unrelenting devotion. 

To his despair, seas of fans split the space between them as Keigo struggled to even spot her smaller stature. 

Taiko drums beat loudly. Beans scattered everywhere. Colors of every hue decorated the shrine that day.

“I love you!” shouted a woman from the crowd around them. 

Keigo snapped back to attention. He'd strapped his red tengu mask to the side of his head. With a polite greeting, he placated the fan. 

Through the aperture, Keigo could see Rumi with a hooded blank stare, yawning. 

“I could get lost in your scarlet eyes. You're so beautiful, Rumi,” said one of her suitors as the young dark haired man approached her. 

Rumi crunched on beans. “Eh, thanks.” 

“They're more of a crimson, but alright,” Keigo thought to himself. Unconsciously, he leaned over to hear more. 

“You don't have a boyfriend, right? Please be mine,” asked another man with a gruff voice. 

Rumi yawned, “Not interested. Sorry.” 

Keigo's brow twitched. This wasn't the first time he'd seen her deal with forward fans, but for some reason, he could feel his blood pressure skyrocket that day. Maybe Rumi had been particularly alluring. 

From across the crowd, Keigo caught her wild scent. It was the best way to track her. 

Suddenly, he sneezed, snatching Rumi's attention. His eyes darted away as his fans questioned him with concern in their voices. 

Was he okay? His head felt quite heavy. And his congested breath became a little more labored than usual. 

As Rumi rushed to his side, she gently pushed his back forward. “Oi, you're gonna get these poor girls sick,” she chuckled. “Sorry, ladies, we'll see you later. We're getting hungry, right, Hawks?” 

“Uh, yeah,” Keigo muttered in a nasally voice. His senses were clogged. His responses were buffered by the thick lens of the public. 

Internally, he damned himself for being so satisfied with the contact.

As they strolled along the many food stalls offering the classic festival foods of oden and dango, Rumi talked about how fun this was - all of the festival. The HPSC had never asked her to go to a lot of festivals. 

Rumi skipped away towards a taiyaki stand where the pastries appeared particularly golden and crispy. 

In that moment, Keigo thought back to Rumi being showered with praises. It made his heart race, but not in a good way. The fans could say whatever they want. However, somehow, he couldn't? 

He was the one who... Well, it didn't matter how he felt about this. 

When Rumi returned, Keigo exhaled. 

Jutting the fish-shaped pastry out, she offered, “Hey, Birdie, wanna try?” She had already taken a bite on the way over to him. 

Keigo hesitated, staring at the face of the fish as its eyes taunted him. Her bite mark left on the tip of the pastry beckoned him.  The implications of sharing a bite... Surely she understood the implications. “I'm good. I've had it before,” he said as he took a step back, practicing restraint as always. 

“Oh? Well, I just thought it tasted especially delicious tonight,” Rumi smiled with her voice low and soothing. “The music, the colors, the scents. They just feel good, you know? One of our fans offered me a bite of his.”

Swiftly, he chomped down on the tip of the taiyaki. A particularly strong craving had washed over him. Their eyes met. 

She had caught him. Her crimson eyes echoed the free spirit of his wings. Captivating him. 

The flaky, sweet flavor spread through his mouth, melting into the sweet bean flavor of the filling. 

In a gentle touch, Rumi's fingertips grazed his jaw, scarred by battle. 

“You know, I'm not going anywhere, right?” she said in a low voice.

“Eh?” Keigo choked. 

Rumi laughed, freeing herself from their proximity. “I mean it, though. You're the only one...” she admitted, her voice trailing into clouds of breath. “I'll always come back to you, Birdie.”

What did that even mean? Keigo sighed. Maybe he did get a bit jealous. Afterall, she was out in the open being objectified and fought over. All the while, Rumi was his... 

Partner. 

Although he knew this burgeoning possessiveness was ridiculous, immature, and primitive, Rumi had a much straighter path if she chose to walk away with a civilian or another hero. 

A path for them would be... 

“Oi!” Rumi barked with her mouth full. She gulped. “Stop thinking so hard. You'll give yourself a headache,” she reprimanded with her eyebrows pushed together. 

Keigo knew she was right. His head throbbed with pain since that morning. However, the discomfort would not prevent him from seeing Rumi. 

Under her breath, she teased, “Although... you are cute when you're flustered like this.” She bit her lip. 

Cute? The hairs stood on the back of his neck. Keigo didn't want to be seen as cute. At least, he was unsure. She'd used that word before after the New Year's shrine visit.

Cute could mean anything. Puppies, Hello Kitty, babies were all cute - endearing in a way that was soft and worthy of protection. Rumi had a cutesy side like when she got excited over sports or anime. 

Keigo thought hard to himself. That would make sense. Afterall, he was younger than her by a few years, so when she said cute, it likely meant like a kohai. 

The way she had said it was like a taunt - like a challenge to unleash his shameful thoughts. She danced around the cage he'd built for himself, begging him to come out and play. 

This was just part of the game, and she wanted him to bite. 

Did she know what lied beneath his calm exterior? 

As they strolled away to more of the food stalls, Keigo grabbed a few hot skewers of oden and barbecue. They competed in various games against each other - testing their strength, precision and wit. For the most part, they shared their prizes with passerby. 

Keigo's eyes lingered on Rumi's small, delicate hand as it hung at her side. 

He wasn't fogged as much as he was hyper focused on Rumi. The way she strided with such strength turned heads in her wake, creating ripples through the crowds. 

There were a million words on Keigo's tongue, but with so many eyes on them, a public setting proved to be unsuitable. Fans continued to stop them, colorful stalls in every corner attracted Rumi's attention, and he continued to wish for nearness. 

Once twilight took over the skies causing surfaces to glow with amber and pink tones. 

Rumi folded her hands and stretched up to the sky, peeking back at Keigo. “You know,” she began with a smirk that promised amusement. “I've been wanting a Hawks plushie for a while.” With her thumb she pointed over her shoulder at a game stall. 

Hanging up high was a Hawks plushie. Bold golden hair with matching golden eyes and the luscious crimson feathers from his glory days. The doll had deformed proportions in a chibi-like fashion meant to be...cute.

Keigo's brow twitched. 

"Oh? You're a big Hawks fan, huh? Part of the Red Feather Flock?" He asked, nonchalantly gazing down at her. His smile failed to meet his eyes as dread cascaded down his face. 

Maybe Rumi truly saw him as cute akin to Hello Kitty. But, surely, she had enjoyed the kiss as much as he did, right? Afterall, she was the one who wanted to continue. 

"Yeah, he's alright," she giggled as she nibbled on her lower lip. "I kind of just want something to hold at night."

Keigo frowned, "What? Why?" 

There was a silence that shocked Keigo. Although he had slept next to her for months, did she still feel lonely? To him, a simple boundary made sense. A man. A woman. Sharing a bed.

Embracing each other could start something neither of them could stop. This simple boundary kept them from spilling over the edge. 

Betraying himself, he glanced down at her and caught wisps of a peaceful aura radiating from her. Her eyes glowing under the evening winter sky. 

"No," she said. Her voice softened
 and sweetened like the bean paste they had earlier. "I just want what I want.”
The stall operator greeted them. "Hey, Hawks! Thanks for stopping by. If you want, I can just give you something for free."

"Come on, I'm a down to earth guy. Lemme win it fair and square," Keigo smiled, grabbing a BB gun. He could feel Rumi's eyes upon his back. 

Rumi smirked. "I didn't know you could handle a gun," she said, crossing her arms.

"Yeah, I had an impressive catalogue of classes," he bragged before taking a quick glance behind him. He tilted the barrels over his shoulder and shot each bullseye.

The BB hit each with a satisfying clink as the bottles crashed against the wall. A wave of applause washed over the area from fans and even the game attendant. 

However, Keigo's eyes dashed to Rumi. 

Rumi leaned back against the stall. "Woah, aren't you cool," she scoffed, jealousy steamed from her ears. 

"I'd like the Hawks plushie please," Keigo requested.

The stall clerk tremored with bewilderment etched across his face. "The plushie... Of yourself?"

Keigo scratched his head, slightly embarrassed by the perceived vanity. However, he also didn't want to say he was getting it for Rumi. That would probably make her feel inferior, and he would never hear the end of it. 

Rumi raised her hand. "Actually, let me try," she declared, seizing the challenge with pride. 

The game attendant rushed to set up new bottles with new targets. 

However, as she aimed the toy gun at the largest target. before missing the first target. With a silent pout, she poked out her lip. Keigo chuckled. 

The sight of the powerful Rumi getting frustrated with a game pulled at the strings of his heart. 

Leaning down, he placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. The other hand, guided the BB gun in her hands. "Sometimes getting your target means aiming a little higher or a little lower," he whispered, his lips threatening to graze her ear. 

Redness tinted her cheeks. "Yeah, yeah, I got it," she said before shooting the target. 

The pellet flew through the air, hitting the target and shattering the ceramic bottle. 

"Bravo, Buns,” Keigo clapped with a smile and a strange sense of pride in being useful to her. With that, he leaned over her. 

His abs brushed against her body, sending a wave of heat through him. He plucked the Hawks plushie that had been hanging above her. 

When he glanced down, her eyes glowed, reflecting the lights from the lanterns around them. The light in her crimson eyes caused him to melt before her. 

He passed the comically large plushie to Rumi as she took it into her arms with glee. 

Pushing her face into the wings of the stuffed Hawks, she sighed, “Perfect.” 

Something to hold. The words and their elusive meaning burned into his mind. 

Keigo knew he was helpless to keep Rumi at arms length for this long. But, what choice did he have? 

Walking away, he eyed Rumi over his shoulder. “Hey, Buns,” he began softly, snatching her attention. “Follow me.”

Since the fireworks would start soon, Keigo believed that to be a prime opportunity for stealing her away from the crowd. 

Pushing away from the crowds into the darkening nature, the warm lantern lights and the taiko beats faded into the winter air. They entered a secluded Grove of trees and Keigo finally came to a stop to survey a particularly thick, sturdy cedar tree. 

“What are you doing, Keigo?” Rumi chuckled with amusement. “You suddenly feel a craving to climb?” 

Keigo grabbed onto the base of a sturdy branch and hung before grinning with a sudden burst of confidence. “Come on, Buns. This tree is our front row ticket to the sky show,” explained Keigo as he hoisted himself up. 

He spared Rumi the hand offering, knowing she'd reject him. As the branches rustled below him, he could feel her pursuit. 

She leaped past him hopping from branch as leaves rained below them. 

Catching up, Keigo found Rumi nestled against the trunk with a Hawks plushie on her lap. Her kimono now marred with rips and stained green by leaves. 

Once seated, Keigo hesitated to move closer to Rumi. A half meter stayed between them.

Rumi studied Keigo. The space between them taunted her. She looked to the sky, hearing the crackling of the first firework. 

“Did I  freak you out?” she asked under her breath, maintaining a strong smile on her lips. 

Keigo hadn't caught his breath from the climb. He glanced over at Rumi, feeling the wind between them. “The climb? I guess I could have flown up here, but I was already-” 

“No,” Rumi answered, commanding his attention with a stare. “You regret it, don't you? The kiss. I guess all this playing around and teasing - it's not worth it if it's going to make you all weird.” 

Rumi said it, shattering the tension. The kiss. Her lips against his. This craving wasn't something she could stifle for long. It wasn't something she wanted to stifle. But she would push it all under the rug if that's what he wanted. However, doubt clawed at Rumi's conscience. 

Just by the way his golden eyes held her like a soft caress gave her reason to believe that he wanted more, too. Why else would he have initiated the kiss? 

Pausing, Keigo scratched his neck and grit his teeth. “What did you mean when you said ‘cute?’” blurted the blonde. 

“Hah?” Rumi crudely exclaimed. She leaned forward, trying to read him. But his stone stoic features left much to the imagination. She frowned as her eyes lingered on his forehead scar. “You know like when I look at you...I want more of you.” Without thinking, she hugged the plushie closer to her body. 

After the months they had shared together, Rumi had learned of her voracity for Keigo. She wanted to hold him, but this cute stuffed doll would be a humorous substitute. 

Keigo's breath quickened, yet his stare remained steady on her profile. 

Her confession came as a surprise to herself, but she was too proud to retract it. No, what was said was said. The colorful words spoken had combusted into the air like the fireworks before them. 

She continued by flipping her hand. “I mean, I guess you're easy on the eyes, too. But besides that, I get a feeling like I want to keep you safe or something...” she began, splitting into a multitude of definitions for her remark. “That's why I don't get why you run away from me...or whatever.” The words broke apart as they came out. Still, she inched closer to him, sliding across the branch where they sat. 

“Oh. Well,” Keigo stammered. “It's not you I'm afraid of. I just gotta pay attention to the rules, you know. I read through the policy and clauses regarding our arrangement. The restrictions are clear.” He said this with a shrug and a smirk like he was fine with this. 

Narrowing her eyes, Rumi scoffed. A red firework shot into the sky, illuminating her features. “Eh? Is that so? You've been reading through policy manuals just to find loopholes to have your way with me,” she grinned wide. 

These were the juicy secrets she hungered for from him. Cracking him open like an eggshell. She inched closer, breaching the chasm between them. 

“Uh, well,” Keigo stammered, he felt a heat swell in his throat and spread through his face. “I just mean in reference to what happened the other day - I don't necessarily regret it, but going forward...you know?” Sweat beaded on his brow as his chest heaved. 

As she came closer to him with the plushie in her arms, she allowed her shoulder to brush against him. The gesture was equally gratifying and taunting. “So, why don't we keep it at home then? What's stopping you there, huh?” she asked while her heart beat along with another burst of fireworks. “If you could do whatever you wanted, what would you do with me then, huh?” She laughed a hollow laugh knowing that she may never get full honesty or closure. 

An empty pit sat in her chest. 

But Keigo closed it, with another kiss. His hand cradled the back of her head as he tasted the taiyaki on her tongue. Wrapping his arms around her waist, he secured her, sending a message of what he desired. And what he'd possibly craved all along. 

His free hand raced down her thigh to pull her closer. Their bodies crushed against each with only a cushion coming between them. 

As he pulled away, Rumi quivered in his arms, unable to meet his gaze. Without words, she nuzzled against the side of his neck like a reflex. 

“Your beauty, your charms have such power over me, Rumi. I am helpless to stop this,” Keigo whispered, cupping her hot cheek in the palm of his hand. His words strong yet his voice weak, he finished off his confession. “I'm falling in love with you.”

Rumi, a wave of shock passing through her, yelped, but with her back against the tree, she had nowhere to go. She had no quips on her tongue, no jokes to tell. Her gaze wavered. 

Did he just say that? For real? She choked on the words in the air. 

Rumi covered her face. “Ahhh, I... You don't mean that, right, Birdie?” 

Love? She was just playing around for fun - not for anything serious. Rubbing her cheeks, she sighed. Maybe he was just making fun of her.

Love meant wanting a relationship or something or maybe even something more than that. Or wanting to be with that person for a long time. It's not like Rumi wasn't committed to Keigo - she had said as much earlier. But. To throw the words out so suddenly. 

The finale of the fireworks show burst into life and Rumi stared at Keigo who gave her a dead stare. 

“Why are there stars in your eyes?” he slurred in earnest as he swayed from left to right. “And...on the ground?” 

Light left Keigo's eyes. 

Suddenly, he fell forward over the tree branch. “Keigo!” Rumi cried. Instinctively, she snatched him back up near her. Her arm barely strained to lift him. Once secured, her arms encircled him, pulling in a warm embrace that... 

Nourished her. 

With their bodies aligned with each other, she lost the motivation to move. He was burning up. This sick bird of hers... She had no choice but to take care of him. 

Rumi studied his face. Her brow furrowed. She traced his erratic eye movement and his slowing heart rate. His sweaty, clammy cheeks glistened under the firework display. With his heart rate declining, she could safely assume that this was just delirious fever talk. Slowly the light left Keigo's eyes. 

“Come on, lover boy,” she whispered sarcastically in his ear, feigning exasperation. “Let's head home.” 

They could have simply stayed home if he weren't feeling well. She wouldn't have minded. 

Chapter Text

Once their door locked shut, Keigo and Rumi could finally call their home a port of a storm. Rumi had carried Keigo - and the oversized plushie - the entire way. She found slinging a passenger over her shoulders to be the most effective method of travel. His weight had been hot on her skin. His scent had been heavy. Upon entering the bedroom, she gently laid him across the plush, white futon. The pillows breathed as he laid his head down. 

Rumi took a step back to gaze at Keigo as his chest heaved. “Jeez,” she sighed, coming her hair back from her face. Carelessly, she tossed the plushie beside him - a temporary placeholder for what was to come. 

For Rumi, she scarcely found herself to be nurturing. Throughout her career, rescuing with decorum and grace had probably been the weakest aspect of her record. However, that night, with Keigo, she wished to take her time. 

It was true that despite his affable demeanor, Rumi had witnessed those rare taciturn moments where he had no words. Summarily, she found him to be endearing yet guarded no matter how bright his smile or how few his words. And in this moment of weakness, she felt a sudden thrill to protect him. 

“Take it easy, Birdie. I've got you,” Rumi whispered as she unwrapped the black obi from his slim waist and gently changed him into his black jinbei. For a moment, she caught sight of scars from the war and markings healed from childhood. 

Beneath his breath, he mumbled her name as if to acknowledge her presence. However, his eyes remained unfocused and dull. 

Rumi could hear the steady rhythm of his heart hammering as he shivered. His prosthetic wings collapsed into itself. 

How could he possibly sleep comfortably with those things? 

Without a word, she brought him water, medication, and cold compress to reduce the fever. This was all new to her...taking care of someone. In fact, she had never been close to another person long enough to see them sick like this. 

"Thanks, Rumi," he mumbled his voice still horse. It had been an hour since they returned home. "Who would have thought you could be so soft?" He chuckled before he started hacking. 

Rumi rolled her eyes and sighed, eyeing the perimeter of the bed. Her fingers traced the uneven edges. Cockiness must have been a good sign. She smirked, “Don't get used to it.” However, she had remained vigilant and patient. 

He chuckled, a weak, breathy sound, his gaze dropping to the space beside him on the futon. "You wanna join me, Rumi?"

Moonlight illuminated the sincerity of his golden eyes. 

Rumi pulled back, guarding her burning face with a balled up fist. How bold. His low voice had a clarity to it that startled her. She felt her tail twitch behind her. 

No, she shouldn't get her hopes up. However, ever since she changed into her crimson night gown, she could feel every draft that passed through their bedroom. 

Her fingers poked into Keigo's flushed cheek. “You’re delirious, Birdie,” she teased, her voice a soft murmur. “Go back to sleep.”

“Not as delirious as you think,” he countered, his voice gaining volume. 

His stare never wavered. 

Rumi wrapped her arms around her body and sighed. Her breath became stiff and forced with every movement of her chest. She could feel his sight devour her.

With her gaze lingering at the blank space beside Keigo, Rumi recounted the moments from the festival that night. Like how a pinkish red colored the night when he kissed her and said that he loved her. It was a confession born out of delirium and yet, this secondary confession - he may have been more cognizant than she realized. 

Her body throbbed with a longing that missed his embrace. In all the places where his body molded to hers, she could feel a lingering emptiness that could only be sated by him. 

There was a slight furrow in his brow when he clarified. “I mean, that kiss had me blacking out. I don't even remember getting home after that,” he chuckled before coughing.

Oh. So he didn't mean the love confession, and she wasn't going to let him remember! 

Rumi shoved the water bottle to his lips and poured it down his throat as he sputtered. “Yeah, well, calm down, alright?” she growled before taking the bottle away for him to breathe. “Enough talking. You need to get rest so you don't say more crazy things!”

With that, she set the water down and crawled beside Keigo, placing the plushie between them. 

Keigo's mouth twitched as he regained his breath. “You gonna come closer, Rumi?” he muttered under his breath. 

Oh, did he actually mean this invitation? Rumi peaked over the plushie to see Keigo's steady glare. The heat between them engulfed them both like a hot burst of flames. 

Rumi switched the plushie behind her to shift closer to Keigo. Her fingers poked into her own cheeks as she tried to break their stare but she couldn't. 

“Rumi, you're being pretty cute right now,” Keigo teased.

“Shhhut up!” Rumi barked as she scooted closer, closing the distance. She just didn't expect any of this to happen. However, as she shifted closer, her heart calmed to a steady beat along with her breath. 

Her chest met his as their gazes connected. The storm between them calmed into a quiet whisper of breath and heartbeats. It was a symphony she could listen to forever. She no longer trembled in his embrace. 

“Uh, I wanted to ask,” Keigo’s voice began, weak, but loud enough to break the silence, his gaze meeting hers, a question burning in his eyes. “Did you… send that photo… on purpose?”

She knew what he was referring to—the selfie she’d sent from the hotel room, the white lingerie. It was a tactic she came up with to test the waters. And maybe a challenge if he were particularly curious enough to give chase. Yet, he didn't take the bait. That part was predictable. Keigo was cautious. 

What Rumi could not have predicted was that the image lingered on his mind, months later. Like a seed waiting to sprout. He had been deceptive with his yearning, leading her to believe that her tricks had been in vain. However, she knew him to be cautious and shameful, so how could she hold it against him? 

Rumi laughed a little too loudly. She pulled the hair away from her face. “You’re totally losing it, Birdie,” she teased, shaking her head. 

But as she watched him, his chest rising and falling with each shallow breath, his face flushed with heat. 

Fine, she'd go easy on him. He was a sick little birdie after all. “Why? Did you see something you liked?” she asked, biting her lip with a mischievous grin. 

“Yeah,” Keigo admitted as he wrapped his arms around Rumi's waist. “Yeah, I did.” 

Finally, Rumi leaned into Keigo's chest, inhaling the scent from the sweat he acquired throughout the day. His calm heart beat loudly against Rumi's rabbit ear.

In that moment, she thought about love, about what it meant to truly surrender to another person, to let go of control, to embrace someone and everything in between. The fear, the joy, the grief in the recesses of their absence. It's not something she ever wanted or considered after a childhood like hers. 

However. 

She wanted Keigo in whatever fashion she could have him. 

How did he manage to awaken this secret yearning within her? This long forgotten wound, which had scarred over, tore back open. Keigo had the touch that could heal it just by being near.

Rumi's gaze shifted to Keigo's lips his breath puffed hot air onto her forehead. 

Before his eyes could close, Rumi blurted, “Can I… I want to kiss you again, Keigo,” she declared, her cheeks burning. But she was ready, more than ever to take the leap of faith. 

“No,” he said in a low whisper. His eyes darted away from her. “You'll get sick.”

Rumi’s lips twitched into a sly smile. “Is that the only reason you’re saying no, Birdie?” she hummed. Her phantom fingers traced his jawline. 

She could hear him hold his breath as his heart raced. 

Keigo nodded slowly, “Yeah, I guess - if you wanna seize the opportunity with a sick bird.” His hand slid down her spine. “You shameless bunny.” 

Rumi grinned, “Okay then. Let's go.” She leaned in, her lips claiming his. Her mind became lost in the taste of him. His flavor was as bold as his behavior. She savored every moment, a sweet, spicy, and unique sensation that pulled her under. Once they began, she wasn't sure when she'd stop. 

While Rumi may have thought she had the upper hand, she lost her footing when Keigo ran his fingers through the fur of her tail. 

The thrilling terror of feeling so feeble in his arms sent chills down her spine. She finally felt like the Earth was shifting for her.

As the night progressed, they faded into sleep. Finally, they had embraced each other in the cool seclusion of their dwelling. 

However, once Keigo's fever broke, he woke up again a few hours before dawn. Panting, he searched for Rumi and immediately found her whispering soft snores that grazed Keigo's chest. 

He sighed as he admired her long eyelashes that glimmered beneath the moonlight. Hesitation hit him before he allowed himself to stroke Rumi's silky white hair. 

He remembered. He remembered everything from yesterday. The beans still littering the house that cast out the bad luck. But would it be enough to protect their fate? To secure them to each other just as they were in that moment. 

I'm falling in love with you.

Heat filled his face with color, chasing away the pallor from his sickness. 

And the only lie in those words were the tense. He had, in fact, already fallen for her. 

Kissing Rumi's forehead, he allowed the presence to weigh him to the present. 

The confession was understandably premature. However, hope had impaired his vision and he swore he could have seen the tears of hope flooding her crimson eyes. 

Perhaps he could show her over time. Show her through his actions from the gesture of his touch to the spirit in his eyes that he knew she was the one. Like a hawk surrendering to the hunt, he prepared to wait this one out. 

He’d tried to be calculated before, back when he’d been courting Fuyumi by carefully planning every response, every encounter, and every aspect of their connection. And it had fallen short - or maybe it hadn't. But he let go of that fish before he even got a bite. 

Rumi would not appreciate such a calculated approach. Her senses were far too sharp. She saw through not only the persona of Hawks but the deeper fortress that had formed around his heart.

The only way to endure this storm was to steel himself to support Rumi. 

Her birthday was just a few weeks away. He’d make it special, and he silently vowed to make it as memorable as their time at the ski resort. Less blood. Hopefully. 

He reached for his phone - an official end to his restful recovery. His fingers tapped across the screen scrolling through potential events, delectable restaurants, and the most romantic spots in Japan. He'd take her anywhere. 

Fuyumi… came to his mind again like an unturned stone. He hoped there were no harsh feelings. 

The aroma of Fuyumi's homemade bento, a comforting blend of grilled fish and pickled plums filled the air. She smiled down at the cute bento wrapped in baby blue cloth. This wasn't the first time she'd made a bento for Moe. 

She swiped her card key to reach the top floor of the executive suite. 

As the doors opened, she peered around the corner to find Moe. “Moe-neesan!” she smiled. 

“Lady Fuyumi?” Moe called out, running up to her former boss's daughter. “Jeez. You didn't have to do all this,” Burnin said as she sighed, scratching the back of her neck. She eyed the bento box as a wave of nostalgia washed over her. They'd known each other since childhood, and Fuyumi loved bringing her snacks and food since before she started training with Endeavor years and years ago. 

"Don't worry about it, Moe-neesan," Fuyumi assured her, rubbing her back. “You know I like doing things like this. It makes me feel useful.” 

Burnin snorted. “Don't say something so depressing. You're the boss's daughter - I should be the one taking care of you," she countered, her gaze softening. Despite her fiery temperament and her rebellious streak, she always had a soft spot for Fuyumi. Over the years, Moe stood back and failed to intervene with their family conflict. If anything, she may have made things worse by joining Endeavor's agency. 

Before and after Touya. 

“How are  things… with Touya?” Moe asked, her voice strained to say his name. She averted her eyes before shuffling to her desk chair. Was he dead yet again? 

“Actually stable,” Fuyumi replied, she flashed a weary smile. “The doctors are unsure about the timeline, but I still read to him daily. In a weird way, it's just nice to be near him again.” She paused, her gaze meeting Moe who stared out the window. 

Moe huffed, leaning onto her desk. “That bastard's gonna do what he wants one way or another...” she sat up, her eyes wide with shock of what she let spill out of her mouth. “I mean - uh...” 

Fuyumi laughed, covering her mouth. “Maybe you're right. That does sound like him, doesn't it?” Settling in a wingback chair near the executive desk, she frowned tightly. “You're welcome to visit him, Moe. If you want. We could go together.”

Moe clenched her jaw, grinding her teeth. Memories scorched her mind. Touya's first death and funeral, their encounters over the years, and their last battle during the war. There was so much embedded into the space between them. Whether he lived or died, it wasn't worth unpacking. With a heavy sigh, she shook her head. “Maybe… another time, Fuyumi,” she mumbled, her voice rough with emotion.

Quickly, Moe changed the subject. She slapped the desk and leaned forward. “So,” she said, her lips curving into a mischievous smirk, “I saw those pictures. You and Rumi, huh? Looking all… cuddly. You gotta spill the hot tea on that.” Of course, she wanted Fuyumi to have friends - she had always been reserved with her nonexistent social life.

Although she had reservations about Fuyumi getting close to the wild and fun-loving bunny was a recipe for disaster. She always knew Fuyumi to gravitate to strong women...

Fuyumi squeaked as she blushed and brought a few fingers to her cheek. “Oh that was… taken out of context. We were just talking. And besides,” she added, a mischievous glint in her eyes, “Rumi's probably seeing someone by now.”

Burnin’s eyes widened, her jaw dropping. “No way! Seriously? Rumi? My best friend? She didn’t tell me! Who is it?”

Fuyumi giggled, her gaze darting away, a secret smile before biting her lip. “You’ll have to ask her yourself,” she teased, her voice a playful lilt. “But… I don't think it's that surprising at all.”

Burnin’s mind raced, her intuition, honed by years of hero work and dealing with the Todoroki drama second hand. She had seen it from afar but never wanted to believe it.

“Don't tell me it's Feathers,” she sighed, disappointed, her voice a low mutter.

Fuyumi, her smile widening, gave a thumbs up. 

"Oh, come on. I'm gonna have to bug her about that. She can do so much better than him,” Moe sighed, slumping into her chair. “Wasn't he chasing after you for the longest time? He's a total playboy.”  Between Rumi and Hawks, they'd start a whirlwind of trouble. And it probably was leading to something a lot more dirty than Fuyumi was ready for with either of them.

Giggling, Fuyumi folded over in laughter.

Moe sighed, "I'm serious. I mean, Rumi is pretty innocent most of the time, but no one knows what Feather Man is doing to her. She's been harder to reach than usual and..." Maybe part of all this concern was that she missed Rumi. And all these years, they never bonded as much as she appeared to be bonding with her hero partner.

Meanwhile, Fuyumi was still happy to chat about the hot, new lovebirds. It was so fun to watch blossom into something she had only dreamed of. But she understood Moe's reservations. “You're always so concerned about others, Moe-neechan. Don't you follow their social media? They just went to the Setsubun Festival and were caught climbing up a tree and all sorts of things. I think it's good to see them having fun."

"A festival?" Burnin growled. Her hair blazed neon. “That's totally my scene. I can't believe she didn't invite me.” Festivals were totally her thing. She liked planning them just as much as she liked attending them. 

Fuyumi smiled, her gaze softening. “I'll go to a festival with you! I think there's a cherry blossom festival coming up soon. I've been wanting to do something normal lately.”

Moe's annoyance faded, replaced by a wave of concern as she studied Fuyumi’s expression. She sensed something sad lying beneath as she always did. “Hey,” she said, her voice softening as sweat beaded on her forehead. “You okay with all this? With Rumi and Feathers? You're better off not getting involved in whatever mess they have going on, you know.” Her words were hurried and breathless. 

Fuyumi’s smile returned, a genuine warmth radiating from her, a light that chased away the shadows of doubt, of regret, of the past. “It’s okay, Moe-neechan,” she said, her voice steady, reassuring. “Honestly? Their relationship gives me hope. When I see them together, I think maybe there's a chance for something real to blossom. We didn't have a great example of true love.”

“True love?!” Moe gawked, sticking her tongue out. “They're just messing around. At most - I mean, kissing - not messing around, but give it a few weeks and they'll get bored of each other.” No one needed to get involved in that mess. As Moe saw it, it was doomed from the start. 

“Moe-neechan...” Fuyumi sighed, exhausted. 

Moe leaned over her desk, staring Fuyumi down. “If you wanna see true love, you should put me with a good time! I know how to party.” 

Fuyumi gestured towards Moe. “So, we're on for the next festival, then?” 

“We're on!” 

Days passed and the vestiges of illness still clung to Keigo, but he was well enough to function. 

Somehow they still remained in bed together. The restless Rumi found time and patience to stay near Keigo's side. 

While congestion plagued his senses, he could still smell Rumi's wildflower aroma and feel her heat draped over him. Her leg slung around her waist and her arms wrapped around his neck. She had found the golden position against him, and he had no room to protest. Since Saturday, she had burrowed close, her cheek pressed against his chest. 

For moments at a time, Rumi lied so still, Keigo felt the need to check her breath. Her teeth grazed at his shoulder, absentmindedly tasting the salt from his skin. 

Occasionally, she got up to tend to their needs with a personalized care he'd never known. She knew his favorite foods, his preferred music, and had a touch so gentle that it soothed his feverish constitution. There was a ferocious protectiveness within her balanced with a tender disposition that he never knew he craved.

“You're still feeling pretty hot, Birdie,” she said in a low, husky voice as she rubbed her cheek up to his neck. Lately, she found that using her face to nuzzle against him was the best way to feel him. “You're going to need more aggressive treatment.” 

“Is that why you've been nibbling on my collarbone?” he asked with a sly grin, staring her down. “Or did you develop a taste for poultry?” 

Rumi got up and slammed the Hawks plushie into Keigo's face. Her heart raced. She both loathed and loved whenever he got a wild hair and made a bold move. It put her at such a disadvantage like a sweeping kick that knocked her on her ass. 

“Fine. Nervous habit I'll-” 

With his growing strength, Keigo lifted Rumi above him by grabbing the sides of her waist. “Nah, I'm into it...” Keigo admitted. He laughed as she called him a faker, and maybe he had more energy than he thought. 

Keigo wondered if he had been lonely before her and just didn't realize the impact of her presence. This need for companionship was the complete inverse of what he's always known, and Rumi's touch awakened a newfound need. 

He wanted his days to always be with her energy and warmth. And so, he clung to her just as she had clung to him. His fingers pressed into her tender skin. 
Rumi, too, realized the peaceful warmth spreading through them both. Without boundaries, they shared heat as well as breath. And as she watched him now, she realized that this may be more than just comfort. 

She tightened her grip on him, her voice a soft murmur against his skin. “Go back to sleep, Birdie,” she whispered, her breath warm against his chest, the words a soothing lullaby. 

Keigo stirred, a sleepy chuckle rumbling in his chest. “Someone’s getting awfully clingy,” he teased.

He’d noticed the shift in her behavior, the way she’d been gravitating towards him, seeking out his touch, his warmth, his presence, with an intensity that both surprised and delighted him. She was always wearing his clothes, those oversized shirts that hardly covered her hips and tail. 

“Get used to it, Birdie,” Rumi retorted with a smirk. “I’m not going anywhere.”

Between the words, she uttered a vow - an allegiance to him. And for now, that would have to be enough. In return, he would have to promise himself not to exploit this allegiance with his possessive need for romantic love. 
Keigo pulled her closer, he whispered, “No complaints here, Bunny.” Then, his lips finding hers in a kiss that was both tender and possessive. 

Her usually sturdy frame trembled beneath his touch, and he could hear the soft moan that escaped her lips as he deepened the kiss. His tongue swept her mouth begging for more of her. Her fingers creaked as she gripped the fabric of his thin shirt. Just the proximity assuaged his past or aching solitude. 

He pulled back, his breath ragged, his gaze searching hers, a mixture of awe and a possessiveness that both thrilled and terrified him. She looked so beautiful, so vulnerable, her cheeks flushed, her eyes glazed with a desire that mirrored his own.

Keigo shifted the sheets of the futon, to cover Rumi who kept her eyes closed. “You're really into this, aren't you?” he asked with a chuckle. 

Burying her face into the futon, she cringed, “Shut up, Birdie. It took you a thousand years to get here. I told you it wouldn't be that bad.” 

However, for Rumi to melt in Keigo's hands like chocolate, caused her more than a shred a shame. She felt unsure about this precipice overlooking love. And, when she closed her eyes, she could imagine sinking.

Parts of her would rather deep dive into a canyon than plumb the depths of what she felt for Keigo. But there she was, in his arms, holding her breath, and ready to embark on whatever was before her. 

Meanwhile, Keigo battled his own self doubt. He felt the need to practice restraint, for he felt undeserving of this love. 

But that would change. He would prove himself worthy, he vowed silently. 

Keigo had a plan - not too detailed. Simply, he had planned a normal surprise in the comfort of his own bed. A getaway to a nearby Kanucha Aqua Park by plane - ocean waves, beaches for days, and the tallest water slides in Japan. To top it off, he booked a private suite with a private beach all to themselves. He'd cleared their calendars for a week to make it happen. On her birthday, they'd have an adventure across the country, and he could hardly wait. With time, Keigo would show Rumi the depths of his heart so that she'd have no room for doubt. 

Chapter Text

Weeks had passed, Keigo had finally recovered from whatever flu passed through him. Despite their intimate proximity, Rumi and her robust immune system remained healthy.

But something had shifted between them. Even a simple shoulder brush sent their senses into overdrive. They had become hyper aware over each other's bodies. Everything down to the way their heartbeats synced whenever their eyes met. 

Keigo could not rationalize why he felt this surge of tension that built up and released with her. And it was such a strong pull that he would be able to find her in the heart of Tokyo by sight, sound, or scent. Whatever the rabbit equivalent of that was. She’d become more… receptive. Her gaze glimmered brightly with a determination that Keigo knew he couldn't fight. That same gaze had held him captive in his own home. 

They’d allowed themselves to be closer, finding ways to touch in such purposeful ways. In the kitchen, Rumi would wrap her arms around his waist, making colorful commentary on his cooking. At the table, their hands would interlock like pieces of a puzzle. In the bath, they'd become familiar with each other's bodies in such forget ways. On the couch, the gaze hot together like a lump of clay, finding ways to comfort each other. 

And less he forget the Pheromones. He couldn't get enough of her scent, and he made sure to point out when she was especially sweet and fragrant. 

This was all so risky, yet there wasn't a moment where he didn't feel secure in her arms. 

“Try this,” Rumi said one evening, of a meat substitute she’d been using in her cooking concoction.

Keigo had avoided it until that moment. The repugnent smell told him all he needed to know about the bogus meat. Typically he enjoyed what Rumi cooked, but today... He wrinkled his nose. “I-uh I’m not really hungry,” he said. 

“You haven’t eaten anything all day,” she playfully countered. 

“What are you talking about, Buns? I had a delicious meal of chips for breakfast. No need to spoil me with your mystery meat,” he chuckled. 

She sighed with a wince to the scornful frown. “You've improved, but you've still got a long way to go.” Clicking off the stove, she struggled to hide her smirk. An undeniable wild fire sparked in her eyes. “Now, you're going to eat this lunch, alright?” 

Before he could respond, she pounced. 

With a roar of laughter, she wrestled him to the ground. Sliding her body against him, she always found the ridges of his hidden sturdy frame to be comforting. 

Keigo, caught off guard but willing. Laughter grew in his chest as he tangled with Rumi. Their playful strength evenly matched, he grappled with her. Every part of her body flexed and twitched below his touch. And he could feel the zapping energy between them. 

She looked up at him with breathtaking rosy tint to her cheeks that drove him wild. Her pheromones spikes off the charts.

He pinned her, flipping her onto her stomach, his body pressed against her with deliberate weight. Breath brushed warm against her skin. 

“Maybe I am hungry,” he admitted. 

Slowly, he lowered his head, his lips brushing against the nape of her neck, his teeth grazing the most sensitive stretch of skin. He expected the shame or some kind of hindrance to wash over him. However, his familiar guilt did not follow. He found himself unable to stop the beast within him - the beast that would eventually consume them both.

Rumi froze beneath him, her body trembling. The nearness always broke her.

Just then, Keigo’s phone rang. 

A breath of silence blew through them. They could hear their bodies sync. 

“Oh… I should get that,” he purred. His rough grunt brushed against the hairs on her neck. 

He stood, releasing her, his gaze darting towards his phone lying on the kitchen counter. 

“Hey, boss. I finally managed to wipe your schedule for the week. You'll have a busy mid March with the Gala coming up, though,” chirped Aero cheerfully through the phone speaker. 

Keigo arranged the resort plans himself as to not arouse suspicion. “Thanks, Bro. I appreciate it. I'll talk to you-” 

“Everything okay? You’ve been MIA lately. Rumi, too - pretty weird,” Aero asked, curiously without a hint of true concern. He was known to be eager to learn about Keigo's private life. 

“Yeah, yeah, I’m sick... again,” Keigo said, forcing a cough, his gaze flickering back to Rumi, who was now glaring at him. “Infected Rumi, too. We're quarantining. Doctor’s orders.”

He forced a laugh and then another cough, trying to hide the cloud of heat that tainted his being. 

Rumi finally hopped up to her feet. “Wah!” she exclaimed without a care for who heard. She pointed an accusing finger at Keigo. “Keigo! What was that about?! You damn vampire!”

Not wanting to let him get away with that, Rumi snatched the phone from his hand. She snarled, “Hawks will call you back later!” she barked. With a click, she ended the call. 

“What was that for, Buns? Jealous of Aero?” Keigo asked, his voice a low chuckle, his hand reaching out to boldly rest on her hip.

They had let many signs of their living situation slip through the cracks of their public personas. Leaving together, traveling in the same car, and their domestic conversations about dinner and nightly plans bled into the workplace. 

Yet no one had to know about their bond.

He'd protect this haven that formed between him with his life if he had to. 

Rumi leaned forward, tilting her head back slightly to make direct eye contact. “You...you can't just ravage me and then walk away like nothing happened!” she retorted loudly with amusement tainting her voice. 

Her guileless ruby eyes never failed to captivate him. He moved his hand, allowing her excited, twitching rabbit tail to brush up against his palm. 

“Jeez,” Keigo complained with a glint of mischief in his eyes, “did you really think I'd leave you waiting? You're so insatiable, Bunny.”

Who was he? Lately, Rumi's presence alone had emboldened him to approach her more confidently. 

Rumi had enjoyed every moment of their interactions. Excitement buzzed through her body. She finally closed the distance, resting her head against Keigo's shoulder. 

They stood their silently, leaning into each other in the middle of the kitchen as if they were at a stalemate. 

Keigo's arms twitched to encircle her. However, he stopped. This was wrong, wasn't it? Why did this feel too easy? 

“Rumi,” he began softly. While he wanted to scoop her up for a kiss, there was one issue on his mind - one barrier that kept him from succumbing to this domestic bliss. His eyes idly lingered on the bubbling pot of stew on the stove. “Are you in heat?” 

Rumi tore away from him, backing away into the stove. 

Keigo reached out to protect her from bumping into the pot. He almost didn't catch the pain in her eyes. 

Her wide eyes glimmering with a hurt he'd never seen before. 

“Are you for real, Keigo?” she muttered, lowering her head. She placed a fist on her heart. “What? I get a little soft with you, and you think I'm trying to have your babies?”

“Huh?” he asked before forcing an awkward laugh. Talk about a landmine. It was rare that he'd misspoke or chosen the wrong words. He was known for his quick wit and silver tongue. Yet, at the moment, he was close to speechless. His body became rigid. “I meant - like how I'm super into meat with my lingering hawk instincts. And you've been super alluring lately. I just thought-”

Rumi's shoulders tensed. Her frustration took over. “Thought I'd be hopping into bed with anything that moves?”

“No - Rumi,” he smiled, but the fear shined through his eyes. “I just don't want to take advantage of you, you know.” What if this was it? She had the right and the motive to walk out the door. But he couldn't just grab her and keep her and lock her in the house with him. 

She laughed, dry and empty. “Hah, like that could ever happen. I can tell you - I'm in complete control - of me, my actions, and my body, and maybe I just want you. You're the only -... “ she began before stopping. Twirling around, she faced away from him and crossed her arms. Closing her eyes, she announced, “Forget it! I'm going to take a bath.” 

Keigo watched Rumi walk away. Despair constricted his heart. “Dammit...” he said under his breath. There she went - away from him. But he'd give it all to keep her by his side. 

Steam rose from the bathwater as Rumi sank into a familiar comfort of a hot bath. The scent of the day was rose. Sweet, complex roses that were too complicated for her to grow. They required a tenderness that she didn't possess. 

Control. 

Yeah, right. She totally went crazy on him back there - blowing up on the one person who made her feel whole. 

The concept popped up like a bubble in the water. As a hyper independent person, she intentionally kept her world small and worked alone. She rarely answered to anyone. But she wasn't always like that. 

Once upon a time, Rumi was obedient. She was idealistic and patient and yearned to be with around others. Yet her family kept her locked up in the glorified cage that was her room. Rarely, did she see her many siblings. No, she spent her days guarded from the rest of the world, partaking in arts of all kinds, reading books, and dreaming about dumb things like fairy tale princes. It was a far cry from the woman she was in the present day. Such a transformation came with a price when one day, she trusted someone too much. Then, suddenly, her world came crumbling down when her first friend - an older brother figure - turned out to be her betrothed. 

But that was all over now behind her, miles away in Hiroshima. It was a miracle that she'd found the nerve to trust someone again. 

She had a place to proudly call home for the first time in her life. And she had found someone kind and safe to be close to. 

A knock came to the bathroom door. 

Rumi scoffed, “Come in.” Though inwardly she smiled. It was impossible to stay mad at him. He was too suave... Too good. Of course, he knew she'd be happy to see him again even after a conflict just half an hour earlier. 

He approached her, his steps slow and deliberate as he walked to the edge of the tub. Kneeling down, he stared at the hands on her knees. “Sorry,” he said clearly. “This is all new to me.”

Rumi's touch trailed up his arm. “Yeah, it's whatever.” 

“I want to take you somewhere...for your birthday,” he admitted.

Rumi's ears sank down. “Somewhere? I...I don't really want to go anywhere...” she said, her eyes dropping to look at their reflections in the bathwater. 

“We can't hide forever...” Keigo said with a smirk, dipping his hand into the waters, causing ripples to flow throughout the bath.

“Who said that,” she protested with a half hearted smile. It was true. She didn't want to deal with the scrutiny...the fall out of having their scandalous bond exposed. And she certainly didn't like restraining herself around him just to avoid that. “I just want something simple this year. No grand gestures or long trips. Just me, you, and a good time.” 

Keigo sighed. His lips curved into a smile. “I misjudged you, Usagiyama. I thought you were the kind of girl who would travel the world at the drop of a hat.”

Rumi reached out, hugging Keigo's arm to her body smiled, “I can make my own adventure - right here in this bathtub, actually.” 

“Rumi? What are you-” 

With a swift yank and a splash, Rumi pulled Keigo into the depths of the bathtub, fully clothed. As he resurfaced, he glared at her. 

“Really, Rumi?” Keigo growled as he settled down at the base of the tub. He pushed his hair out of his face. 

Rumi maneuvered through the hot bath like a fish before settling onto Keigo's chest, nuzzling against him. She could hear his heart rate double before his arms wrapped around her bare body. “Maybe we can save the grand adventures for another time...when the HPSC stops breathing down our necks,” she said, sinking into him. 

If Keigo were to learn anything about her, it was her capricious nature. She was as unpredictable as the ocean waves. But suspiciously enough, they had not been as closely monitored as they thought they would be. 

“Okay, well you're in luck,” he said softly, his lips brushing against her ear. “Being the master strategist that I am, I have a plan B for us. After noon today, you're mine.” 

Rumi loved this playful, cocky side of him. She bit her lip. He'd been so much more confident lately, approaching her even at a vulnerable moment like this as she sat naked in the bath. Under her breath, she said, “If I were ever in heat... I'd be okay if it were with you...”

“Hah?” Keigo exclaimed, heat rising to his cheeks that had little to do with the steamy bathroom. “Rumi...” He sighed, resigning to the water. 

She looked up, guiding his face to hers for a kiss, deep and long and needed. 

In this small corner of the world, they were hidden away from the cold remnants of winter on the outside.

Despite her prosthetic limbs, Rumi could still feel the nearness of Keigo's hand dangling near hers. They strided down the evening streets of downtown Fukuoka. The nightlife was just starting to come awake. They even had an impromptu dance of a sparring match at a local park that turned out to be the spectacle of the evening with more near-kisses than near-misses. They battled their desires harder than they battled each other which yet again resulted in an oddly easy win for Rumi. 

Eyes followed the duo along with the electric bond that kept them together. There was no privacy as they struggled to keep their deepening bond hidden. 

Weariness weighed on Rumi's shoulders. While the fight was fun and the food filling, she was ready to go home. She would much rather be laid out on the couch, forcing Keigo through K-Dramas. Her gaze softened as she caught sight of his stoic smile and stiff shoulders - a telltale sign of his own weariness. 

If this outing was important to the peacock, then she could bear the oppressive public eye. 

They had self-imposed rules:

• No touching. 
• No discussing domestic matters. 
• No flirting. 
• No lingering glances.  

And they had already broken all of them since stepping out on the town. 

Sure they spent the entire morning and afternoon tangled up in their room, but Rumi felt greedy as Keigo had playfully put it. 

Maybe Keigo craved this taste of normalcy - an outing as... whatever they were. But at that moment, all Rumi could think about was the savory taste of Keigo. And why'd he have to look so good in those khaki pilot pants that hugged his bottom? So unfair. 

Keigo quirked an eyebrow. “Thinking about something weird, Miruko?”

“N-No!” Rumi protested, her face glowed with a reddish tint. She hated when he made her flustered in public! Afterall, she still had the beloved reputation of Miruko to uphold. 

He smirked. “Heh. Sorry, if this is kind of boring, but you seemed pretty satisfied earlier.”

Rumi's eyes widened up at Keigo as she froze. Keigo froze too once he realized what he'd said. 

Holding up a finger, he chuckled, “I meant from the curry! You know, that meat substitute wasn't as bad as it smelled. Haha!”

Narrowing her eyes, Rumi scoffed. He always talked too much when he was nervous. Maybe he was more anxious than she was - blurting out a double entendre like that. “Yeah, it's been fun, but...” she began, wanting to suggest going home. The crowds passed by. She wasn't afraid. If anything, the hairs prickling on her ears just meant she was agitated. 

“I know a good place if you're hungry,” he offered, guiding her up the street. 

They turned a corner to a small group of food stalls. String lights lit the area. Meat sizzled from every corner - a smell that Rumi didn't care for, but she could bare it in Keigo's broad presence. She would much rather lean into his comforting scent. But restrained herself. 

Keigo, oblivious to her internal turmoil, was in his element, his usual charm amplified by the streets that night. He chatted with a vendor at a yakitori stall, his gaze sweeping over the skewers of grilled meat, his mouth watering.

“You probably want some vegetable skewers, or maybe some sweet potatoes, right, Buns?” he asked, turning to her, his eyes twinkling. He turned back to the vendor, his voice playful and light. “Miruko, here, is practically vegan.”

“Both,” Rumi said, her voice flat, devoid of her usual enthusiasm. 

Keigo chuckled, leaning against the counter of the stall. His gaze lingered on her. “Despite her petite frame, she can be such a glutton,” he teased, turning back to the cook. 

 “Oi, nothing about me is petite,” she chimed. She striked a signature pose, flexing her bicep muscles that bulged beneath her thin white turtleneck. Angling her hips in a way that made fans swoon, she knew she'd turn heads. 

Keigo's brow twitched as he stuck his prosthetic wing out to block the drooling cook's lingering gaze. “I appreciate it, buddy,” he said a bit too loudly as he paid.

Rolling her eyes, Rumi knew Keigo would get jealous. She smirked. He was so predictable. As she reached her hand out to him, wanting to pull closer, she stopped short of touching him. Holding her breath, she turned around. Heat rose to her cheeks. She walked into the cool shadows of the night away from the cluster of people, waiting for her food. 

What would it take for her to enjoy a night like this? It seemed that the tables had turned since their last night at the local festival. Now, it was Rumi who retreated into herself, and Keigo playing the charming Brotherly hero. But how could she be her usual rambunctious self now? 

They had crossed a line with each other, and this friendship was... 

“Hey,” Keigo chirped, poking his head between her ears and looking down at her. He handed her a few skewers of food. “Food's here.” 

Rumi backed up into him - not unintentionally. 

She grabbed the skewers. Their eyes met for a moment, and she could feel the contact of their fingers like a lightning bolt bringing her back to life. 

With that, she pulled away, before chomping on the food which was a bit too hot for comfort. She walked down a path further into the city. 

Keigo, sensing her dower disposition, hurried after her, his long strides easily catching up to her shorter steps. “Hey, Buns,” he said, his voice softening. “When we finish up here, there's another thing I wanted to show you. Then we can go home.” 

She brushed against him as they walked, her shoulder bumping against his arm. “Alright, I'm up for anything,” she agreed. 

“You know, Buns, maybe we're overcomplicating things,” Keigo said, his voice a low murmur. “A night like this could be a lot of fun if we...” He sighed, his shoulders slumping slightly. “Never mind.” Quickly, he shoved more food into his mouth. 

Rumi knew what he meant. Registering a relationship with the HPSC. Making their personal lives public. This Happy Hero program would either admonish them or exploit them for capital gain and force them towards…

Marriage - a permanent label. 

She could already feel the control slipping from her hands. 

The word, a memory, and a few tears surfaced from within. It was a stark reminder of the fate she had barely escaped. She valued her privacy, her freedom, her autonomy. Keigo craved his freedom as well.

But officializing something so precious and sacred that she'd found with Keigo - it felt mocking to something that transcended words. 

The tears never fell, but they never disappeared completely. 

They continued walking, their footsteps leaving no trace behind them until they swallowed their final bites of food. 

Once no one was looking, Keigo led her into a narrow alleyway, herding her from behind. His golden gaze hot on her tail. 

“What’s going on, Birdie?” Rumi asked with a giggle. 

He chuckled, “A surprise.” With the privacy of the shadows, his hands slid down the curves of her body before encircling her waist. 

“Hawks!” she squealed before covering her mouth. His body pressed against hers, satisfying her better than any meal could. 

“Just taking a shortcut,” he murmured, his breath warm against her ear, his lips brushing against her fur. “I'll take full responsibility if we get caught in such a compromising position. I have plenty of experience." His possessive touch lingered on her buxom hips, pulling her closer. 

Experience? What did he mean by that? Rumi had to wonder. 

“Right here?” she breathed, her eyes widened in disbelief. People, unaware to the desire radiating between the two heroes, passed by the alleyway. “Right now?” Rumi gulped as her foot thumped against the ground excitedly as his touch became bolder. 

Wrapping his jacket around her,  he whispered, “Just kidding. I'm giving you special treatment."

Her breath hitched. 

And then, with a mechanical buzz, Keigo’s wings unfurled, lifting them into the night sky, carrying them away from the public. 

Wings beat against the wind as the air currents cut against their face. The city lights blurred behind them, becoming colorful ribbons down below. They flew forward towards a horizon where the unknown awaited them.

“Wahhh! Hell yeah!” Rumi shouted, moving her legs and throwing off Keigo's flight pattern. 

Her heart raced. Sure, she could touch the sky with a few hops and a spring of courage, but nothing beat this sensational feeling of flying with Keigo. Though the late winter wind was cold and biting, she felt warm nestled in his jacket. 

She closed her eyes, feeling the world expand. They had neither a beginning nor an end. 

But just as soon as the ride began, it ended. Keigo made a soft landing on the rooftop of a skyscraper that overlooked the city of Fukuoka. 

He released her, unzipping his khaki jacket, and giving her space. 

Rumi's eyes sparkled with glee as she turned to the setting sun at the horizon. She fanned herself, exhaling. Adrenaline pumped through her. “Hahh, you've gotten really good and confident and super strong, Birdie,” she cheered, hopping in the air and feeling the heat on her cheeks. 

She walked towards the edge of the roof. Her toes curled around the ledge. 

“Careful, Rumi,” Keigo warned, still catching his breath. He snatched her back towards him. “I'm not that confident.” With a sharp inhale, he sighed, recalling the moment he had found her in the snow. Still regaining his breath, he let her scent fill his senses. 

“I’m not going to fall, Birdie,” she giggled, turning to face him. She gazed up at him, placing her hands on his chest. When their eyes met, she could feel her heart floating against her ribs. 

“Maybe not,” he conceded with a reluctant smile. “But I can't afford to lose you, Bunny.” 

Rumi's fingers reached up to trace the scar on his jaw. All his efforts weren't in vain. Despite losing his quirk and so much of his speed, he was still the dedicated, cocky bird she met at the billboard ceremony. “I'm still here,” she assured him in a low hum. 

For a moment, the tension left Keigo's shoulders. His golden eyes softened, but he pulled away.

Pacing around the rooftop, he stretched his arms behind his back and cleared his throat. 

Rumi nodded and gave a thumbs up. “That was an A+ surprise.” Truly, she was stunned, enamored, and charmed by the sheer power he had to overcome his loss. It was what she hoped for with their days running and training together. 

“It's been difficult,” he began, turning away from her. “These rules that the HPSC has - I understand. Because if we're not careful, we could mar our partnership as heroes.”

Ears slumping down, Rumi sighed. Her heart dropped. Was he going to pull away again? She was too proud to beg, and yet, she wanted to know why... “What are you talking about?” 

Keigo teacher into his pockets. “I can't hold back anymore, Rumi,” he confessed, before tossing a black velvet box behind him. 

He reached into his pocket, his fingers trembling slightly as he pulled out a small, black velvet box.

Rumi’s heart skipped a beat, her gaze fixed on the box. Her hands trembled as she nearly fumbled it. Was this where they were going together?

Elopement? 

The prospect puzzled yet thrilled her. Rumi nervously grinned. It would be rebellious, scandalous - a wild idea. It'd turn the HPSC upside down. “Keigo,” she breathed. “Are you for real…?”

Keigo glanced over his shoulder before turning around to face her. “Don’t get ahead of yourself, Buns,” he chuckled. “If I ever did something like that, it wouldn't be here with rats and trash. We'd probably be in Hawaii or something.”

Rumi laughed. Relieved - of course, but maybe a bit of disappointment. It'd be ridiculous to run away together like that when they had so much to lose. Plus, they weren't even dating, really. They were just... 

She opened the box. Nestled inside was a silver watch. Diamonds encrusted the round face of the digital smartwatch. It was a perfect companion to the gold watch he wore - the one she gave him for his birthday. On it, the words “Worth the wait...” were engraved.

Gah. This was too sweet. Rumi's face was hot brown. 

This symbol of their union - their connection forged from broken scrap and failed dishes on the stove. This bond transcended boundaries that they put up over years of trauma both together and apart. And it was enough to make her swoon. To make her tremble. To make her heart break and mend all at once. 

“Don't read the engravement. It's cringe - I already regret it,” he admitted, rubbing the back of his head and turned away. His shoulders tightened.  "It's just a little something to commemorate our partnership.”

Rumi stepped towards him. She wanted to see whatever silly face he was probably making. There was no need to be so shy.  "So possessive," she teased, her fingers tracing the delicate lines of the watch, her heart swelling. "Marking your territory, huh, Birdie? Making sure everyone knows I belong to you?"

"I'm not an animal, Rumi," he protested, his voice a playful growl, echoing their argument from earlier that day. His hands moved swiftly to fasten the watch to her wrist. “I just wanted something to remind you - anytime, anyplace that we had something - Ha. This is weird to say out loud...” He trailed off, his gaze meeting hers, a bit of vulnerability in his golden eyes. "Maybe the primal side of me...never mind."

Rumi hummed, shaking her head, her heart melting at his awkwardness. How did he become so inarticulate all of a sudden? His furrowed brow and the anxiety shined through his eyes. He was trying. Or, maybe, he was ready to surrender fully. 

Holding her hand up to the sky, she stared at her hand, admiring the gift. The stars shined in the night sky. “It’s beautiful, Keigo,” she whispered, her voice soft, sincere. “Thank you.”

"Happy birthday," muttered Keigo, leaning into her ears. 

And then, as the sun had finally set, the masks began to slip beneath the false security of the night sky. Collapsing into Keigo's chest, she sighed, “Let’s go home, Birdie,” she said softly, nuzzling against him, her fingers clutched at his shirt. She could hear his heartbeat accelerate. “I want to be alone with you.”

Chapter Text

It was a brightly warm day on that April afternoon. Spring was in full effect as the air had a pinkish glow from cherry blossoms. Liquid sunlight bubbled in Rumi's core whenever her eyes met Keigo's. Those sharp golden eyes struck her each time like lightning. 

That day, she managed to drag Keigo to Tomie's house to eat an early dinner - frozen leftovers from her birthday the day before. 

“Did you add the honey yet, Birdie,” Rumi chided as she checked over Keigo's shoulder. Her chin rested on the side of his arm. 

Keigo raised an eyebrow as he rotated the wooden spoon. The stew slurped at the bowl of the spoon. “Honey? Why are you adding more honey?” he asked respectfully. 

“Sweetness to balance things out. I was thinking we could add a little more spice, too,” she said with no intentional innuendo but Keigo's heart raced ahead anyway. He was too tense.       

In a low, husky voice, she whispered, “Are you going to attack me again?” 

Tomie appeared from the bedroom. “It was bland last time, and too many carrots,” she mentioned, causing Keigo to jump. Her features remained neutrally impassive, yielding little emotion. Her eyes rotated to follow them as she made her way to the living room. 

“Mom, please,” Keigo begged as he slumped his shoulders. His face burned with a bit of shame. 

Running her hand along his shoulders, Rumi strided past him before leaning against the counter. “Hey, I can admit to my weaknesses. I'm not really cut out for this domestic shtick, but I'm going to keep putting carrots in the curry. Mama Takami keeps me in line,” she gestured towards Tomie. “And, Keigo, you just bullshit me because you're so soft.” 

“He's only soft with you,” Tomie noted. She flipped through the television. “Please don't forget to make tea.” 

Rumi's ears perked up as she rummaged through the cabinets for some tea. Without missing a beat, she kept the conversation going, mentioning the exhilarating birthday they had the day before and the pompous formal Gala they'd be forced to attend in the days followed. 

As defiant as Rumi often was, she didn't mind taking requests from Tomie truly. They had spent enough time together since she last stayed with them months ago to the point that Rumi understood that Tomie meant no harm. There was an anxiety within Tomie that mirrored her own as they remained in this suspension of peacetime. 

Still, Rumi liked the idea of playing house with Keigo's mother and Keigo. She played the part of a dutiful daughter - with an authentic edge of snark. Over the past several months, she could play this part without consequence, without sacrificing any part of herself, and without the tongue lashing she received in her youth. Creating a family - a home life she never had nor desired was...healing to her inner child, and perhaps she could even help Keigo heal, too. 

Deep in her thoughts, Rumi failed to notice a stack of bowls toppling over from the cabinets above. 

But Keigo noticed, and he acted.  Fading straight to Rumi, he snatched her back by the waist and caught the bowls as they fell, rescuing her from harm. 

Their eyes locked for only a second. Any longer would draw them too close to each other. 

Sticking out her tongue, Rumi gave a thumbs down. “I could have dodged that myself if you weren't blocking me from behind, Birdie-boy! I give that rescue a 2 out of 10,” she complained, though her cheeks still buzzed with heat. 

“I didn't realize I was being graded. But I just couldn't risk standing by,” explained Keigo with a sly smirk, knowing it'd set her off in just the right way. 

Rumi rubbed her elbow against his abdominal area and playfully  scowled, “Keep stirring, chicken! It shouldn't be on the heat for too long. I'll be back in a minute.” With that, she hopped away down the short hallway to the bathroom. 

They had to be more careful with such an observant and invested audience. At the Gala, they could expect to endure scrutiny and cameras from all corners of the room. No longing glances, no grazes, and so they had resolved to go separately. 

As Rumi finished with the bathroom, washing her hands and face with frigid water, she sighed looking in the mirror. That grin never left her face as of late. Was she allowed to be so happy? The question still lingered in the shadows of her thoughts like cobwebs permanently hanging from her childhood. 

Her hearing clung onto Keigo's voice. She had tried not to eavesdrop, but every sense of hers followed him whenever he was in range. 

“We're not serious,” Keigo said crisp and clear like an apple crunching in her ear. 

Ugh, that line again. And the familiar pang followed. 

Her heart crushed beneath the feather light words as her hand rested on her chest. Was he only pretending, deflecting, or were these his true thoughts? Surely not. 

“Rumi's a rare girl - passionate and strong. If you were just using her, that'd be a shameful waste,” Tomie replied surprisingly sharply. 

Keigo’s voice cracked. “It's definitely not like that, Mom. Rumi is the most important person in my life right now.”

The stove clicked.

A feeling of apprehensive peace washed over Rumi like a low tide. Was there growth in his words? In his declaration? How could he be unserious yet make such a firm statement of devotion. 

“Then, it'd be tragic if you were never able to be with her,” said Tomie, sullen and serious. “You don't have to self-destruct, Keigo. You're nothing like him...”

Yes, a tragedy, but Rumi saw every love story as a tragedy - an ending. What was she even hoping to hear in his words? She could hardly define her own emotions. 

She wasn't afraid of Keigo hurting her. How many times did she have to tell him that? Like Tomie, she feared him sabotaging this treasured connection she'd found with him. 

Rumi opened the door and emerged from the dark hallway. Her ears fell against the side of her head. She didn't want to risk hearing his denial any longer. If that's how it had to be even in the presence of his mother, then she'd play along for now. 

Keigo glanced over his shoulder at her before his eyes widened like he'd been caught. His lips twitched at the corner as he forced a smile. “Oh, hi, Rumi,” he greeted nervously. “You look refreshed.” 

“Give it a rest, Keigo. We still need to cook more rice,” she said before pulling out a bag of rice from the pantry cabinet. 

What was wrong with her? If Rumi were being honest with herself, she would have had the same exact response. It was a practiced dance of theirs regardless of how intense their encounters had become behind closed doors. But it was becoming increasingly insufferable. 

Nameless suits in a room sat around a screen projecting Rumi and Keigo's exploits over the past few months. The ski resort cabin rendezvous, the New Years celebration, Keigo sneaking off with Rumi on various occasions - everything was caught in some capacity. Agents, fans, and personal accounts had painted a vivid picture of a wild love story for the ages. 

“This affair is getting out of control,” declared a member of the board. “They've crossed the line on several occasions.”

“But it's working. Their approval rating is through the roof, it's boosting morale and sales,” chimed another person in the room. 

Someone rose to stand at the front. His blue hair swept to the side in a neat swoop. “Let's let them be for now.”

A hush of uncertainty fell over the room. They had been relying on the rules of the old HPSC - the one reliant on maintaining an image of safety. “This program is still fresh. Let's wait...” ushered the man standing before the board.  

“Wait for what, Date?” someone asked. 

“This isn't just about peace and safety anymore. It's about marketing opportunities,” noted the blue haired man as his hair swooped to the other side. As the Happy Hero division leader, he had fully expected this turn of events. “Whether they soar or crash, the people are gonna want to watch them burn. In fact, we may even be wise to look for an opportunity to turn up the heat.” He wasn't afraid to cut a few corners to make this happen.

They could harness a narrative - create a story that was sure to sell. Already, they had Rumi in the perfect kitchen. Here she was presented with something nominally forbidden. A forbidden carrot dangling above her, and it was only a matter of time that she striked. Keigo turned out to be the wild card. 

But it was only a matter of time that the bird cracked like an egg. He had met his match with Rumi Usagiyama. 

Now, they just needed hard evidence that the two had become an item.

A few days later, they had arrived at their hotel just two hours before the beginning of the Gala. This left them with mere minutes to get ready which had become increasingly difficult. Keigo could not keep his lips off of her. For someone so unserious, he had a habit of acting obsessed with her in private.

They had separate hotel rooms of course down the hall from one another at the top floor. However, a pesky rabbit insisted on getting dressed in the bird's nest. She posed to be quite a hindrance in preparing for the evening. Already, clothes had scattered across the room, throwing Keigo's preparations into a detour. 

As Rumi adjusted her Alice Blue gown in the mirror, it was still too tight around her bust and hips. There was even an odd bit of bloat in her belly. That was her fault for slacking with her core exercises in favor of more cardio....

Keigo gulped the air as he wrapped his arms around her waist. His black dress shirt hung open on his torso like a curtain welcoming the sun. “Is it supposed to be that revealing?” he asked, eyeing the low neckline and how it contrasted with her mocha skin. 

“Ugh, stop complaining,” Rumi playfully groaned. “You'll have to control your jealousy for tonight.” She saw that dark glower he got in his eyes whenever he got envious of fans. It drove her crazy. 

Laughing with a bit of tension in his throat, Keigo replied, “What? Jealous? Nooo. There's no denying that you're a headturner, Rumi. I'm more worried about getting distracted...” His voice lowered as did his lips as they pressed against her neck. 

A weakness of hers. A pressure point that melted her like chocolate.

Their eyes met, and that yearning erupted within his gaze. 

Rumi sighed, leaning back into him. She knew that look quite well. That sharp stare that could cut down her ego like butter. “Here we go again,” she thought, sticking her tongue out at how weak she felt. She was so squishy for him day or night. Public or private. If he wanted her close, then she wanted him also. 

She turned to Keigo, falling towards him as they dropped to the bed. Past his lips, she could taste the earthy coffee he had for breakfast. His tongue pushed against hers. She could feel his hunger as their hearts beat against each other in a battle neither could win. 

Rumi ran her fingers through his wild hair. His body molded against hers like a hardened clay. A moan escaped her lips that had been brewing since they first touched. 

“Rumi,” he said her name so softly yet the low vibration was enough to make her crumble. 

She responded with another kiss and a sigh. Her name had a new meaning whenever it came from him. 

“We don't have time for this,” he said in a gentle effort to reprimand her. 

Rumi pulled away, bracing herself over him. Her white hair was a disheveled, flurry around her head. Her unzipped dress slid down her shoulders past her elbows. She grinded her teeth and shook him by the shoulders. “Hah? You're the one who's trying to undress me! Don't scold me!” she growled. “What's it going to be, Keigo?” 

“Haha, just a gentle reminder. I mean maybe...” he checked his watch and sighed, his heart still racing. “Yeah, no, we don't have time if we're trying to arrive separately.”

Crossing her arms, Rumi sighed, “So are you going to take your hand from under my dress?”

He retracted his hand and let out another laugh. “Don't worry. This whole ceremony will be over within a few hours. I know it's not really your thing, but it's still important for the hero society. You understand, right?”

As Rumi pulled away, she felt a lingering sense of longing for him. She sat at the edge of the bed and sighed, “Yeah, sure, what the world needs is more trophies and superficial ceremonies.”

“Call me a big picture guy, but it's a much needed party, Rumi,” he smiled as he combed through her silky hair with his fingers. It was a party he wished he could attend with her on his arm - an experience that would be unbearable with the distance he forced between them. 

What else could he do? Here he was dancing around the issue of his devotion without ever being able to utter the words. He was stuck in this suspended state of limbo with Rumi. It wasn't the worst fate. 

But he knew that watching her from across the room in this forced state of separation would be absolutely brutal on his soul. And his stomach churned at the thought of this respectful, professional distance resulting in her running off with someone else. He knew he'd even envy the empty air beside her, knowing he couldn't be there in its place. 

It was irrational, surely. She had staked her claim and done all but professed her undying loyalty to him. But his anxious, controlling heart would not rest until she knew without a doubt that he... 

Their kiss had pulled him in once again, and he found himself making out with her. 

Dammit. 

He tore himself away from her before dragging a hand down his face. 

“Why do you look so guilty, Birdie? You were giving me a crazy eyed stare,” she scoffed as she feigned disgust as she looked up at him. The way he leered at her drove her feral. Then, she playfully pulled at his cheeks, stretching them into a smile. “I can think of a million things we could have done in these few moments. So I just went for it.”

Keigo's arms found their way around Rumi's waist once again as he chuckled, “You'll have to tell me about it later. I promise you can have me for the whole night after we're done with the Gala.” And every night thereafter. 

Raising a shoulder, Rumi smirked, “I'll always have you, Birdie.”

In response, Keigo stood frozen with chills rocking his body. What else could he do? 

Digging into his pants pocket, he found the keys and threw them to Rumi who caught them. “Here, you can take my car,” he said, trying to rub the redness from his cheeks. They had practiced enough, and the Gala wasn't far from the hotel. He trusted her to take the wheel. 

“Yay! Okay! See you!” she cheered, pulling on her block heels before rushing to the door. 

“Remember, Rumi, we're fighting, okay? We can't stand each other right now. You don't have to go into the specifics with anyone, but we're just wearing on each other's nerves,” he instructed her as a reminder to their simple plan. It was just a cover to dispel rumors of their blossoming relationship. 

Rumi scoffed. There he went giving her lectures and orders, but she understood the mission - anything to protect this thing they had between them. “Yeah, fuck you, right?” she gave a wry smile as her hand lingered on the door knob. 

Keigo stepped towards Rumi, encircling her waist once again like a ring around Saturn. “Oh, and Bunny?” 

“Yeah? What is it now, Birdie?”

He could see the hairs stand up on her ears as he grazed his lips against them. “Try to have fun, okay?”

“Yeah, sure. I'll be fine, Keigo. No one can keep me away from fun,” she said before boldly kissing his cheek. And then his lips. 

With that, she slinked out the door like she was made of gelatin. And her legs surely felt like it. Talk about a domino effect of tension and taunts. This would be a long night. She leaned against the door and swore she could feel his warmth through the wood. Or maybe she just wanted to feel him. 

On the other side, Keigo's back rested against the door. He could still smell her wildflower scent blooming throughout the austere hotel room. Scanning the room, he could plot his next steps with ease to prepare for the night ahead. Yet, instead, he stood frozen in the moment.

There was something he hadn't told Rumi that he would have to one day. This Happy Hero plan... It was his idea. It just hadn't manifested in the way that he intended - the total ban on heroics, the capitalization of their reputations, and Rumi's ultimate suffering. 

When he had pitched the idea, it was simple - heroes could help boost morale. He hadn't expected Mera to entrust a third, private party to execute the idea. But with budget constraints and twists of fate, Rumi and Keigo were in this together. 

And Keigo would spend the rest of his life ensuring Rumi's...fun. 

Chapter Text

Despite the imbalance of her modified physique, Rumi still had a bouncy entrance that made heads turn. She entered the grand atrium of the event center with her iridescent platinum gown that cascaded down her body, tightening around her body. Her platinum white hair poured down her back. After over year, she finally regained the former glorious length and silky texture.

The night of the Gala - the Veteran Hero Gala - was an opportunity to placate the egos of heroes across Japan. Yet no stuffy party like this could stroke a hair on her fallen ego. 

Across the pearly white tiled floors, her crystal block heels clicked, echoing up the arched glass ceiling. Rumi's eyes idly scanned the perimeter and everything within, for on that night, she was birdless.

“Hey, stranger,” said a voice far too feminine to be Keigo.  Rumi didn't even bother getting her hopes up. 

It was Moe, in her maroon bandage dress - wearing something as tight as possible like always. And she looked damn hot, but she just wasn't Keigo. 

Rumi greeted her with a grin, “Yo, I'm late.” 

“As always.” Moe shrugged and sighed, placing a hand on Rumi's head and a drink in her grasp, “I guess you're too cool to hang out with me and Ryukyu for your birthday. I called you twice because we were trying to come into Fukuoka to celebrate - maybe check out your place.” 

Rumi grit her teeth. The scent of alcohol and fruit wafted into her nose. For her duration living with Keigo, they had not once invited a single guest. Everyone knew that Rumi didn't even have a permanent burrow, so she never had guests before. “Yeah, my bad. My phone was dead,”

Quirking an eyebrow, Moe snickered before leaning down to whisper, “And where's your feather boy now, huh? We barely see you two in the media these days. Are you two at each other's throats?”

More like down each other's throats. 

“Yeah, yeah! Big fight! Haha,” Rumi said with a larger than necessary guffaw. She gestured with her hands making a large circle. “We can't stand...”

Tap. Tap. Tap. 

Allegretto. 

She knew this rhythm well. His footsteps. 

Her breath caught in her throat as she turned 50° to the left. Keigo paced past her, catching her from the corner of his eye as he continued towards the cocktail area. 

Their only mission that night was to mitigate suspicion - to quell the media and thus the HPSC by entering separately and maintaining that professional distance. 

Crossing her arms, Moe sneered, “That didn't look like anger to me.” 

Rumi froze for a moment. So, she was already being obvious. Great. It wasn't her fault that he looked like a god in that burgundy and black suit. She glanced after him again, catching the way it was so crisply tailored to his slim body. Only she knew the secret muscular definition that lied beneath. 

She sweltered. This was so unfair. 

Her watch flashed Chicken Dinner - a discreet codename she coined for Keigo. “You were supposed to be early, Bunny. Did you take the cab?” the text read. His eyes pierced through the crowd straight to her - she could feel it as the hairs on her neck stood up. 

“No, I walked from the hotel,” she texted back before adding an addendum. “And stop staring at me. You're gonna blow our cover.” But she was fully prepared to abandon their cover along with the entire evening. 

"Not my fault. Blame the dress =p," he texted back. 

Moe scoffed,having been left out of whatever conversation Rumi was having, proceeded, “Okay. Whatever. You're obviously in another world right now, but we'll get to that later. Let's go meet those other lovebirds. They're in the ballroom already.” Suddenly, she linked arms with Rumi, pulling her close to whisper, “I mean - I don't blame him, Usagi, you look hot as hell tonight. But I just didn't expect you to find purpose in a man. Jeez.” As they passed through the crowd Moe stuck her tongue out at Keigo who remained strong and stoic. 

Purpose in a man? No, for Rumi, finding Keigo had been healing, sure. But she was still the same old Miruko, right? 

They moved into the ballroom - vaulted ceilings two stories high. The brilliant, shimmering chandeliers were enough to blind her. 

Ryuko and Taishiro - the sweethearts of Japan having garnered recognition for their love story glided across the floor in a ballroom dance. Taishiro looked inexplicably slim that evening while Ryuko was dressed as elegantly as ever with her golden gown. He kept a hand wrapped around her waist just as most couples would do on a night like this. His eyes cast a gentle gaze down at the elegant Ryuko who couldn't stifle her smile. Every few beats, there's be a misstep immediately corrected by the next moment. She assured her partner that he was doing a perfect job

Even though he was the one flubbing the every move. 

Turning away, Rumi scoffed, “Ugh, get a room.” She hugged an arm around her own waist. 

“Somebody's jelly,” muttered Moe as she caught sight of Rumi's glower. “Don't worry, you'll find your own Gummy Bear...or - bird.” 

Rumi swiftly punched Moe in the arm. Like hell she'd be jealous of this publicity stunt. The HPSC already forced her and Keigo to be hero partners with their sponsored outings. The suits would go nuts if they entered a relationship or whatever Keigo kept mentioning. 

However, she furrowed her brow. From the sidelines, Ryuko didn't look as tortured as Rumi felt having to keep a 100 meter distance from Keigo so she didn't jump all over him. 

The couple approached Moe and Rumi. Their smiles even more blinding than the lights above. 

Taishiro, towering over the girls, greeted them, with a breathy yet booming voice, “Hey, girls! How'd I do?” 

“Needs work,” Moe and Rumi said simultaneously. 

“Aw, come on. Was it that bad?” he pouted as he bent over like a weeping willow.

Ryuko reached up to gently touch Taishiro's cheeks. “Don't listen to them, Gummy Bear! They're just joking,” she said in a soft and feminine voice.

“Gummy bear?!” Rumi exclaimed, sticking her tongue out. 

“Tell me about it. I hear them all the time on the phone,” Moe complained with a hand on her hip. She was still rooming with Ryuko. 

Maybe their display of affection was real. What Rumi and Keigo had was 100% real, too, yet even in the dark, in their private home, Rumi had not said one word about how Keigo made her feel. She couldn't. Her vocabulary lacked the colors for the sensations that he caused in her. 

She wanted to just keep these feelings to herself. 

But those striking golden eyes could make her tremble. Could make her melt and puddle. Even from across a crowded room. Even then. 

Whenever he came into her vision, her heart raced. Where was he then? She tried to hear him. 

Idly and without thought, Rumi traced the outline of her platinum watch. Maybe, she was envious. To be able to express admiration so freely, so naturally in front of others must have been a privilege.  Rumi had to remind herself that Ryuko and Taishiro were basically stuck together, so they had to make the most of it. 

Glancing over, Ryuko turned to Rumi, “Be nice to my love. He's a big softie.” Must have been the alcohol. Her Okinawan accent was at full blast. 

“Yeah, yeah, he's okay,” Rumi grumbled, gripping the stem of her glass. Of course, Rumi felt a special joy seeing her friends all together. But it was at that moment that she felt fragmented like a shattered window with several pieces thrown asunder. Somehow she couldn't be herself without having Keigo in his entirety. 

Taishiro looked around the room before scratching the back of his head. “By the way, you look a little down, Rumi. Where's Hawks? He's a funny fella.”

Rumi's brow twitched. 

“Oh, Hawks? Looks like Rumi's sharing her little partner with half the population of Japan,” groaned Moe. She crossed her arms and darted her eyes across the room. “God, he pisses me off. I guess he moves on quick.”

Rumi's ears twitched, attuning to the tender, tenor laughter across the room. She twirled around to see Keigo taking pictures with fans, side hugging them and posing with them. This was a private event, so those must have been fellow heroes batting their eyelashes at the famed heartthrob Hawks. 

“Moe, you know it's just crowd work, he's a hero among heroes, so it's only natural for him to engage with fans here as well,” Ryuko giggled, swaying into Taishiro. 

Taishiro shook his head. “I really don't think Hawks is the flirting type. No one's ever seen him with a woman before Rumi. He hasn't even snapped her up yet.”

However, Rumi could hear the conversation asking about his status and interests. He'd urged them that he was “free as a bird” and “always ready to take flight.” The girls ate that up like slop, cooing in awe at his swagger. They were flirting with him, and worse, he flirted back, complimenting their hair and eyes. 

Moe was right. Keigo was getting noticeably close to the girls with his side hugging and their clamoring. He was damn near sparkling from across the room.

Before her group could even look to Rumi for her, she walked in the direction of the balcony exit which just happened to be past Keigo. She'd had enough. With a quick wave, she said, “I don't care what that asshole does. I'm gonna get some air.” 

“Rumi, just stay with us. We won't talk about your little Birdie anymore,” Ryuko said, snapping out of her tipsy buzz to comfort her friend with a sympathetic look. 

Rumi handed her the untouched champagne glass. 

However, Moe, as impetuous as ever, scowled, “I hope she tears him a new one. If you don't, I will.”

And in her mind, she could already hear his response to such a conclusion - those words she wasn't meant to hear still stung repeatedly like a wasp. They were “Not serious...”

A week ago, that would have been more than fine. But after the night of the festival and everything since, being with Keigo always left her wanting more. 

Maybe she was simply too greedy with his time, his space, his life. Consuming everything about him like a bag of carrots. 

It was then that Rumi realized that she had officially become obsessive, dependent, and absolutely weak for Keigo. But she had been somewhat of a hedonist growing into her womanhood. And she wanted what she wanted. 

Traversing the clamoring chatter, the blinding lights, all dimmed from her vantage. Her vision tunneled to the grand French doors at the edge of the room. 

Then, suddenly, a hand gripped Rumi by the ears. She let out a quick squeak. 

Ugh. How embarrassing. 

Rumi looked up to see Keigo backing up to her level. Her annoying heart drummed within her. Threatening to sound out through her voice. 

As did his. 

He gently pulled her close to his side as he boasted, “I was just telling these lovely ladies that you can't truly know Hawks without knowing Miruko - my lovely partner. I don't know where I'd be without her. Isn't that right?” 

Rumi could see the confidence of the gaggle of women plummet. 

Picking up the baton, to maintain her cool composure and character, Rumi scoffed, “Dead. Definitely dead without me. I don't know what he told you, but when I met him, he sustained himself on pure sodium - KFC, convenient snacks, ramen.” 

That earned some laughs and smiles. She wasn't there to kill the hope of the young women. Just to mark...her place in the rankings. 

“Hey, you can't blame me for loving ramen. Fukuoka has the best in the world. Rumi can eat two bowls in one sitting, but if you want to see her go crazy, she can down a bowl of curry in a minute. I wasn't a big fan until I had her signature homestyle,” Keigo gloated like he was telling a story, gesturing and charming the parties within a 20 meter radius. “It hit the spot.”

The girls smiled, hungry to learn trivial facts about Hawks. They jumped over themselves to ask more questions. 

Keigo released Rumi, smiling down at her with a knowing, sparkling glance that hit a spot for her as well. 

Right, this was all just an act - a cover so deep she almost bought into it. There was no shame in their exploits together. Of course, there were many stories that would never see the light of day. Secrets shared between them like their game nights and shared baths. And they wanted to protect these moments most of all. 

Rumi let out a sigh with a smile. Their plan to maintain distance and paint the picture of animosity was thwarted by their own desires. They continued socializing with their fans with press and peers hungry for developments. 

Meanwhile, Moe, Taishiro, and Ryuko stared from a distance with collective scrutiny on the blossoming banter between Rumi and Keigo. Keigo so effortlessly absorbed Rumi into his world, captivating her attention from across the room but even more so now that they were close in proximity. 

“What the hell is this? They're supposed to be fighting. I know I sound like a sour bitch sometimes, but I just don't want to see our Rumi give her life up for a guy. She's seen zooming all around the city with him and can't even return our phone call,” Moe complained, swirling her wine around. Her flames were beginning to turn into a greener yellow hue. 

Maybe there was a bit of jealousy in her tone, but who could blame her? That bird was stealing their friend. 

Ryuko smiled with a soft giggle, “You don't actually believe they're fightin’, right?” 

Moe shrugged. “Who knows. There's plenty of reasons to be mad at Hawks. He's a secretive asshole who only looks out for himself and will throw Rumi under the bus if given the chance,” she ranted with a few stammers. Everyone could recall Keigo's work as a double agent, and while Moe could understand his position, the knowledge gave her just one more reason to be skeptical of him. 

“Woah, Woah, Woah, Moe,” Taishiro interjected, his towering figure pulling Ryuko close. “I'm worried, too, but Hawks isn't that bad of a guy. For someone like Rumi, she only needs one reason to fall in love...”

Quickly, Ryuko reached up to silence her boyfriend. “Let's not jump ahead that far yet, Tai. As much as I care about Rumi, she's quite headstrong. However, I think Hawks is a responsible guy. He's not going to let this ruin their careers. I talked to him at the ski resort,” she explained to both of them. 

“Oh, would you look at that,” Moe said sarcastically, pointing back to the area where Rumi and Keigo once were. The group of girls was still there. “I wonder where Mr. Responsible is now - Probably doing something responsible to Rumi right now, right, Ryuko?” 

Dread etched Ryuko's face as she covered her mouth with a few fingers. That wasn't good. Why would they run off from the main event like that? “I'll... I'll go find them.” 

Rumi leaned over the balustrade of the balcony, overlooking the garden courtyard. The waxing Spring moon illuminated the field as well as the horizon of the city. Wind played with Rumi's hair as it carried it towards the east. 

“I guess our plan was a bust, Birdie. We're out here above everything yet again... But I gotta admit, this feels better,” she said, breathing in the cool night air as she stretched to the sky. They had been remiss in staying away from each other, but in that moment, at least they could be themselves. “I've never really been a people person, so I was starting to get a little overstimulated.”

Was that it? Or was it something a little more deep? That shameful sense of envy pricking like green grass at her skin. Rumi stared at the breathtaking moon rather than the hawk leering behind her. 

Keigo chuckled before lowering his voice to a volume only Rumi could hear. “Well, then you've come to the wrong guy,” he said suggestively, earning a satisfying glare from his pert partner. “You're really mastering this whole tsundere schtick, Miruko. You really had me there for a minute.” Keigo eyed Rumi's tail as it bounced behind her - a telltale sign of her contentment. 

Damn asshole. Teasing her at her most vulnerable. 

With a sleight of hand, Keigo unfurled his prosthetic wings to hide his hand as he brushed against her tail. 

Hopping up to attention, Rumi flushed with heat. She turned around to face him with a firm chop to his sternum. 

The contact sparked a current of desire between them, drawing them in closer together. Their eyes widened reflecting each other's profile, hearing their breath bounce between them, and feeling the need to make excuses to touch. 

“Keigo...” Rumi growled. With a playful grunt Rumi pushed at Keigo, knowing he'd catch her hands in his palms. They pushed against each other, threatening to spar in full formal attire. But of course this contact wasn't real - her prosthetic arms proved to be a formidable buffer to his warmth. The Gala setting wasn't right for their rich, intimate bond. 

The triad of  words signifying deep admiration threatened to erupt from Keigo's mouth. However, he said something adjacent to affection, veiled in a business, transactional statement. 

“The HPSC hasn't mentioned anything to me since the six month mark, but I'm sure they'll bug us eventually,” he began. When they first began their cohabitation, the Happy Hero commissioner made her point clear that this was only temporary to fortify their partnership. Well, the close quarters had superseded the goal. “What do you say we extend this current arrangement when the time comes?” 

Suddenly, Keigo pulled back, allowing Rumi to fall into his chest. The wind whipped at her luminous hair, and with a quick gesture, he brushed it from her face, feeling the chill of her cheeks. As they stood there, his breath became stagnant as he eyed her waiting for a reaction. 

Rumi gulped before pulling away and shaking her head. This felt like a dream because it wasn't real. He wasn't serious.

 “Yeah, sure. But I thought you were a free bird,” she replied. Her heart throbbed as she held her hands to her chest. Gritting her teeth, she gazed down at the courtyard. She blurted this even though she knew better. She knew he was only pretending, but with Keigo, it was difficult to tell reality from fiction. “You should know by now that you're stuck with me.” 

Reality hadn't hit her for months it seemed. The reality that their living arrangements were only temporary. So much had changed she first walked into his shack. 

Taking off his suit jacket, he stretched out his arm to offer it. “So,” he began, resting the jacket neatly on the railing like an offering to Rumi. “I had you fooled, huh? You should know better than anyone that I'm a free bird within your pen. Never straying far from the coop.”

His sharp eyes were so piercing yet without threat. He stared directly down at her. While she knew he meant to challenge her ego, this was one challenge she had difficulty accepting. 

Trust.

Not in the HPSC but in Keigo. 

“Are you crazy, Keigo? How would it look if I took that at a big press event like this?” she ranted although her eyes never left the crimson jacket. It'd be the perfect complement to her blue-white gown. 

It was another one of his wordless, subtle confessions. She had called him out correctly the first time with the watch. 

With a chuckle, he replied, “Sorry. Instinct. I'm absolutely going insane.” Caressing her curves with his stare, he leaned on the balcony. “And I'm not the only one.”

Most fellow heroes wouldn't dare approach her before “Maybe after we do the dumb award presentation, we could get out of here a little early,” she suggested, meeting his eyes and hearing his breath stiffen. “I'm exhausted.”

Keigo flashed a half smile. “Yeah,” he replied, but just as he spoke another affirmation echoed from the doorway. 

Ryuko, blonde and beautiful, stood, her eyes lingering on Rumi. “Sounds like an after party. I hope I'm invited,” she smiled playfully. 

Pulling away from Keigo, Rumi stepped over to Ryuko. She flipped her hair and smirked, “Hey, I guess the secret's out - Keigo and I are at the same hotel. We've got separate rooms of course.”

Keigo merely ran his hand through his hair. All he could do was watch. The hotel excuse would still be enough to spark suspicion. 

Taking Rumi's hand, Ryuko let out a sigh, “Rumi, please. There's ears everywhere. I just want you to be careful, okay?” With a quick glance to Keigo, she walked away with Rumi. “It's not that I don't support you. Taishiro n’ I - even Moe are on your side. Please don't push us out.”

With a gentle shrug, Rumi followed. While Rumi saw herself as an open book, she simply didn't share much about her personal life. Even her closest friends were left in the dark about her past at the Usagiyama compound. Then for Keigo - he had become more of an Achilles than anything. 

And then being so cuddly and soft around Keigo was embarrassing! She didn't want her friends to know just how easily he made her melt with a single glance. 

Walking down the corridor to the main ballroom, Rumi steadied herself forward. She couldn't look back. 

“I'm not pushing you out. This just isn't really my scene, Ryuko,” Rumi sighed, combing her hair back. However, she'd been reminded to make an effort to reach out from her tight bond with Keigo. 

Ryuko leaned into Rumi, aiming her mouth at the fuzzy base of her ear. “I think it's time for you to register for a relationship, Rumi. Don't be scared,” she whispered with the soft words brushing against her hair. 

Pulling away, Rumi shook her head like an impudent child. “No way,” she said. 

“It's time to grow up, Rumi. Think about your career - your life,” Ryuko explained like Rumi didn't already understand the consequences. 

Rumi had heard Keigo go on about careers and reputations since they met. “They can eat shit,” she shrugged. “I do what I want.” 

“Rumi!” chided Ryuko, fully knowing her warnings fell upon deaf ears. Closing her eyes, she exhaled. “Why? Are you afraid? It's just love. It's scary and difficult but so rewarding and free. I've never felt more like myself before.”

For a moment, Rumi paused. Her dear dragon friend knew just what to say to set her off under the pretense of genuine concern. There was no fear in Rumi's decisions. As she saw it, she was 100% joy, fun, and freedom. She snuck around with Keigo because it was exciting - not because she was afraid of fully committing, of giving in completely...of losing herself at the mercy of another. 

Suddenly, Rumi gulped, realizing her quick comebacks had hit a snag in her throat. 

“Nice try, Ryuko,” she swatted the air, covering her mouth with her gloved hand. 

Frustrated, Ryuko continued, “Someone may steal him away...”

“Yeah, right. I'll just steal him back,” she whispered as she sauntered down the corridor. “Anyway, I gotta present this bogus award or whatever. I'll catch you later.” 

From meters away, Keigo followed through the cold shadows or the hallways. He hadn't caught everything, but he already knew Rumi's pattern of denial. They had rehearsed that dance for months before there was anything to hide. But now, they had everything to hide and everything to lose. And, in the depth of his passion, Keigo had gotten a bit too comfortable. The wild desire had emboldened him into a person he hardly recognized. 

And perhaps, he realized his need to crack the core of his suffering and confess. But of course, he couldn't say anything. Rumi had made it clear to him and to the world that she had no interest in romance, relationships, or affinity. That same romance that she denied drowned him.

Suddenly, he caught a movement in the shadows from behind him through the doors of the balcony. However, upon seeing a leaf, he let out a sigh of relief. 

When they entered the auditorium area, tables with silky black cloth spanned the entire room. Lights of purples and reds shined like wine, spilling onto the evening event. The brightest, white lights all pointed to the stage. 

Naturally, Keigo and Rumi were assigned to the same table along with Rumi's friends. Their ornate nameplates lined up in a neat circle around the surface. However, they had already assumed their positions Backstage before entering the limelight of the first award. 

To introduce the Hero of Heart award, Rumi and Keigo had some scripted back and forth before presenting it to Ryuukyuu. This award was dedicated to someone who put others before their own desires and before duty. 

Obviously, the recipients wouldn't be Keigo or Rumi. 

As Ryuko came up to the microphone to accept the award, Rumi and Keigo watched from the sidelines. 

“I love Japan and the world, but I would not be the hero I am today without the one person who nurtures my heart and my love. And I wanted to take this opportunity to dedicate this award to Fat Gum. My fiancé,” she announced, earning applause and ahs from the crowd. “In this hero world, we have to love on a stage even during times of peace. Love is about sacrifice and surrendering, and I've never been braver than I have when I am vulnerable with you. This love has humbled me and allowed me to spread the love to others.”

Taishiro was sloppily sobbing in the audience even though the speech felt targeted at Rumi. 

From the side of the stage, Rumi and Keigo watched. Keigo expected a wry remark. However, as he turned to her, he noted her clenching jaw, her trembling prosthetic hands, and the way the light failed to reach her eyes. 

He tightened his fist. Did Ryuko say something? His stare locked in on her, searching for a reason. 

“What am I doing wrong, Rumi?” Keigo thought to himself. 

If he had spoken, his fragile voice would crack beneath the weight of his words. What was wrong? What did she want from him? 

As the ceremony continued, Rumi won an award for favorite female hero. Then Keigo win an award for favorite male hero. Neither made impassioned speeches or grand gestures of affection as they hoped to dispel rumors. 

After the ceremony, Rumi had disappeared into the crowd, walking past Best Jeanist and Edgeshot who sought to congratulate her. 

“You know, she'd go back to normal if you just left her alone, Feather-boy,” Moe mentioned pointedly. 

Keigo searched for Rumi with a sweeping leer. “Charming as ever, Burnin.”

Hair sparking as she spoke, Moe clenched her fist. She resented Keigo's nonchalance since they met. He'd always find a way to squeeze into Endeavor's agency over the years. Now, here he was squeezing into Rumi's life. “You know, she'd be better off without all the drama that you bring. The secrecy, the sneaking around - it goes against her character. She seems like a bitch, but she's got this soft underbelly... - you know, I think if you cared about her, you'd just give her up.” As Moe explained, her tone dropped and her fiery hair dimmed into the night. 

That caught Keigo's attention. He glanced down at Moe, contemplating Rumi's fading smile and the way it paralleled a fading flame. A calming storm. In the worst way. “I... I don't think I could leave her alone even if I wanted to,” he frowned. 

It was true. He had a compulsion to be near her even then. One that must not have been mutual. 

Just then, hopping up from the crowd, Rumi casted a shadow over Keigo. Hair flowing behind her like a celestial cascade, she dove down between him and Moe and landed with a thud. She looked up with a mischievous grin. “Oi, Birdie, I'm tired, and I need a ride.”

“Hah?” he chimed with a weak smile. Her surge in demeanor from despondence to effervescence had given him pause. Was this real? Was she really this resilient? Or was there something deeper lying beneath the surface? “Uh, sure.”

At the ready, Rumi's hand clamped onto his as she dashed away. With a brief look back, Rumi apologized to her wide eyed friend. “My bad. I'm getting tired, Moe! I'll see you later,” she said with a spirited vigor that defied her words. 

Rumi jumped up onto the railing of the balcony without looking back at the crowd that she had held captive with her infectious energy. 

Keigo stared up, admiring the way the wide swept her hair like a flowing river. The moon magnified her profile and reflected her soul. His love for her soared before he could unfurl his wings. 

She leapt off the edge without a second thought, for she knew that Keigo could defy gravity. 

His mechanical wings creaked to beat against the sky as the dark of the night swallowed them whole.

Escaping to their hotel, Keigo bid Rumi a curt goodnight and searched his pockets for his cardkey. When he looked up, it was in Rumi's mouth. She mischievously slipped between him and the door and unlocked the room to their hideaway. 

Within the late night hour, he woke up in a sweat next to Rumi sleeping not-so-quietly in his arms. Humidity filled the air as their hot breaths mingled. 

“Damn,” he whispered, his voice exhausted and breathy. The word escaped his lips. He knew it wasn't the time. Even as she drooled in a clamor of snoring, his heart beat within the cage of his chest. It wasn't the time. He'd have to wait for her to be ready. 

He could already hear her response. “Isn't that kind of dramatic?” she'd probably say. Or maybe she'd react like she did the first time. Shocked. Scared. Betrayed in a way. 

But as she remained in her unconscious state, he felt emboldened to say it once more. 

“I love you, Rumi.”

Chapter Text

As soon as they returned to Fukuoka, it was back to work. They had a commercial to do. 

Ugh. Burgers. 

That day, Rumi didn't even like the smell of beef. Sure, she could tolerate Keigo's occasional buckets from KFC, but the metallic scent of burgers were a different story. She could smell the iron.

Spotlights glared down at her and Keigo as he sent a sympathetic stare towards her. She could see his fingers twitch wanting to reach out to her. 

So what, she was a little off today? He didn't need to pity her so much just because she was a little over the weather. Yet, he'd been attentive, even getting up early that morning to make her breakfast and drawing her bath after their morning jog. 

"And… action!" the director called out - in case Rumi forgot where she was. This wasn't a normal burger date. 

This was a burger performance in a shop crafted specifically for a commercial. 

She forced a smile, her gaze meeting Keigo's, their eyes locking for a fleeting moment, a click of something real. In a flash, she averted her eye back to the burger. 

With an exaggerated moan, she smiled, “Wow, this Double Bunny Bean Burger hits the spot, doesn't it, Hawks?” 

“Yeah, it's a vegan patty made just for you. And for me, I got the Hawk Hamburger and fries,” Keigo said with a sigh. His debonair persona charming Rumi in a way that subdued her nausea. 

Rumi leaned in, going through the motions but there was an energy to their scripted banter thick with cheesy lines promoting the Best Burger restaurant. There was a magic in the space between them that he filled the room and gave life to their stagnant conversation. 

"You sure can pack it away, Miruko," Keigo teased with his hooded gaze lingering on her lips. “Almost as much as I can.”

Rumi quirked an eyebrow. Her voice dropping to a sultry tone. "Don't underestimate me, Birdie," she purred as she shifted in her seat. 

Peering into his strong stare, the hazy backdrop swirled into oblivion. Where were they again? And why couldn't she jump on him right now? 

Before she could flex her leg to graze against his, another wave of nausea washed over her. Her eye twitched. 

Finally, the director yelled, "Cut! That's a wrap. Good work as always, Miruko, Hawks.” 

Rumi sunk onto the table, flinging the dreaded burger onto the tray and nearly falling over. She moaned. 

If that was a wrap, then maybe they could go home, but Rumi wasn't sure she could make it back to the bathroom - let alone across town to their house. 

Keigo grabbed Rumi's noxious burger and took a bite. "That didn't taste like meat," he mumbled to himself, his gaze lingering on Rumi's retreating figure. 

Rumi was still slouched against the table. Her mind spaced out increasingly so. 

With a bit of urgency, Keigo got up and walked to the food stylist. "Hey if you don't mind me asking, how was this prepared? It seems like my partner is having a hard time. Was it cooked on the same grill as the beef patties?" he asked, his voice polite, but his tone held a sharpness, a subtle authority that made the woman flinch.

"Yes, sorry, we were crunched for time - so," the food specialist stammered, her cheeks flushing at the proximity to Keigo. 

He sighed, “I know Miruko can be rather particular, but in the future, please try to be mindful of Miruko's dietary needs-

“Hawks! Cut it out!” growled Rumi, picking up on his sharp tone from meters away. With that, her ears slumped down. 

Rushing back over to Rumi, he furrowed his brow. “You alright, Buns?” he asked, approaching her. He offered a carefully platonic touch to her arm. His discerning eyes searched hers.  “Maybe you’re finally getting sick. You're overdue for a cold or something,” he teased, but he merely forced a chuckle. 

His concern was apparent. He'd never seen Rumi so dull before. 

“Definitely the burger,” she muttered, clutching her stomach. 

He reached out, pressing the back of his hand to her clammy forehead. “You’re burning up,” he breathed. 

Rumi pulled away, swatting his hand away playfully. “Ugh. Calm down. Anyone would be hot under these lights,” she retorted, her voice a little too sharp. “I’m fine, Kei- I mean, Hawks. Just need a break. And some real food.”

With a petrifying glance of contempt, Rumi turned away from Keigo and headed towards her dressing room, a haven of quiet and a promise of dimmer lights. 

She settled onto the plush couch, curling up into a ball when she realized the last wave of nausea had passed leaving her with a heavy exhaustion. 

The door creaked open before swiftly clicking shut.

Rumi's ears flicked the air. “What is it?” she groaned, her voice muffled against the cushion. 

“I'm worried for you,” admitted Keigo. 

“Worried for me? Is that code for something else?” she smirked with an air of mischief, knowing that there was always a motive for something more sensual. Maybe she was projecting, hoping he had come to her for some fun. 

Keigo didn't acknowledge that. He simply paused to peer down at her. 

“You don't have to hover like a lost puppy, Keigo. I'm fine. I feel a lot better now,” she sighed, sympathetically. She'd been putting him through the wringer with her crazy mood swings. The way his jeans hugged his legs drove her crazy. As it turned out, she wasn't entirely averse to every kind of meat. 

He chuckled, a glint returning to his eyes. 

“Sorry, I've been going a little wild, lately,” he confessed, his voice a low rumble that vibrated against her skin. “Protective. Possessive. It’s…” he trailed off, his gaze flickering away from hers, a hint of shame shadowing his features.

“Insane?” she finished his sentence. It wasn’t like him to be so bold, so forward, especially not in a public setting, but she liked it. Loved it, actually. This unleashed, unrestrained Keigo who acted on impulse in the best possible moments. 

No need for that glint of shame in his eyes or the apology on his tongue. 

It was kind of… hot.

Sitting up, she pulled on the bottom of his black and gold shirt, luring him towards the couch. “I know what could calm you down,” she purred, suggestively. She slid her hand up his core, feeling the ridges of his muscles. Her breath hitched at the same moment his did. 

“Maybe...we could...” his words trailed between his heavy breath.  Suggestive. Weighted by the words he didn't say. 

“Of course, we can,” she affirmed. Direct. Hungry. “We can always find some fun.” Yearning for actions over verbs. 

Within seconds, he dove into her, cradling her as he fell against the couch. His lips found hers in an instant. His tongue, daring to tangle with hers. 

She pulled him closer. Her arm wrapped around his neck as she allowed him to support her into the best position for whatever lied ahead. 

Everything they did became better with time. By the second, he learned faster than she did about herself - discovering points on her body that caused her to squirm with desire. He had brought such life to her fractured frame. Rumi who could no longer truly touch, could finally feel everything beneath his gaze alone. 

Her fingers tangled in his hair as he pressed against her. His body heat engulfed her like a flame, burning away her thoughts and inhibitions. 

She'd do anything with Keigo. For him. To him. He had become a destination for her. She had found a place in his arms. There was nothing better than feeling the grasp of his gaze around her body. 

His pants dropped to his ankles as he peeled away her creamy white t-shirt. His lips kissed hers as she arched her back, yearning for more of him.

Guess those pants weren't as tight as she thought. They still had room for another several centimeters. 

Suddenly, her nose twitched, inhaling his musky scent before also catching a note of something fruitier. 

Her stomach growled with a different kind of hunger. On the table behind the couch there was a pineapple stuffed with a variety of fruit. “Hold that thought, Birdie,” she said before squirming to get out of his hold.

Keigo wrapped his arms around her to bear hug her down to the couch. His eyebrow twitched. “Where do you think you're going, Buns? Trying to leave me for some fruit?” he said with a fragile smile despite his frustration. 

“Yes! In a heartbeat! Quit being such a perv, Keigo,” Rumi squirmed before breaking out of his hold and pouncing on the fruit bowl. She squealed, “Ah! They even have nutella dip, Keigo!” She blushed, chomping down entire strawberries and melon slices. 

Keigo let out a reluctant sigh. He was the one who directed the crew to plant the fruit bowl in the dressing room. He kept a hand on her lower back, not wanting to let go. In a low whisper, he said, “I can wait...” His words stroked against the hairs on her neck. 

He could practically smell the fruit on her breath. His eyes followed the fruit past her lips as she crushed each bite between her teeth, juicing it to fibers. She gulped it down, swallowing with a moan of satisfaction. 

Idly, he rested another protective hand on her abdomen before she jumped. 

“Ah,” she exclaimed at a pitch that surprised herself. Clenching her teeth, she admitted, “Okay, maybe I’m a little sore, but some fruit should fix me.”

Before he could express more concern, a polite knock rattled the door. 

Keigo gently slid Rumi off his lap. 

In haste, he pulled up his pants. 

Rumi arose from her comfortable spot on the couch and meandered towards the door, dragging her feet. Her hair was still a mess, but who would care? 

As she cracked the door open, she spotted a woman with long white hair and tired eyes pushing a husk of a man in a wheelchair. 

“Hey, aren't you the Todorokis? What are you doing here?” she asked, before glaring down at Endeavor. He was scarred up and barely recognizable without his flames and costume. Disdain pulsed through her veins as the acrimony stirred in her gut. 

In his throat, Keigo could feel his heart throb. Endeavor? Was it really him? He hadn't seen him since the days after the war, having decided to give them space. They had gone into hiding. But why were they here now? 

“We run a production company now. We're here to review the footage,” Enji explained to Rumi. “But I was hoping to have a word with Hawks.”

Rei Todoroki in her quiet elegance noticed Keigo pulling himself together in the not so distant background. “Ah, Hawks is over there,” she noted in a monotone voice. “We also came here to talk to him.”

Twisting around, Rumi's eyes followed Keigo as he zipped his jeans and scurried to the door in a rapid apology and a weak excuse. She wondered if he planned on leaving her so soon. 

“Where do you think you're going?” she barked under her breath with more than a hint of desperation. Anything they could say to him, they could say to her, right? She found it odd that he would leave her so quickly and easily. Perhaps it was revenge for her leaving him high and dry when she attacked the fruit bowl. 

However, Keigo slid past Rumi and muttered. “It's fine. It will only be a minute.” Then, he casually added, “I was just helping give my partner a pep talk.”

“With your pants down?” growled the Todoroki patriarch. 

“Wardrobe malfunction. These pants are kind of tight,” Keigo quickly said as a precarious excuse. He kept talking, filling the air with meaningless chit chat as he trailed out the building with Rei and Enji Todoroki. 

Rumi dug her fingers into the flesh of her upper arm. She never understood his obsession with Endeavor and that broken family. Before the disgraced hero's disappearance into a more private life, Endeavor was often seen around Keigo. 

...or the other way around. 

She began to eat the fruit voraciously as she damned both of them. Her full teeth showing with every bite as the juices dripped down her chin. 

Maybe Keigo felt comfort in being part of a broken family that wasn't his own. The Todorokis were easier for him to talk to than Tomie and his original father. Perhaps the notion that his hero was as abrasive and abusive as his father provided familiarity to him. Either way, the notion annoyed her. 

She thumped her foot against the ground.

Keigo predicted that he would have to defend his partnership to the public and the state, but not to his childhood idol Endeavor. His head spun with excuses for his behavior.

Rei sighed and said, “I know this is sudden, but please understand that we're here to help.” She showed him the picture of Keigo and Rumi on the balcony of the Gala when he offered Rumi his jacket. There they were close but not touching. Longing with lust and something deeper but not acting upon it! It was damming, sure, but nothing concrete. They hadn't even kissed that night. All their pent up tension had been reserved for their night at the hotel. 

The corner of Keigo's mouth twitched into a smile. “T-That can be anyone. The entire photo has like 20 pixels in it.”

“Be serious for a moment, Hawks. Don't you understand what's at stake here?” Endeavor growled with a heavy accusation between his words.

Keigo knew what it looked like - a quiet rendezvous between lovers leaned in together on the balcony of a formal event. And, to be honest, that was only scratching the surface. It was much more than that. That night was painted vividly with a passion and longing that he'd never forget. And even within that pixelated photo, Rumi was breathtaking. 

"Listen, Miruko and I are just friends. Sure, we're living together," Keigo replied before he realized that too was a secret.

"You're what?!" boomed Endeavor.

"Um," Keigo stammered. "It's just a temporary arrangement." A temporary arrangement that he desperately wanted to extend indefinitely. 

Endeavor crossed his arms. "And let me guess: you have no intentions of marrying her."

Keigo scratched the back of his head. "Well... I..." Marriage? If that was the only way to be with her, then maybe he'd consider it. However, he had no intentions of rushing to the altar... Anytime soon. She wouldn't go for something like that. Someone like Rumi would barely want to be confined to a relationship - let alone a marriage. He'd have to take his time getting there. 

"Look, Miruko is a respectable hero. She's made a lot of sacrifices, and I'd hate to see it crumble because you can't keep it in your pants," Endeavor growled, trying to be discreet. He had openly admired Rumi since her infiltration of the hospital. 

Sighing, Keigo hated to hear it out loud. "Come on, what am I... What am I supposed to do?" When she looks like... that. Stocky, stacked, and strong. Plump and powerful. Moreover, how could he do anything when that melodic rhythm of his heart took the reigns of his will.

Keigo needed Rumi. 

This passionate affair was the result of his overly cautious restraint. He could only hold the dam for so long. And here was the result. 

"Knowing the HPSC, they probably wouldn't be happy about this," said Endeavor. He put his phone away. "So, I have a proposal for you: Shouto wanted me to take him to help with recovery efforts. I highly suggest you go with us, too."

“Let me guess, without Rumi? Not exactly the best optics,” Keigo laughed in a dry cough. He understood the concern and the risks of staying, but to hear the proposition out in the air, it felt a little extreme. 

He had considered it before - putting space between him and Rumi. Initially, he saw it as the only way to cope with what he felt, but now that Endeavor suggested it..meaning Rumi would be alone. Could he actually leave her in this state?

The picture was relatively incriminating but only a fringe of fans would actually think anything of it at the moment. And he was painfully aware that the fringe of fans grew by the photo. 

"Rumi has been pretty stressed lately," Keigo said, his standard smile faltering to doubt. "I'm not sure if leaving her is the best thing to do right now." She had begun eating fruity ice cream again, too - a red flag of her last depressive episode.

Endeavor groaned with urgency and disdain heavy in his throat. "It's not permanent. Just consider it, Hawks. Sacrifices are what make you a hero or a villain.”

Keigo swallowed at the dry air. He was right. Of course, and he didn't want to hurt Rumi. 

Rei added, offering a gentle touch to Keigo's shoulder. “What my husband means is that being a female hero comes with unique challenges. In the case of you and Miruko, sometimes the best way to support someone is to step away." 

A pang of tension struck Keigo's chest. Would this really have to come to an end? He looked to the failed couple, but there was a modicum of truth and compassion in their advice. Were they speaking from tragic experience or out of ignorance of a better path? Maybe Rumi was stressed because of him. He'd been suffocating and crossing the line day in and day out. They had become close in strenuous circumstances, and he took advantage of her in every way he could. 

As much as he wanted to see this potential separation as only temporary, perhaps this would be a step towards something more permanent. 

With a nod, Keigo headed out. His heart still hammered from... everything: the passionate intimacy with Rumi, the close calls, and now the heavy decision he'd eventually have to make.

Turning his back to Enji, Keigo waved. "I'll sleep on it," he promised before heading home without Rumi.

Instead of Keigo and Rumi speaking directly, he simply texts her, "Headed home. Getting food on the way."

Rumi ran out the studio, immediately encountering Rei and Enji but not Keigo. “Where'd he go?” 

Their eyes were soft on her. Rei spoke first. “Hawks needed some time to think some things over. He said you'd come looking for him.”

Rumi thumped her foot against the pavement of the walkway. So now he was going to push her away. This push and pull was getting old quickly. When she told him to leave her alone, she just wasn't accustomed to people being so concerned with her. She truly did not mind his obsessive gaze or his territorial behavior. 

In her insecurity, Rumi wrapped her arms around her waist and sighed before catching Endeavor's glance. “What are you looking at? Don't even try giving Hawks advice. You're the last person he needs to talk to,” she scowled. If it wasn't for Rei standing there, she'd probably say a lot more to him. 

“You seem awfully concerned, Miruko,” said Enji as he studied Rumi's expression. 

“Yeah? So what?” Rumi scoffed, placing her hands on her hips. “He's my partner. I have every right to be concerned.”

“I'll just tell you want I told Hawks. Just be mindful of your goal, what's important, and what you're willing to sacrifice. A hero always has to make a sacrifice eventually,” he said. 

Hopping up and down, irate and agitated, Rumi barked, “Yeah? What do you know? I make my own rules - my own decisions. I don't need the pretentious advice of a dumb, self-righteous veteran.” 

Enji and Rei laughed. 

Rei noted, “She has a point. What do we know?”

As Rumi stood her ground there was a pit of guilt, shame, and doubt in her belly. An empty bottomless hole that grew by the moment. She checked her phone again for any text or message from Keigo. Yet there was nothing. 

Grinding her teeth, she thought to herself, “Damn him...” She'd have words to say when she got home. 

Chapter Text

Rumi arrived to an empty house as she predicted. Keigo - that coward - likely took a convenient detour on the way home. She grumbled along with her belly as she collapsed on the couch. What did that flaming bastard tell Keigo that would make him run off like that? Probably something by the book.

Rumi refused to put any stock in the opinions of others - she only lived to meet her own expectations, but she knew there Keigo did. And that's what fractured her precarious heart - even more fractured than her maimed body. 

As she lied down, she felt the strong grasp of sleep but fought it by digging for her phone. Still nothing from Keigo, and she’d be damned if she worried about him getting home safely. 

At that point, Rumi grabbed her Hawks plushie and sank further into the couch cushions before drifting off too sleep. It happened so fast that her thoughts of Keigo faded as did her consciousness. She’d have to bitch him out when he got home. 

Or maybe she would be more low-key. Withholding affection...if she could help it. Resist those lustrous golden eyes. Those pillowy soft lips. The potent taste of his honey-sweet tongue. 

And as she slept, she dreamed of what she craved - nestling in the arms of her lover-bird. His wings were restored to their former glory, massive and scarlet as they flew to the horizon. 

When Rumi woke up, she mourned the dream. Instead of the magnificent scarlet-winged Keigo, she had the cheap imitation. She could have bet money that that chicken would fly the coop and hide out somewhere. 

Within the silence of her home, it only took a quick whiff to notice his presence - fried chicken and that musky, woody scent.

"Wah!” Rumi shrieked. She opened her eyes to find Keigo crouched next to her. His face was centimeters away! 

Keigo stifled a laugh, “Pfft.” He gave a gentle pat to the crown of Rumi’s head. “You good, Bunny?”

“How about you announce yourself before coming inside?!” Rumi growled.

“And ruin your beauty sleep? I’m afraid you'd  ruin me either way,” Keigo smirked. His playful smile hardly reached his eyes. 

Rumi narrowed her eyes at Keigo as he set his KFC bag down in the kitchen. He hummed to himself as he dug through the bag, listing off the vaguely vegan dishes she could eat. Hawks the Spy was good...very good, but her intuition sparked violently in the presence of deception. 

His mask was solid steel. If she didn’t know any better, she’d think he had nothing to hide. 

But, she had better things to do than play cat and mouse. 

The hairs on her twitching, flopping ears stuck straight up as her eyes followed him across the room. 

She wouldn't desperately pry at her roommate’s tight lips. No way. And from this vantage point, his perfectly sculpted backside was unreadable anyway. 

But there was something that was said between him and Endeavor that he was keeping to himself. Something he knew she wouldn't like. 

“You know, Endeavor isn’t so bad when you get to know him...” he smiled, chirping away a little too buoyantly. “I mean, I don’t forgive what he did to his family, but as a colleague, he can be really insightful.” Then, he froze, a visibly shiver zipped down his spine. 

Rumi ground her teeth, gripping the couch and digging her fingers into the cushion. Her menacing aura burst into flaming malice that would turn Endeavor to ash. “Yeah? You sure about that, Birdie?” she asked in a growl as she watched him open his smarmy mouth. She was snapping like a bundle of twigs. “What did your Big Daddy Endeavor even want? And don’t even think about lying to me.”

She should have known better than to think she could play it cool in any situation. 

Keigo’s shoulders stiffened as he gulped. “Lying I...it was just business." He frowned as Rumi refused to yield to his obvious omission. "How about a subject change: You hungry? I hunted down some dinner for the two of us,” he suggested before sighing.

Rumi could feel herself becoming too hostile. Too brutal. More aggressive than she expected to feel. But it was an energy she couldn't stop. 

“From KFC? Their pathetic little sides taste super meaty - admit it, you got this for yourself...” Rumi said under her breath that trailed into a lower, undetectable volume. Her stomach swirled at the meaty scent. The ground began to tilt and she staggered while standing still. 

Before she could even look up, Keigo rushed to her side to stabilize her. And she...resented him for that. 

Yet, her hands instinctively reached for his shoulders. She leaned into is warm chest. His presence weakened her without fail. 

“Oi, take it easy, Buns,” he whispered...the melodic drum of his voice tantalized her ear yet tore at her heart. 

His voice was too comforting. 

With a gentle push, Rumi created an adequate  distance and turned away. Her ears slouched to the sides of her head, twitching sporadically. She hated being like this with him - a haughty bitch of a rabbit. But, her intuition was too sharp to stand there and watch him hide his plans, his intentions...

This was bound to happen. Love and deception were one in the same, and she was naive to think that Hawks the Mastermind would be any different...

Not that love had anything to do with the way Rumi felt or thought about Keigo! She just loved...having him around. Loved his voice. His touch. 

Like a reflex, she turned to him, pushing him once more but this time with a strength that landed him on the couch. 

His stiff, uneven wings pushed into the couch. “Why don't you take it easy, Buns? You're starting to scare me...” Keigo laughed nervously. 

Rumi's stomach churned - not at the noxious scent of chicken but at the putrid yearning she couldn't quite quell. She wanted his presence, his touch. She wanted to drown in him even if it meant the death of her ego. 

Because with this uncertainty between them, she ached to confirm that there was something that could drag him back to be with her. 

“Uh, Rumi? You there?”

Rumi slicked her hair back, discretely wiping the tears from her burning red eyes. 

Playfully, she poked Keigo in the forehead. For the moment, she enjoyed this pseudo vertical advantage. The way her eyes could leer and melt him like an ice cube.

His wide eyes filled with uncertainty, concern, and a strong undercurrent of desire pulling him down with her. 

That's what she wanted. His desire. It was the only pull between them that she could yank without fail. 

“Just stop talking,” she whispered under her breaking breath. Even if he couldn't hear her, she wanted him to feel her... For a heartless rabbit like herself, her husk of a broken body was all she had to offer him. 

Keigo’s body tensed as she kissed him. Rumi could feel it beneath her weight as she kissed him. He was holding back, but why? She relished his deep embrace, yet it left her longing. 

Finally, he pulled away, breaking the kiss - just as she expected. 

“Rumi,” he muttered in between breaths. “I need space.”

Then, the heartbreak happened, and yet Rumi's heart continued to beat her own spirit down. Space? That wasn't even the most disturbing part. She stepped away, running a hand through her bangs. Why did she care? 

Why? 

Keigo was strategic. He had a goal. And, Rumi being the tactical savant that she was, brought a reckoning of temptation and desire upon him. 

But, he felt his lust for Rumi to be insatiable as things were. If left to his deepening desires, he'd ruin her and her career. 

And Keigo...loved her too much to let that happen. So, he called Endeavor to accept the mission and hammer out details. He would have to postpone sharing the information 

Sure, he could have told Rumi, but that wouldn't have been strategic... This sort of deception was fated to happen with a man of his cunning skillset and a woman of her congeniality. 

The only way to evolve their relationship was to let her make the first move. Unfortunately. He would have to wait until her heart opened enough to let him in. And, he was unsure that she wanted him in that way. He was unsure, he could support such an intimate relationship when he'd never uttered the word love in his life. 

But, it felt insidious to lay with her as he lied to her. 

Days passed, and Keigo quickly realized that he misjudged his own restraint. The desire in his heart and...other regions only grew with their proximity. 

Those moonlit nights lying in bed with her while forcing a painful space between them. 

The way her bronze skin glistened after workouts and showers. 

By name, they had a distance, but in his mind and in his heart, he had never left her side. 

Over the past few days, he had drowned himself with work. He'd been in the pit of his desk for the past 10 hours. 

The building missed Rumi almost as much as he did. 

And Tokoyami, with his keen perception, made Keigo aware of his disdain for the cowardice deception. For running away with Endeavor. 

“You need to disclose your plans to Miruko. She's your partner. It's remiss of you to be so craven in the face of confrontation,” said Tokoyami plainly. 

It was wrong to lie to the woman he cared about. But Keigo could live a lie, especially hiding a months-long trip. 

Right? 

He couldn't live with allowing the HPSC to force her into a role she didn't want. 

But maybe his profound protege was right. Rumi deserved to know the truth. 

“Don't worry about it - I'll talk to her tonight,” he had promised Tokoyami with a pat to the head. 

The afternoon air was thick with humidity. Keigo stood outside...bearing gifts. It was time to set things straight. 

Perfect day for Rumi's favorite very berry ice cream. This felt strangely reminiscent of the days when he retrieved her from his spare penthouse. 

This wasn't about his heart. This was about respecting Rumi to tell her that he'd be gone for weeks - maybe even months. All he had to do was set a plan. 

This mission was necessary, but he could hardly hold the thought of being away from her. These days in the same house, keeping a professional distance had been grinding on his psyche like sandpaper. 

Keigo knew that opening this door would leave him vulnerable to her. Just as it did every time he returned. 

But he had his plan. He had his offering. And he had most of the resolve he needed to approach her. 

The scent of sweet vanilla struck him like a boulder. He stood against the doorframe, scanning the room for her. 

He could hear the faint sound of sketches on a mobile app, but no punctuating laughter. 

It had been days since he'd heard her giggle or snicker. 

The shadows of her movement had left imprints into the tatami mats. The house that once bustled with her vibrant energy grieved the colors Rumi had once brought. 

Keigo had caused this, and there was a chance he'd bring another wave of reckoning to her that night.  

Over the past few days, she'd put up a concrete wall. Effectively, she ignored and avoided him while staying in the same house. 

Keigo left his shoes at the door, and dashed straight to Rumi. 

Her hair pooled behind her as she curled up peacefully on the futon. A thin blanket fit snug around her voluptuous body in a way that made Keigo jealous. 

“I'm home,” he greeted before feeling the brunt of her silence. 

These four days had been excruciating - watching her fall into a depression. This was reminiscent of the few months following the Final War where he'd often find her sleeping in and eating ice cream. 

What had he done to her? 

A confession of his heart's desire wouldn't be appropriate. 

However, as Keigo laid in bed, he watched as Rumi turned to him, fully. Her round cheeks were full of life, but her crimson eyes lacked a light. 

Rumi's spirit had faded. “Just wanted to see if it was really you.”

Keigo reached out to touch her. He chuckled, “Of course it is,” he said softly. Typically, he would go further by playfully calling her clingy. 

But this time, he became lost in her eyes. Pulled by the magnetism that stole his breath from his chest. 

“Keigo,” pleaded Rumi with a light pitch that destroyed them both. Her mechanical fingers clung to his shirt. 

She needed him. But he'd already agreed to the trip. Already, put in the necessary paperwork. 

Already...longing for his partner. 

Suddenly, their lips locked together. They found themselves in a passionate embrace. Taking part in a sensual dance spanning since the dawn of humanity.

Exhaustion finally faded from her piercing stare. And Keigo was weakening beneath her petite yet powerful frame.

Keigo woke up in a sweat, tangled in the sheets with Rumi. He sat up, running a hand through his hair. “You caught me once again, Bunny. How is it that I seem to black out every time?” he muttered to himself with an audible smirk. Things always happened so fast between them. 

Then, just as he assumed she was asleep, he whispered, “Damn...” Typically, she’d be up to greet him with a taunt and a gentle touch to the face, commending his obedience. But this time, there was nothing. He reached out with his hand hovering above her lips to ensure she was still breathing. As her breath hit his hand, he let out a quiet but firm confession. “I love you, Rumi.” 

He let off a lifetime of guilt off of his chest. However, there was something that Keigo failed to realize... Rumi was still awake. 

She kept her eyes shut as he breathing began to buckle beneath the tension of the confession. 

“Love? No way,” she thought in a cold sweat. Between her breaths, she could feel Keigo’s weight shift on the mattress as he shuffled out of the room. She finally allowed herself to breathe. 

Rumi dug her fingers into her hair. Why did this bother her so much? It wasn’t the first time someone had confessed their love, and if she wasn’t interested in him like that... Her thoughts continued to run away from her, “Seriously, Birdie? One minute you’re pushing me away and the next you’re making a half-assed love confession?”

Her heart wouldn’t stop pounding. And her thoughts wouldn’t stop racing. Her body refused to calm down.

Keigo and his big mouth just had to take this passionate, transcendental, divine affair, and emulsify it into a sick delusion.

But when Keigo said that he loved her, the tone, the word, sent alarms through her heart. 

Men...just like her first love...they all wanted to possess her, tame her, and mold her into a pliable woman - a woman that fit the standards of society. 

But, Keigo...

No, she coudln’t allow herself to put him on a pedestal. He was just as imperfect as any other man from the street. And, maybe, if he were to simply covet her, that would be a lot more...digestable than the complex flavors of...

No, no more rumination. It was best to push this aside and pretend it never happen.

After all, is it even a true love confession if he didn't intend for her to hear it? Plus, it was laced with lust and desire - he even said that he hardly even knew what hit him. 

Keigo was suffering from an acute case of delirium for whatever reason. And Keigo, being the shameful bird that he was, hid from. Rumi as he sorted through this. 

But still... This connective thread between them had grown thick. And this distance, wedged between them by Keigo's doubt... Or ambivalence... It tore at her.

At the same time, if she wanted to keep him on this string - tethered to her, then she at least needed to... 

Before she could finish her thought, she got up and ran to him. 

She found him perched on the edge of the sofa in the living room. He looked… lost. 

Rumi’s heart ached at the sight of his vulnerability, the way his shoulders slumped, the way his usually vibrant golden eyes were now clouded with a shadow of something she couldn’t decipher—regret, fear, a longing that mirrored her own.

She crossed the room and threw on a silk violet nightgown. Her bare feet tapped silent against the tatami mats. 

Rumi emerged from the bedroom to see Keigo perched at the arm of the couch. 

“Hey,” she said softly. 

“Ah! Rumi… you're up! You... You didn't hear me talking to myself, did you?” he asked, his voice a hesitant murmur. 

“I was… in and out of sleep,” she lied, her cheeks flushing. 

He sighed, his shoulders slumping slightly. “You’ve been… tired lately, Rumi,” he observed. 

“Bored, more like,” she countered with a stretch. 

She leaned closer, her body brushing against his, her hand reaching out to playfully ruffle his hair.

Keigo wrapped his arms around her waist, tilting his head to nuzzle against her.

Her Birdie. Yet she resented the comfort and security she felt in his arms. 

“Rumi,” he murmured, “there’s… something I’ve been meaning to tell you.”

Her heart pounder. Was he seriously gonna say it again? If he said it and knew that she heard it, it'd be impossible to deny. 

She tried to deflect, escape, control the situation. “Oh, really?” she teased. “Is this about the… KFC from the other day? I ate some of the Cole slaw, you know!"

But he didn't laugh. Didn’t rise to the bait. He pulled her closer, his arms encircling her, his warmth a comforting weight against her, his scent, a heady mix of sandalwood and feathers, filling her senses, a reminder of the haven she’d found in his embrace, the storm she’d awakened within his soul.

“No, Rumi,” he said, his voice a husky whisper against her ear, his breath warm on her skin, a shiver of anticipation running down her spine. “This is… important. I need to… say this.”

Rumi's face burned, a wave of heat flooding her cheeks, her heart pounding against her ribs like a trapped bird. "Augh, this is so dumb. He's been driving me crazy," she thought to herself. 

“I've been really into you lately, and,” he paused, his breath catching in her throat, his gaze dropping to the softeness of her lips. “I'm going crazy over you - losing inhibition."

Rumi's head spun. She could feel the blood rushing to her ears. “Just say it, Keigo,” she pleaded silently, her heart pounding, but she yearned to hear the words fit into her sensory surroundings. 

“And, you know, I'm a pretty chill guy most of the time - composure was part of the job requirement.” He chuckled nervously, his cheeks flushing. “You're one of a kind, you know. I've never folded so easily like I do with you. With just a look, I fall apart like...”

A wave of dizziness washed over Rumi, her vision blurring, and his voice fading into the void. His firm embrace was the only force keeping her standing. "Keigo, just spit it out!” she said, her voice a strained whisper, a plea to put her out of her misery.

“I’m going on a mission, Rumi,” he muttered out plainly, rubbing the back of his head. 

He’d rehearsed this moment, had planned it from start to finish - the passionate encounter wasn't intended but the risk was accounted for. Seriously, the sight of Rumi could raze a city.

But now, as he saw the hurt flicker in her eyes. That was enough to make him crumble. 

“A…trip?” Rumi echoed, her voice barely a whisper, her gaze fixed on him, her amber eyes wide with a mixture of confusion and a dawning hurt. “For how long? Like a week?” She held her breath. Just a few days would be fine - tolerable. 

He turned away, unable to sustain the intensity of her gaze. “A few… weeks,” he admitted, his voice cracking, his gaze dropping to the floor, the weight of his decision, the sacrifice he was about to make, a heavy burden upon his soul. “Maybe… months.”

"Months?!" Rumi exclaimed, her voice rising along with her hair as it picked up a terrifying level of energy. 

He reached for her, his hand gently cupping her cheek, his thumb stroking her skin, and she let him. 

Rumi even leaned into his touch, seeking the comfort. 

"Probably not months," he said softly, his gaze meeting hers. His voice ached. "But... they're rebuilding the city. It won't happen over night. And we need this, it'll be good optics, Rumi..." his voice trailed off, his cheeks flushing scarlet as he felt another nervous chuckle rattle in his chest. He knew he sounded unfeeling, calculated, and borderline nefarious. “Think of it as a strategic retreat! We can't lose sight of what you truly want right?” 

Quicker than a twig could snap, Rumi barked, “What do you know about what I want, Birdie? Cut that hero shit out! It's controlling as fuck.”

That struck a chord with Rumi. He was still joking around - Maybe even trying to goad a confession out of her, but she was serious about him. A label, the HPSC, anything could and would add nothing but pressure. She said all she had to say to him about the subject. 

Keigo pulled her closer. He knew it. They both knew it, and his tendency to keep things under lock and key tended to amuse Rumi. He always had a plan for everything from a villain invasion to a trip to the market, but he tried to pretend like he was laid back.

However, this time, his secretive nature sent fissures through her, breaking her apart. 

Looking down at her, Keigo smirked at her, keeping his cool, control facade intact. He was completely unfazed. 

“My bad. Here I was thinking you still wanted to keep your hero license intact - you know, so you could kick some ass. But, what does Rumi Usagiyama want now?” he asked quietly against the tip of Rumi's rabbit ear. 

Rumi's heart pounded. He was so damn condescending... She tilted her hips as she leaned into him, clinging to his thin white shirt. His sweat left that all familiar musk thick in the air between them. Her cheek rubbed against the ridges of his muscles. “I want to...forget about everything. It's pissing me off. Let's just have a normal night.”

“You hungry?” he chirped. 

“No...not really,” she muttered.

“You sure? I've got your favorite ice cream.”

“You think I'm a kid or something?...but yeah, whatever. Get me three scoops. And I'm picking the movie tonight,” Rumi commanded as she slinked over to the couch. 

Keigo let out a chuckle, “Haha, no shame in liking what you like...right, Rumi?” 

The moment Keigo pulled away, Rumi pulled him down by the collar for a hot, passionate kiss, giving into the intrusive tension. “I know you're trying to lighten the mood, but I'm going to give you hell for keeping this from me this whole time, Takami...” she said, the taste of his lips so intoxicatingly sweet. 

“Y-yes,” Keigo said beneath his breath. 

And so they went about their normal night watching movies, eating ice cream, and chatting about old missions. 

Rumi quickly realized that she wanted every night to be like this...just a little longer as she quickly succumbed to sleep. 

On that night, Keigo carried her to bed and watched over her. “I promise I'll always come back to you, little bunny,” he whispered. He'd be just a text away. 

He slept past dawn, holding Rumi in his arms for the duration of the night until...

There was a knock at the door. 

Keigo jumped up. The hairs on his body stood straight up as his shoulders hunched. 

The entire time he's been here, Rumi had been his only visitor. So who the hell could this be? 

Chapter Text

Keigo was supposed to leave that afternoon but with the knock at the door, he detected a delay. 

If his wings were real, they'd be fraying by now just like the hairs on the back of his neck. Grabbing a sword sitting by the door, Keigo slowly opened up. 

“Nakamura? Seriously?” Keigo's eyebrow twitched. It was his colleague from the HPSC - someone who had been hired on a few years ago, but they were about the same age. “What are you doing here?”

Agent Nakamura bowed, his shaggy blue hair gleamed in the light suspiciously. “May I come in?” 

Keigo’s teeth tightened. Just because they were somewhat familiar with each other didn't mean they were on “showing up unannounced” terms. Rumi was still sleeping peacefully in the next room, and he'd confront anyone who dared to disturb her. 

The air in the door frame felt thick as glass. 

“Is everything okay, Agent Takami?” asked Nakamura innocently. “You seem bothered.”

But there was never any innocence in a HPSC agent. They always had an objective. Nakamura would act all calm, innocent, and professional while he gathered information to show and tell the council - anything to climb in the ranks towards the position of HPSC President. 

Keigo hunched his shoulders ever so slightly, so he'd surely report anything gone amiss in their living situations. He watched as he typed into his tablet. With a sigh, Keigo moved aside. “Come in,” he grinned a little too warmly. “I didn't realize you switched over to the Happy Hero Division. Congrats on the promotion.” 

“I'm sure you've heard of this Housing Assessment through your Hero Alert app - it's been nine months since you moved in with Mirko, so we found this to be a good checkpoint. As you know this Cohabitation program is still in early development,” Nakamura said as he took off his shoes. 

Ah. An assessment. Odd, they never received an alert. 

Regardless, Keigo continued to the kotatsu table. He could feel the tension of guarding their sanctuary behind him. “I must apologize, but Ru-... my partner cannot participate. She's still sleeping and needs her rest. My only request is that we do not disturb her,” Keigo smiled. 

Nakamura took a seat across from him before setting his tablet and stylus on the table. “That won't be an issue. We can handle the assessment in here,” he said, studying Keigo's demeanor. 

Of course, his blood boiled now that an outsider has imposed upon their safe haven. His head spun as an animalistic tension swept through his body. 

Keigo didn't have much. 

His life. 

His home. 

His Rumi. 

But he had to stay calm with some discreet box breathing. There was nothing normal about being so guarded. 

"So, Hawks," Agent Nakamura began, settling into his seat. "Please describe the nature of you're cohabitation agreement and why you initiated it nearly a year ago today."

The scent of delicate sweat and popcorn from their romantic evening filled the air. Wasn't it obvious at this point? Rumi had made a home here with her alternating furniture and soft, cute decor with rich golds, glossy whites, and deep scarlet reds. 

Rumi had practically built her nest here... Or rabbit hole. 

Keigo, pulled his mechanical wings in as they clicked together. “Well, Agent Nakamura, I'm sorry to tell you it's really not that interesting. As you know, the HPSC strongly encouraged heroes to pool resources, share living spaces, blah blah blah… after that costly war. And since my HPSC-issued penthouse where Rumi was living burned to ash...this seemed like the most logical option for us.”

“Logical,” Nakamura echoed, his tone neutral, his gaze unwavering, a seasoned interrogator who saw through facades. “And the nature of your… relationship with Mirko specifically, Hawks? Could you be more detailed about what you do together?”

Now this just seemed perverted. Keigo lowered his head as he felt the heat rise to his face. He tried his best to wipe the blush from his face. 

Keigo chuckled, his laughter a little too bright, a nervous habit he'd acquired during espionage, of hiding his true feelings to the point that he barely recognized true happiness within himself. “Oh, you know, we’re… birds of a feather, we stick together,” he hummed. The muscles in his back twitched.  

Then, when met silence, there was a deepening pit in his stomach as he knew that he'd be leaving her that day. He continued regardless. His voice softened as he said, “Partners in crime-fighting. Roommates with… inexplicably compatible tastes in food and movies.” An undying smile pulled at his lips. "We're a perfectly calculated match as far as super hero duos go." 

Nakamura smirked and tapped on his tablet, a series of photos flashing across the screen—images of Keigo and Rumi, captured from various angles, at various events - photos he had tracked since they were shared online. Their body language spoke volumes despite their forced distance. But there were some he hadn't seen before. Candid shots, stolen moments, their laughter, their shared glances, the way their bodies seemed to gravitate towards each other. And the sparks that lit the space between them. 

It was all there - in those moments where he forgot about the heavy surveillance surrounding them. 

Keigo’s blood ran cold. They were being watched. He'd suspected it, of course, had known the HPSC wouldn’t hesitate to monitor their every move, especially given their living arrangement. But seeing the evidence, the photographic proof of their vulnerable moments. Of the love he prayed could grow and blossom one day. 

He forced a laugh, hoping it sounded casual, unconcerned. “Wow, those pesky paparazzi are ruthless, aren’t they?” he said, clearing his throat. “Gotta give them credit for their dedication. But yeah, as you can see, we’re suuuper close. Rumi’s special to me, but she's special to anyone who knows her, you know. But I... I haven't had many close friends in my life. You know, given my unique upbringing,” he chuckled, but now wasn't the time for reminiscing. 

Maybe he'd overshared. He wasn't sure why he felt the need to explain himself, to justify their intimacy, but he also couldn’t wave it away as a simple consequence of being so proximal. Typically, this would be easy to play the detached charmer with the public, but he couldn’t bring himself to deny the colorful love he felt for Rumi. 

The agent, his gaze fixed on the tablet screen, scribbled something in his notebook, his silence a weight that pressed down on Keigo.

“And your… sleeping arrangements, Hawks?” Nakamura finally asked, his voice a neutral monotone, the question a loaded gun pointed directly at Keigo’s carefully constructed facade.

“I sleep on the couch,” Keigo said plainly. He had prepared for that much at least. “You know, being the… gentleman.”

Nakamura raised an eyebrow. He eyed the bedroom door. “I’ll just do a quick tour,” he said firmly. “As part of the evaluation. That includes the living room, the kitchen, the bedroom, and the bathroom.” He rose to his feet.

Keigo’s suddenly jumped up and dashed to the bedroom door. He’d known this was coming, and yet he had not anticipated the hot wave of fury that swept through his body.

He couldn't let him in there. 

His mechanical wings spanned across the doorway. Rumi was sleeping. He wasn’t about to let some perverted HPSC threaten her rest. She hadn’t been feeling well. 

And, not only that, but she was curled up in a provocative nightgown that clung to her curves. The glistening drool slipped past her lips. 

His eyebrows furrowed with a ferocity that would have frightened him.

“She’s… sleeping, Agent Nakamura,” he said, his voice strained, his body tensing as he crossed his arms. He was desperately trying to stay cool. To say he was protective would be an understatement - he felt downright hostile as he bore his teeth.  

“I’ll just need to confirm the sleeping arrangements, Hawks,” Nakamura insisted, his tone brooking no argument, his gaze fixed on the door. 

Absolutely predatory. 

“You'll have to come back later,” Keigo stammered, his mind racing, searching for an excuse, a diversion, anything to buy time, to protect her.

“Now, Hawks,” Nakamura smirked as he crossed his arms.

Keigo knew Nakamura was always such a jealous bastard with his speed reading quirk stuck in the office while Hawks flew free as a bird during the day. This was just him flexing his new administrative power over Keigo and invading his nest. 

Panic surged through Keigo, his body reacting before his mind could plan. Primalistic instinct washed over him, drowning him.

“I said no,” he hissed, his gaze meeting the agent’s dead in the eyes. “She’s way too vulnerable right now... ” Keigo thought and wanted to say. But he couldn't. He knew that of all the people in the house, he was the most vulnerable. 

Nakamura, his brow furrowing, a flicker of something akin to amusement dancing in his eyes, tilted his head as he crossed his arms. “I’m not sure I understand: Does Miruko typically dress scantily, Hawks?” he asked, his voice soft, feigning sympathy.

Keigo swallowed, his throat suddenly dry. This looked bad, and he knew it. But it could look a lot worse if the agent dared to breach his haven.

And then, as if summoned by his fear, the bedroom door swung open.

Rumi, her white hair a tangled mess, her eyelids half closed. Her body was clad in that low-cut lavender nightgown that clung to her. She rubbed her eyes as she yawned and glanced between the two men in a cloud of confusion. “Huh? Keigo? What’s all this noise about?” she groaned as she stretched.

Keigo winced as his wings sprawled to shield her from the lecherous eyes of their uninvited guest. "Just a voyeuristic agent passing through,” he said, keeping her most provocative assets heavily guarded.

With a gentle touch to his shoulder, she leaned into him, rubbing her cheek against his chest. “Oh, okay...” she smiled before peaking from around his body. Suddenly her eyes widened as she examined the man. “Wait...agent? Wah! Is this a HPSC goon?!”

The agent seemed to turn into a cardboard cutout as he froze in place, looking everywhere but Rumi. His face was tomato red as he turned around and jetted towards the front door. “Actually, I’ve seen every part - I meant Pl - I’ve needed to see. I’ll write up a report and get it submitted by the end of the day! Thank you!” he cried in a hurry as he grabbed his shoes and rushed out the door. 

Keigo knew how bad this looked, and he could only imagine the consequences. 

He turned to Rumi, knowing that he'd have to leave sooner than later. With a firm embrace, he muttered, “This is pretty bad.” Already, he was doing damage control in his mind. Maybe he could say he was hungover. That would be a helluva lot more acceptable than apologizing for his feral, mating instincts suddenly kicking in. 

Rumi tilted her head back and said, “It couldn't have been that bad.” She stuck her tongue out playfully. “I'll kick that guy's ass if he comes near here again. You should have woken me up sooner. I would have made him cry! Who the hell do they think they are, monitoring our personal lives like this? He was probably just looking to get some hot details. That perv...”

Maybe she would have been more directly abrasive, and to be honest, Keigo wasn't sure if that would help or hurt their case. His heart sank. 

With a kiss to her nose, he sighed, “Rumi, you... You're cute.” He smiled wistfully, caressing the back of her head, combing out the tangled strands. “You make me absolutely feral.”

Thumping her foot to the ground, Rumi felt heat rise to her cheeks. “Yeah, whatever,” she mumbled as she pressed against him. “I'm sure you got crazy and territorial when he entered your nest, didn't you?”

Keigo cringed. “...no, not exactly, but... That's beside the point,” he said before he let out a sigh. This was inevitable in a way, and he planned to use this trip with Endeavor as the perfect alibi. 

If Keigo actually loved Rumi, then he wouldn't go to another city without her for weeks. For him to even formulate that thought broke him. He needed to come clean and tell her what ate away at him. He needed for the world to believe the lie, but for Rumi to know the truth. 

“I've decided I'm leaving on the next train to Wakayama,” Keigo confessed, but the weight of his thoughts still remained. 

Rumi's heart dropped. She pulled away slightly to study his expression. Her eyes widened as she felt so crazy that the world began to spin faster. “Wait, what? Like, this morning?” 

Keigo looked away, unable to meet her eyes. He was afraid to see the desperation that he heard in her voice. “I just think it's best. I pushed it off as long as I could, and I would have gone tomorrow but...none of this matters, Rumi-” 

Angling his chin so he'd look her in the face, Rumi growled, “What do you mean none of this matters? You keep springing stuff on me! You're seriously leaving like right now? How bad was this interview?”

Bad. Really bad. But he didn't want to worry her further. 

“Rumi, you've been so gloomy that it's making you sick. You've been sleeping a lot and the ice cream -” Keigo said before he was cut off. 

Rumi jumped to interrupt him. “Seriously? Don't make this my fault. You're passing judgment on my health based on my guilty pleasure? It's like the only bad thing I ever eat. None of that is any of your business,” she protested, crossing her arms and turning away. Her ears fell against the sides of her face. 

Running his hand down her arm from the toned muscle to the life-like appendage, he took her hand into his and brought it to his lips. His eyes met hers. “Rumi,” he began, calmly. “Please remember this...”

She rested limply against him. “What?” she grunted as she hunched her shoulders.  Why'd she feel constricted in his crosshairs all of a sudden? 

Then, Keigo took a breath as he rested a hand on the small of her back. “Rumi, I...you...”

Rumi squeaked and faded back so quickly that she nearly tumbled onto her bottom, but Keigo caught her, keeping her suspended at a perfect 45-degree angle. She pulled her ears down. 

Her face was overheating like a tea kettle. Jeez. What was going on? She couldn't even look him in the face. 

“Um...” stammered Keigo before he realized what was going on. Did she figure out what he was going to say? “Well, I meant I left you some ice cream in the freezer!” He pulled her back to her feet before dashing to the refrigerator. After all this time, maybe he was still being too eager. 

Rumi blinked. There was no way that was what he was going to say... Maybe it was time to let him go if she was just going to be a coward about this. She couldn't trap him like this, pushing and pulling any longer. Rumi sighed, “Yeah, I had some last night, remember?” 

Keigo's fingers pressed against the side of the refrigerator. “I'll be a phone call away,” he said in a low voice. Then, he grinned over at her. 

Keeping a hand to her chest, Rumi's eyes widened. She'd watched as he put on pants and his khaki jacket. Shuffling from corner to corner, Keigo packed the remnants of his belongings into a sleek black suitcase. That didn't look like a month's worth of clothes. 

As Keigo passed by, his familiar footsteps echoed in her mind. Suddenly, she found herself blinking away tears. Running to block the door, Rumi looked up at him. “I'll... I'll wait for you, Keigo, so don't leave me hanging for too long,” she commanded as she rubbed her eyes. 

Keigo saw how her eyes sparkled like rubies. Instinctively, he reached out to caress her cheek. Wiping her tears away, he gently tilted her face up, savoring the heat of her skin. 

His lips pressed against hers, and Rumi responded with an intensity that shocked him, throwing her arms around his neck. Her tongue breached his lips, dominating him. 

Keigo braced himself against the door. His heart ached and dared to take advantage of this momentary weakness between them.

“Goodbye.”

Her arms fell limp as she finally stepped aside. Her hair hung heavy acted as a ivory curtain, obscuring the redness that filled her face. She turned away, unable to face his back. 

The hot draft brushed against her backside Keigo opened the door. And as he closed it, she could only feel the icy cold void he left behind. 

He was gone, and she pushed him away. 

Was this the strength, power, and the ferocity that she sought through her declaration of autonomy?

Or was it frailty, weakness, and cowardice she acquired from her fear of holding someone too close? 

The boundless energy in her heart killed her. If she loved Keigo, why didn't she say something?

Chapter Text

At the table with Tomie, Rumi wafted the aroma of green tea and hot udon that filled Tomie’s home. Although she had done her usual routine of grocery shopping, and cooking enough curry udon to last for the week, she was not going to ruminate!

They had gotten into a new K-Drama series together. She dreaded returning to the home that she and Keigo shared and instead made frequent visits to Tomie and the gym and the park and anywhere else but home. The emptiness mocked her cowardice and reflected a pain from the past and present. A pain that she wasn’t ready to confront...not yet.

Thus, her phone remained tucked away, wrapped in shirts in a bottom drawer of their dresser. She had been tempted to flush it down the toilet, but that would have caused more damage than necessary.

The point was that she didn’t want to be tempted to text him. 

Maybe she needed space, too.

“You look really bad,” calmly noted Tomie Takami as her eyes orbited around Rumi. 

Tomie had become a fixture in Rumi's day to day life over the years. Her looming eyes followed her and her affect wherever she was. While Rumi would never admit anything to Tomie's omnipresent gaze, she had grown fond of her idiosyncrasies - despite her intrusive probing. 

Rumi grumbled, “Isn’t there a better way to say that, Mama Takami?” If Rumi were telling the truth, she would admit that she had been feeling a little off. A little weary. As she sat there, struggling to stay awake. 

“You’d say the same if you looked in the mirror,” Tomie said matter-of-factly. 

Snatching a detangling brush from the table, Rumi aimed it at Tomie. “Oi, get off my back! I'm fine,” she growled tightly like an animal backed into a corner.

Sliding over to kneel closer to Tomie, she began to brush Tomie's hair with a gentleness that surprised them both. 

The mother and son had similar hair. Rumi liked to play with Keigo's wild hair as they laid together. His surprisingly feral scent stuck to their home. As she pulled the comb through the stubborn locks of ashy blonde hair, she had to wonder how she got in this position - taking care of Tomie, a woman who had been cruel and negligent of Keigo, the object of Rumi's obsession. 

This woman had a sharp, sarcastic tone with cryptic language and a piercing leer, but Rumi couldn't help but take pride in caring for the pathetic woman. Such a vulnerable person would lay victim to the ills of the world without a responsible caretaker. 

But also... 

Connecting with Tomie connected Rumi to Keigo. 

“Maybe if you had treated Keigo right, he wouldn't be so weird about everything,” Rumi blurted more to herself than to Tomie. “This whole time he's been so pent up and awkward every step of the way, and it’s so fucking annoying.”

Rumi knew what she wanted. She knew what he craved, and Keigo had gathered all the courage in his body to attempt to confess on multiple occasions. And, what did Rumi do? Push him away - deny him the affection and validation that he so desperately needed. 

Upon reflection, Rumi did not differ much from Tomie in that respect. There was no love that she could give - no heart to exchange with Keigo’s. 

“Rumi, you love him despite the flaws I've caused. You miss him terribly,” said Tomie, without skipping a beat. Her knowing eyes circulated above her hair to watch Rumi with oppressive scrutiny. 

Rumi's heart throbbed. The brush dropped to the rug lining the floor as the word pierced her gut. Ugh. Love. That silly birdie bastard zoomed through her mind constantly leaving streams of clouds in his path. Part of her saw love and this real intimacy between them as a total freefall. She had no idea what she was doing - going on dates, holding hands, cuddling - this sappy shit laid suspended in fantasy and fantasy alone. 

“So what? I just get him. He'll come back to me...” her voice low, lacking the usual bravado. The ominous eyes met hers. 

Wait, did she just confess to loving Keigo?

She pulled her ears down, feeling her face overheat. “Fuck you...” muttered Rumi. Her heartbeat drowned out everything around her. 

“It's not a bad thing... You know. Despite everything, he's managed to find a strong, capable woman who also has such a nurturing side. But that's why you need to take care of yourself...” Tomie continued - a grave warning at the tip of her tongue. 

Rumi felt a fresh wave of nausea sweep through her, quelling her thoughts. She rushed to the bathroom, her steps quick and pounding like her heart. 

Just in time, she spilled her guts into the porcelain bowl. The raw echoes tore through the house. What did Rumi lose in the water of the toilet? What else would fall down the drain?

She had a birth control shot around her birthday, so it couldn't be that. 99.99% effective - a medical marvel that eliminated the monthly visitor and all room for doubt. 

But. Just to squash that 0.01%, she knew what she had to do. 

Then, after resolving that open-end, she would have to confront the possibility of maybe being in grief with Keigo. 

Something in her flipped like a switch, relieving her tension in a way that unnerved her. 

In this moment of absence and isolation, did Keigo grieve Rumi as much as she grieved him? 

Before she could finish her thought, another wave of nausea poured into the bowl beneath her. 

Brushing her bangs back with her hand, she dug her fingers into her hair and shined a menacing grimace back at Tomie. She knew the woman could see her through the wall. “Okay,’ Rumi said to herself as she crawled out the door and back to the living room.

This grief of hers gave proof to another feeling that she had managed to suppress since meeting Keigo. And this grief binded with an unnamed attachment formed an intensely debilitating bundle of...malaise.

She knew it. Tomie saw it. 

Dripping from Rumi's eyes were boiling, bulbous blobs of tears making noise upon the tatami mat.

“I've been trying to avoid being too blunt or too cryptic, but you need to go to the doctor, Rumi,” Tomie warned Rumi with a flicker of concern furrowing her brow. 

“Tomie...” Rumi muttered. Her voice scratching through her throat. 

This was it: Rumi's downfall. The climax of her fall. 

“I have to...go,” she said weakly. Her arms and legs buckled before she collapsed to the floor. 

Tomie's eyes swirled above Rumi as she shuddered. She gripped the edge of her table as she offered something that surprised them both. “I'll-I'll go with you,” she suggested. 

Rumi moaned as she laid flat on the floor. “Eh? I feel fine... I'm the strongest... Strongest woman in Japan. What's the worst that can...happen...” she asked as he voice dropped, echoing within the small space between her lips and the floor. 

The truth of it all - Rumi was scared of everything going on within the walls of her body. Her heart rate doubled by the second it seemed like, and despite collapsing on the floor, the world continued to spin. 

Tomie didn't have to say anything before Rumi reluctantly and bitterly agreed. 

“Fine...” she muttered. 

At the staging area for disaster relief, Keigo stood, elevated above his audience. They had managed to upgrade from a collection of tents to a local school building still in the process of recovering. Owning the stage with grace, he informed everyone of the situation and the strategy going forward. 

“Alright, folks, as you can see, we need to bring in more units from Osaka to help with food distribution. There should be approximately 50 more trucks coming in now that we have energy lines repaired. We've done good work by focusing on temporary infrastructure for water and medical units. But this won't happen overnight. It will take time to rebuild, but most importantly, it will take dedication and heart,” Keigo led the group of interns and emergency personnel all swarming him with questions and praise. Leadership was his element. He was practically altered in the laboratory of bureaucracy to handle crises on a micro and macro scale. And with the pure fuel of caffeine and protein bars, he was able to move forward with his charming wit and gusto.

Enji looked on with a general nod of approval as Keigo debriefed the press and the teams of commanders. 

Gripping the air, Izuku told his friends, “Hawks seems to be doing a lot better now. He's really in his element!” he declared. 

Katsuki snickered, “He's alright... until you mention Big Ears.” 

Shoto, being oblivious, stated the obvious. “Big Ears? As in Miruko?” asked Shoto, attempting to clarify. 

Tokoyami, standing nearby, cringed. While the others saw that Keigo grieved Rumi, Tokoyami knew just how happy he had been with her. When they rode on the train from Shizuoka to Wakayama, he could see the dark aura weighing Keigo down. He turned to Katsuki. “Oi...” he muttered before turning to Keigo who stood before them on the stage 

But it was too late. Keigo, in earshot, suddenly deflated. Losing his bravado, his shoulders dropped along with his mechanical wings. “Japan is depending on us and our...our,” Keigo stammered. His face grew pale. “Our loyalty. Our...dedication. And our heroism. And our love.” 

The words hung above the audience like an empty paper lantern but the inspiration managed to reach them regardless. 

As they rebuilt Japan, Keigo felt as if his own world was rapidly deteriorating. He fumbled over his personal crisis. 

Enji's words of approval rolled off of his shoulders. The kids looked on with admiration and respect. Keigo narrowly avoided Tokoyami's pitying gaze. 

He excused himself from the building to step out into a courtyard of fresh, green nature and flora curated by local landscapers. The strong summer sun shined down, eliminating shadows and demanding the remaining energy he had after another sleepless night. 

The darkening sky covered the mountains and promised to descend upon the vast landscape. 

If Keigo could, he would fly south just to see Rumi's face, but he couldn't even contact her with a quick phone call. There was never any answer. He couldn't enjoy the humor of her vulgar, emoji-ridden messages or share a sarcastic joke about the way Enji Todoroki tried to manage the teenagers. 

The overbearing radio silence dominated the moment. 

This meaningless, mundane moment quickly ended when a bush began to rustle. 

Keigo's eyes swept his surroundings to find an ivory, plump bunny bouncing from the bush and across a clearing - bare to the darkening sky. 

Keigo’s wings twitched instinctually like he could pounce at any moment just to touch its fur, but he restrained himself. He had seen rabbits everywhere lately even in places where there were none. But this one captured him. 

Something about this sighting felt important and bigger than him and his self-absorbed spiraling. 

Their eyes met. 

“Rumi...” he breathed with a sense of concern and urgency. 

With slow, careful footsteps, he approached the rabbit who sat still, breathing rapidly. 

Before he could touch the rabbit, his phone burst into a cacophony of hip hop music.

The rabbit scurried away back into a grove of bushes.

Keigo hurriedly took out his phone, but to his disappointment - it was Burnin. 

“What's up?” he answered, looking to the sky. 

“Hawks,” Moe said seriously, her voice sharp with concern. “Have you heard from Rumi? She's not answering.”

Keigo's heart pounded. “I-no. I haven't,” he admitted. “We haven't spoken since I left.” 

“I've been trying to contact her for days,” Moe began, her voice short and urgent. “You usually have tabs on everything - especially Rumi. And you just left her.”

Keigo held his breath, accepting this level of blame - any level of blame. Maybe it was worth contacting his mother or someone in Fukuoka. “She's been sick, and I'm just giving her a break.” And he and his incessant, suffocating attention was likely the cause. 

“Sick? How sick?” asked Moe, scorn igniting each syllable. 

For a rare moment, Keigo could not find the words. He wasn't really sure how to describe her sudden ailment. 

And he would not have to. 

“Oh my God, Hawks! Turn on the TV. Any channel - doesn’t matter which one,” she urged, her voice shaking. “It's...”

The call dropped. 

Keigo jetted back to the door and slammed it wide open. 

Raw, primal panic jolted him to the main area. 

His eyes lit up with the horror of the screen. 

A big, sensational headline read:

MIRUKO THE RABBIT HERO FOUND COLLAPSED. CONDITION: UNKNOWN

Her b-roll footage as well as glamorous montages flashed on screen. 

The worst had happened and he was across the country, away from her. 

“Rumi,” he breathed his name, wanting to shout and scream through the scream. 

His love. 

His Rumi. The Rumi he had sworn to protect. 

“Hawks, what is it?” asked Endeavor, rolling up to him in his wheelchair. 

The kids stood like a chorus of ghosts behind him. 

But Keigo's eyes fixated on the screen as the reporter announced, “This just in! We've received reports that she was spotted at the Fukuoka Convenience Store.”

The video began with a haunting shriek in the distance coming from a patch of trees and bushes. 

In the foreground, appeared a teenage girl with pink hair approaching Rumi who stood, swaying, staggering. Her eyes were unfocused and dilated. 

“Is that Miruko?” exclaimed Izuku, excitedly.

Keigo's brow furrowed as he studied every centimeter of her grainy, pixelated image. The figure was her, but it didn’t look like her emerging from the bushes.

Why was she in the bushes?

The girl in the video showed concern while the camera stayed running, asking if Rumi was okay and if she needed help. 

Keigo's mother hid behind Rumi. “We should l-leave...” murmured Tomie. “I told you to wait until we got home.”

In Rumi's hand was a white stick that swayed in her hands as she struggled to stay standing. Her chest heaved before she finally said the word. “A baby...” 

The girl stood still. “Baby? Miruko... Are you pregnant?!” 

Before Rumi could answer, the light left her eyes. As if overwhelmed by the weight of carrying secrets, she finally rested as she fainted. She fell back into Tomie's arms. 

The TV cut back to the news anchors. “Well, it sounds like she said ‘baby.’ This could mean anything at this point, so we will let you know if we hear anything else about her condition.”

They moved on to another story, but all eyes in the room were on Keigo. Accusations, questions, and scolding judgments laced the air in a way that hardly even mattered in that moment. 

His heart beat in his throat as he struggled to catch his breath. 

“Rumi...” he said again as if he could summon her back onto the screen or in front of him. 

The young heroes flashed looks of shock and contusion. 

Izuku turned to Keigo and asked, “What's wrong with Miruko, Hawks?” His eyes watered with a empathic concern for their well-being. 

“Hawks?” Shoto voice, a quiet murmur. “What does Hawks have to do with this?” he asked, his gaze fixed on Keigo in genuine curiosity. He kept a distance, unsure of how to respond. 

“Isn’t it obvious, IcyHot?” Bakugou sneered with a mix of disgust and amusement. He marched closer to the screen to point back at it “Bird-boy's been nesting with Bunny Ears. And what do you think happens when you put two hormonal animals in the same cage?” He disparaged the feral recklessness that led to such a situation. 

“Bakugou!” Tokoyami snapped in a low hiss. His feathers flared at the back of his head. His loyalty to his mentor and his happiness emerged through each syllable. “Do not mock them like that.” Katsuki’s acrid commentary insulted not just his mentor, but Rumi’s dignity as well. 

And with his eyes, he had witnessed fragments of their longing. He heard a thousand implications behind each word they spoke. And even as a novice spectator to intimacy like love, he could not forget the night he returned to the office for his backpack. Their breathless looks of passion lit the room in a way he didn’t entirely understand, but he knew enough to vow to protect this secret affair - no matter how innocent or illicit it may have been. 

All thoughts but Rumi evaporated from Keigo’s mind, but he spoke anyway. “Oh, you know,,” Keigo began, his voice strained, “it’s probably some AI trick sensationalized by the media. I’m sure the media has been hungry for a scandal since I’ve been gone.” To deny her suffering was a defamation to the both of them. He knew what they had done - what he had done to her on those long nights of heat and climactic bliss. His judgment succumbed to his “She’s gonna be pissed when she hears about this.” 

The silence that swept around him deafened him, but the rumors and speculation did not matter to him. His duty - the only way Keigo could protect a semblance of Rumi’s reputation was to deflect and deny. Her career, her preeminance as a top hero could not stand the criticism of the public. 

A rage of frustration furrowed his brow as he thought about the inevitable paparazzi and whispers to follow.

He’d been caught. Caught in the act, not of love, but of carelessness, of a disregard for the rules, the consequences, the way their actions, their desires, could ripple through their lives, their careers, their carefully crafted world.

He caught Endeavor’s scalding leer, his blue eyes filled with an oppressive judgement that would have unsettled Keigo if it weren’t for the turmoil that stormed within him

"Hawks," Endeavor growled, his heavy voice striking the silent air. "What have you done? Miruko is a respectable hero." 

Keigo forced a laugh, struggling to maintain a facade of composure. “Relax, Endeavor,” he responded with a smile. “I’m just being rational. I mean - a baby? Come on. It’s not the Meiji period anymore. A man and a woman can cohabitate without anything happening. Plus, there’s that birth control shot the HPSC mandates for female heroes. I’m just saying to not jump to conclusions. Regardless of what’s going on, I’m going to go back and check on her - just to make sure everything’s okay and hold her back from attacking paparazzi.” 

And he would go to her.

He had to.

“Take responsibility. And set things straight. Fix this, Hawks,” Endeavor towered over Keigo while crossing his arms. 

“I’ll check on her,” Keigo murmured, affirming what he had resolved to do before Endeavor had even commanded.

With everything that transpired over the past few minutes, Keigo had forgotten about the rain. As he raised his head, raindrops cascaded down his face. His mechanical wings or any wings at all would be useless. 

Suddenly, Shoto, Katsuki, Izuku, and Tokoyami burst out the door. 

“Hawks!” they called out. 

As Keigo turned around, Shoto tossed him a ring of keys. “Take the keys from my old man to an emergency van. We’ll figure the rest out later. Just do what you have to do.”

“Or I can fly you, Hawks - at least to the train station!” offered Tokoyami, a fond ally and possibly the person closest to his situation. “I may be able to get you there faster.”

Keigo smiled half-heartedly while the gestures were kind, he struggled to muster up a response. 

Katsuki crossed his arms tightly and tilted his head to the sky. “You’re being overdramatic. That rabbit’s tough. She may be down, but she’ll get back up again,” he said, straining to confess his sincere assurance. 

“Just do your best, Hawks. Your heart will reach her!” Izuku in his cloying nature managed to push his precarious composure over the edge 

With a nod, Keigo beamed at the boys and nodded. “Thanks, everyone,” he finally managed to say. “I'd take you up on that offer, Tsukuyomi, but I couldn't let you risk you risk your life. Why don't you come with me take the van to the train station? Then we can go straight to Fukuoka.”

Tokoyami nodded with a charged smile. “Yessir,” he agreed, walking ahead. 

“Shoto, thanks for the car. Tell your old man I'll fulfill my promise,” Keigo gave a thumbs up and walked towards the blue van marked with Osaka insignia. Despite the chipped paint and worn down seats, it had a full tank of gas. 

In no time, Keigo sat behind the wheel - on the way to Rumi. 

Next to him, Tokoyami checked the times and compared the train to car routes. “Looks like the train leaving from Wakayamashi Station has a 6 hour delay due to the tempestuous skies. Would you consider a different path?” He looks to Keigo, unsure of what his response would be next. “The roads may be too treacherous to continue onwards.” 

Keigo grinned feral and ready to overcome the path ahead, “I'm afraid I can't stop now, Tokoyami.” 

Tokoyami, at a loss for words, felt incapable of supporting Keigo in this path through the unknown. In comparison to his peers, he felt inferior in boosting morale. Regardless, he would persevere through the storm. 

“I've been so selfish. She may never love me, but if there's a chance that she needs me then I have to be there until she tells me to go,” he confessed. The heavy word of love flew from his mouth like feathers. 

Rain beat against the window. Thunder rattled the windows, but he knew he would be there soon. 

Chapter Text

“This is so fucking stupid,” Rumi snapped, dragging Tomie behind, firmly grasping her cold, bony hands. She knew she was losing her grip on her sanity, and so, she clutched at her impassioned anger. “You just watch my back, okay, Mama Takami? I don't need this getting to the news.”

“Then why didn't you try harder to disguise yourself?” Tomie asked while her floating eyes danced around Rumi's ears protruding from slots in a black baseball hat. 

Rumi swatted them away. “Oi, fuck off!” she chided a little too loudly.  As they searched down the aisles, Rumi shoved bags of colorful snacks under her free arm. 

When she saw limited edition dark chocolate covered gummy grapes, she nearly forgot why they came to the Happy Family Mart. 

She eventually found the section marked - Home Pregnancy Tests and hesitated before approaching. 

Sticking her tongue out, she stared at the offensively hot pink box. What would it mean to become a brood mother? 

“Someone's coming down the aisle,” noted Tomie. 

Quickly, Rumi snatched the box, put it into her jacket and dashed to the counter. 

She leaned forward to whisper to the clerk, “I have a very private, secret box in my jacket. I'm trying not to cause a scene, got it? How much do you want for it?”

The man blushed being so close to Mirko the rabbit hero. He shuddered at her voice against his ears. “Uh....just - um...” 

Rumi scoffed and got out a wad of cash and slammed it on the counter. “Whatever. Just take this,” she growled. She tried to have a modicum of shame or decency in this situation. After all, she had no idea how this would all turn out. 

Miruko - no, Rumi did not run away from her childhood home just to do a full 360, but as her future hopes of fighting dissolved into the air, she felt a sense of dread drop onto her like dead weight. 

Could she even defend her body in this position? Well, if she were in that condition... 

The automatic doors opened, triggering a standard jingle and channeling in a fresh wave of air, waking her to the reality of the moment. Armed with nothing but a bag of junk food and a neurotic in-law, Rumi thought a little harder than usual about her next move. 

Rumi thumped her foot to the pavement rapidly. “Ugh,” she hissed, furrowing her brow and surveying the area for a good spot to go. And she had to go quite urgently. 

Her face deepened into a scarlet brown as she bit her lip and turned to Tomie. “Oi, wait here!” she commanded before she saw a plush green grove of shadowy trees. 

“There's too many people, Rumi. Let's just-...” 

“Relax, Mama Takami. I can be surprisingly stealthy when I want to be,” said Rumi as she grinned and shrugged despite the fact that her foot thumped as hard as her heartbeat. “No one will suspect a thing.”

The next moments blurred together as colors and light before fading to an absolute darkness. 

Did Rumi die? 

No, her heart still beat within her chest - an echoing wave of sound vibrating in the abyss. She felt tethered to the conscious, the unconscious, and everything in between. 

But this faint beat signature - it was faster than her own heart, faster than her naturally quick footsteps. Vivace and full of anticipation, waiting to split through the sound barrier. 

What did that mean? 

Before she could focus her senses on the undertow of drumming, she was forced awake by the sharply creaking door. 

Her vision blurred back into the reality of white walls and sheets. Where was she? 

“Mama...Takami?” Rumi croaked. 

Maybe the door was...Keigo?

Rumi's ears twitched, searching for the deep register of his voice. But all she found were men in suits standing on each side of her bed. 

The man with blue hair waved with a cheerful smile. “Pleasure to see you again, Rumi Usagiyama,” he greeted her from the foot of her bed. “I'm Agent Nakamura, and I'd like to be the first to tell you: Congratulations.” He revealed his badge hanging at his hip. 

“Oh, right. The perv who was trying to get a peek at me when I was sleeping,” she dryly noted, eyeing him up and down. “Back for more?”

The two other agents gave him a disappointed frown. 

“I-That was just - protocol,” Nakamura cleared his throat. And nodded to the taller man to open a briefcase with a thick stack of papers. “Regardless, I know you prefer to be direct, so I'll make this quick - your stunt has triggered backlash across the nation. You've taken things a step too far, and your poor judgment has reflected poorly on the Hero Association, the HPSC, and your partnership with Hawks.”

Rumi ran her hand through her hair and stared at the ceiling. Right, she may have said something in front of that pink-haired girl with the phone. It didn't matter. “Okay? I don't give a shit,” she admonished the thought of getting obsessed with this popularity contest. “Get to the point, nerd.”

Nakamura sighed and said, “As per protocol, we need for you to marry Hawks.”

Without even blinking, Rumi replied, “No. Okay, what's next?” 

She wasn't going to be forced into a marriage. Not even a marriage with Keigo. 

“I thought you would say that, Miruko,” smirked Nakamura as he got out a pen. “If you read the contract, you'd see that your career is intrinsically tied to your reputation. And in the event that you and your hero partner end up with child, it is your duty to officialize the relationship. In writing.”

Duty, contracts, marriage - this all triggered deja vu. A time where she was voiceless, naive, weak, and she made a promise to her younger self that no one would trap her again. She acted alone...and had managed to prove her family, her former betrothed, and everyone wrong by becoming the best female hero Japan has seen in years. 

But she was still a hero - a public servant and a privatized product to be sold to the highest bidder. Miruko the Rabbit Hero had run away from her childhood home, lost half her body and some of her sanity just to become a commodity once again. 

Although the thought chilled her, she didn't waver in her resolve. She clenched her titanium fist around the stiff, white sheets. 

“You really want to test me? I'll run these streets within a week, and you'd be lucky if I chose the good side,” she sneered. “I'm not signing that shit.”

There was a pregnant pause. 

Her iron-clad conviction began to buckle beneath the heavy thoughts of those double pink lines. 

“I thought you'd say that, so this brings me to my final point: if you don't sign the contract, we'll have to transfer Keigo to another department: Special Operations.” Nakamura held up a sheet of the contract.

Rumi's blood pressure spiked upon hearing that news. Her ears rang, for she knew Keigo wanted. That one winter night where his voice cracked and let everything pour out between them, she could recall the blue tint that filled the air. 

For Rumi, the conversation wove threads between them, binding their fates for the foreseeable future. Although she had yet to yield anything of her background to him, 

In their unbalanced situation, all she did was take from him as she claimed his home, his time, and evidently his heart. 

Her knuckles twitched as she felt a wave of dizziness. Every time she thought about those whispered love confessions from weeks ago, her stomach fluttered in a way that had little to do with the undeveloped ball of energy in her gut. 

While Keigo rarely claimed what he wanted, his reticent declaration stuck with her. He didn't want to go back to the life of deceit and betrayal. For the first time, Keigo in his reticent declaration, wanted a peaceful life. And he wanted Rumi. 

And Rumi wanted...

She wanted Keigo - as much as she could get of him in any way he came. Partner, friend, lover. The form didn't matter as long as it was him.

Rumi could still hear the delicate whisper of Keigo's voice when he said how they were made for each other. She teased him incessantly for such a cheesy line, but it rang true. It was a unique moment for her. 

Without another echo of a thought, she plucked the pen from the briefcase and scratched each stroke of the Kanji onto the crisp paper hard enough to engrave it. 

This wasn't a cage or a trap. This was a home they built together - a shield to the outside world and all who threatened it. 

“Leave,” she ordered them with her eyes shut, not giving them the privilege of seeing into her reasoning. “Don't say a single fucking word about this to Keigo until I tell you, got it?” 

“And, Keigo, he will sign it right, Usagiyama?” 

Rumi didn't open her eyes and turned away. “Of course, he will. He's crazy about me,” she said with a quiet conviction. 

As the agents filed out, Rumi fell back onto the bed. Keigo was probably worried about her at that point. She gazed out the window, watching birds fly past. 

A sense of freedom and relief washed over her despite her condition. They had nothing to fear anymore. She could be with Keigo in any way she wanted - kiss him on top of the Tokyo tower. 

Suddenly, a pair of eyes peeked from the edge of the bed. 

“Tomie?!” Rumi leaned over the edge to see the middle aged woman curled up underneath. Rumi reached out and pulled her out. “What the hell are you doing down there?” she grinned as she helped Tomie up. She could have wagered cash that Tomie had run away, left her for dead after she passed out on the side of the road. 

“I don't like the agents. They scare me,” Tomie admitted, getting to her feet. “They use force just like they forced you to sign the contract to marry my son.”

Stretching her arms back, she shook her head and chuckled, “Nah, nah - I'm fine, really. I mean I could have wiped them out with this pillow if I wanted to.” Rumi was the first to gloat about her magnificent agility and tactical combat skills. “But I will say: I never thought I'd willingly walk into this. I feel like I'm going nuts.”

She let out a dry laugh. 

“But when they threatened Keigo...” Rumi began, clenching her jaw. “I kinda snapped. I'd do anything for that bird.’

Tomie noted, “It's happening very fast.”

“That's what I get for stalling,” Rumi shrugged, having hardly acknowledged the full gravity of her circumstance or the media buzz surrounding her at that moment. 

In a monotone whisper, Tomie asked, “Why would you agree to something like that?” 20 years ago, it was Tomie signing Keigo's life away for an easier life away from the oppressive fumes of poverty. She could still recall the cold weight of the pen in her hand as she agreed to place the burden of the family and Japan on her son's small shoulders.

And here, the pompous and egocentric Rumi had sacrificed her freedom for Keigo. 

Finally, there was someone to love Keigo just as he loved the world. 

Rumi shrugged with a smug smile. “It's nothing, really. I'm not going to collapse under the weight of a piece of paper,” she facetiously claimed. Suddenly, her swagger yielded to a wave of warmth erupting in her chest. “Besides, I'd do anything for that bird.”

Tomie's eyes scanned Rumi's face for any deception, but she never told a lie. Her heedless spirit, too strong to hide behind shame... There were exceptions of course. “You need to talk to him - not me,” she said. 

Meanwhile, kilometers away in the sky, that bird cut through the air at a terrifying pace. His mechanical, prosthetic wings beat against the air, causing a windstorm around him. 

Below him, the peaceful Fukuoka glowed in the orange evening light, blurring as he accelerated. His eyes strained as he scanned the western horizon for the hospital. 

Just as he darted ahead, his mind raced faster. “She's okay. She has to be,” he said to himself as if he could manifest her well-being. 

However, Keigo had not been able to get much information from the hospital over the phone, and as usual, his mother failed to keep hers on hand. 

Who was Rumi's emergency contact anyway? 

They'd contact her if she were in serious condition, right? 

Just then, Keigo spotted a jet black, unmarked helicopter moving quickly down the streets. He knew that car anyway. The HPSC loomed in the area, likely circling the vicinity for Rumi. 

Keigo’s instinct - his wild, powerful impulse was to jet towards the helicopter, cutting its path away from Rumi. But that'd be violent, perverse, and most importantly, it would pull him away from his main objective - finding her. 

He could hear her melodic laughter and feel the warmth of the smile burned into his tunneling vision. If only he could hold her just to feel that she had life left... he just needed her powerful yet petite presence pressed up against his chest. Like she did every night they shared a bed. 

So he steadied his path and focused his vision, finally seeing the red, glowing H atop the skyscraper of the hospital. His metal wings sliced through the air, leaving a blurred afterimage of red. 

Upon landing, he encountered a wild and hungry cloud of intrusive press and aggressive fans, greedily vying for his attention. But he didn't have his mind to spin this story into something palatable for the general audience of Japan. 

“Hawks, are you responsible for Miruko's condition?” 

“Hawks, why were you and Miruko separated for so long?” 

“Hawks, are you and Miruko secretly together?” 

The scent of perfume and antiseptic swept past his senses, dying in the air conditioned cold of the building. He clenched the air as his breath stiffened, freezing in his gut. While he forced a carefully calm expression, the tension at his temples drummed up a fierce heat. 

The hospital staff scrambled when he entered the lobby and stood as a barrier with their directives and flimsy concern to provide his identification as per the protocol. 

They knew damn well who he was. Hawks, the Winged Hero - the newest number one hero and the cold hearted assassin that could take down a villain in one, callous blow.

Keigo furrowed his wild brow as it cast a shadow over his eyes. Revealing his hero license, he simply announced, “Now, let me through.” 

The staff stood speechless. Eyes wide, mouths agape, and a chilling silence filling the air. Before passionate cheers overwhelmed the lobby. 

“Hawks is so dreamy when he's serious!” 

“Such a rare sight wow! I'm in love.”

“That look in his eyes is fierce,” squealed one of the reporters as she snapped a picture. 

Keigo let out a deep sigh, “Give me a break.” He wasn’t exactly trying to deliver fan service at that moment. He turned to the nurses’ station and asked a clear and concise question, “Just give me Miruko’s room number...please.” The silent threat hung heavy at the edge of his words...or was it a simple plea?

“Please, right this way,” smiled an older nurse politely as she gestured in the direction of the southern elevators. “She will be down on the 24th floor.”

This was promising. She was alive at least or there was a different Miruko in the building. 

As he stood with the nurse, suddenly the moment hit him. If Mirko was well and alive, then what was going on with her? Was she actually dealing with this medical mystery alone? If that was the case, then perhaps there was something else separating her from him. 

Something deeper than proximal distance. 

The elevator pinged, plucking Keigo from his thoughts. A draft rushed to wake him. 

The nurse led Keigo down the hallway. She folded her hands neatly in front of her. “Sorry about the staff. I'll be sure to lecture them later on keeping tighter security. But...” she stopped and sighed in front of room 2402. “I think everyone gets excited when we see two people so in love.”

Love. That word that had been stuck in his throat. Rumi seemed to fear love. He let out a quick, reflexive denial. “Oh, we're just...” he began, but the words tangled with his tongue. 

The door opened to reveal Rumi doing a picture perfect Waterfall Yoga Pose with her legs stretched to the ceiling as she lay flat. 

“Hey, Birdie, took you long enough,” she complained with an unamused grimace on her face. With that, she hopped up to the edge of the bed and looked him up and down. “And I can't believe you had the nerve to fly across the country empty-handed. You're so full of yourself.”

Keigo's eyes widened. He had forgotten how beautiful her platinum white hair shined against her copper brown skin. His knees weakened, and he quickly stepped closer to her. “Rumi...” he breathed, his voice at a strange octave higher than normal. His heart raced as he came closer to her. 

“I'll leave you to be alone with her,” said the nurse as she closed the door. 

The light in Rumi's ruby red eyes was enough to cull Keigo's worries.

She cupped his jaw, studying the worn lines below his eyes. “Damn, you look like shit, too... Keigo,” she said his name with a sickening pleasure. 

Keigo held the hand that caressed him, brushing his lips lightly against her fingertips. A warmth rushed through his chest. “I had to take a train, you know - I'm sorry.”

Gently, she tugged at his jacket, with a silent plea for his closeness. She needed all of his warmth. “Oi, don't apologize. Just think of how you're gonna make it up to me,” she calmly demanded. 

Their lips met but all too briefly. 

“Okay,” he agreed as if he committed to anything she wished. His knees buckled against the bed. 

Their lips found each other again. Like they always did. 

Keigo's fingers tangled with Rumi's long hair. “What do you need from me?” he asked with an earnest desperation that made Rumi weak. 

“I want some change for some more chips. You know the ones I like - seaweed flavor. Rumi spent all the money at the convenience store,” said Tomie from the corner of the room. 

Keigo pulled Rumi to his chest as he surveyed the room. “Mom?!” he exclaimed, his face growing red. 

“I didn't mean to interrupt,” she said as more of a statement than an apology. 

Keigo's shoulders slumped. 

“Oi, be grateful to Mama Takami,” Rumi directed Keigo. “She actually did something useful and saved me.” Well, she wasn't certain that Tomie saved her, but the fact that she had stayed at the hospital with her meant something. But, she kept Keigo still, pulling close to her body.

He rested a hand between Rumi's ears. “Relax, I didn't say anything. I was just surprised to see her,” Keigo said gently as he grabbed a few bills from his pocket. “Thank you for watching over Rumi. I was losing my mind over this distance.”

For a rare moment, Tomie felt a warmth from Keigo's fleeting glance wash over her. “I'm tired, and I want to go home now,” she said with a quick nod. “I give you my blessing to do whatever you want together.”

Heat bloomed across Keigo's cheeks. He got out his phone as his thumb danced across the screen to order a private car. “Please, Mom. Thank you. I just want to talk to her.”

“It's not like anything else can happen at this point. Our fate is sealed,” Rumi snarked with a dry laugh. 

As he submitted the request, Keigo caught a glimpse of Rumi's smile. There was something else behind those ruby eyes. He watched as his mother grabbed her belongings and left the room, but he also watched Rumi. 

Right, the pregnancy - such a heavy burden to bear alone if the rumor were true. Did Rumi want it to be true? 

As he settled in the chair at Rumi's bedside, his eyes kept flitting between her face and her belly. He wasn't sure what to make of a potential child. While he always knew this would be a possibility, his plan was purely dependent on Rumi's sentiment and ultimately her decision. 

Being an expert with strategy, he had considered the logistics of most possible outcomes. If Rumi was happy, Keigo would take responsibility and stay by her side through it all while protecting her right to choose marriage or single motherhood. If she were upset, he would help her heal and make the decision that was right for her. And if she were not pregnant and disappointed... Well, he'd take his time and watch her cues until she were receptive to the idea of starting a family...if she ever were. 

For now, he wanted to let her bring it up. 

So, as she settled into bed and excitedly told him of her domestic shenanigans with his mother, he played the part of her doting partner. Here and there, he'd have a witty remark or anecdote. 

But he noticed how tight his abdomen had become. He desperately had to know what she felt about... Them. It was the same compulsion that caused him to run away. 

“You're crazy, you know that? You keep forgetting I can read your heart,” she smirked, poking at Keigo's chest. 

He frowned, “And? What now?” His tension was understandable surely. Even to an impulsive creature such as Rumi. He thought he may never see her alive again. 

She chewed on her lip as her mechanical fingers played with the space between his. Her eyes met his as she nodded. Her hand finally interlocked with his. “I'm not going to run away. I'm gonna give it my all and take responsibility.”

Keigo's brow twitched. “Shouldn't that be my line?” he asked, pointing at himself with a free hand. “So, is it true?” 

“I'm...marrying you,” she declared. Their eye contact finally broke as did her resolve. 

“Wait, what?!” Keigo jumped up, backing away from Rumi like she had morphed into something unrecognizable. “Why marriage? Now? You said you hated the idea.”

Then, he recalled the unmarked helicopter flying away from the hospital. His heart sank. This was them, and their influence. It had to be them. “What did they say to you?” he asked with a demand latent in his breath. 

Rumi shrugged and smirked, “What are you talking about, Birdie? This is my decision. I'm marrying you, and we're going to take responsibility. “

“No,” Keigo thought. The lights of the hospital suddenly burned against his skin like noxious antiseptic. His mind raced as his gaze jumped around her face. He held her shoulders, focusing her on him. He swallowed as he continued thinking.  “This isn't your decision, Rumi. Tell me what you're thinking. You haven't even said how you felt about me...” 

She seemed calm. Serious. But calm. Happy? That had yet to be determined. 

Rumi squirmed beneath Keigo's leer. This was her choice... She loved him. And while this wasn't the most ideal circumstance, she never mapped up a plan for getting knocked up by her lover/roommate/hero partner. This was the most viable option. It was the only way to keep him safe. 

She realized she rested a hand on her belly. 

“So are you in or out?” she chuckled, feeling a wave of dizziness as her head hit the mattress. 

Keigo looked her up and down again. “I..So...it's true, then? You're...” he thought he could say it.

“Knocked up? Yeah, but that much was obvious. After our hot and heavy mating season, it was bound to happen eventually,” she joked, waving off the thought for another day. “I thought this would be a no-brainer for you, birdboy. You're like the model citizen. Of course, you'd... Take responsibility.” It was a good thing Keigo couldn't hear her heart beating so wildly. It was a good thing he didn't sense how fragile she felt as her words broke apart in her tight throat. 

“Y-yeah, but Rumi! Just think about this. A few weeks ago, you hated the idea of marriage and love... What changed now?” Keigo asked frantically. He couldn't connect the pieces. There had to be an outside force that influenced Rumi's decision. 

Rumi tilted her head as she pointed down at her belly. “Uh...hello? Don't you think bun in the bunny may have something to do with it?” she snarked sarcastically. “It was getting to that point anyway.”

Keigo narrowed his eyes, stepping closer to her and penetrating her defenses. He cupped her chin and gently tilted her head up to meet his gaze. “Rumi...if anyone is forcing you into this, I'll take care of them,” he said deliberately and direct. 

“Woah, you get my heart racing when you get all vengeful,” she chirped with a glimmer in her eyes. Her heart raced because she had no doubt he would do something crazy if he had the chance.

But... This was her choice. She wanted to marry Keigo and protect him. Always. “Is it really that hard to believe that I may just want you?” 

Keigo's eyes widened. His pupils dilated for a split second. Want. That was different from love, but... Was it enough for her, for him, and for them to be together? 

Rumi wrapped her arms around his neck as she gently brought him towards her. “You just don't know how to turn your brain off, do you?” she asked, pulling him in for a kiss.

But Keigo stopped her, forcing a pause before his action. Wedging in silent thoughts between them once again. 

“I love you,” he confessed in a moment of weakness. 

Rumi shuddered. An uncontrollable wave of sensation shook her to the core, but it wasn’t fear. To her surprise, he said it. He said it to her with conviction, direction, and certainty. His words had gripped her, leaving no room for doubt or fear. And she was helpless to resist his aura pouring over her. She kissed him again, accepting his confession past her lips, taking him into her essence. 

His direct, almost vengeful confession had overwhelmed her in an instant. Turning her into a substance much more pliable than flesh. But, between her heavy breaths, she still had the bark to ask, “So... is that a yes?” She smirked. Haughty. Proud. But at the weakest, she'd felt in years. 

“Definitely.”

Chapter Text

The doctor arrived just as the room did a 360. The woman with blonde hair tied up into a tight bun silently reviewed the chart while standing over Rumi's bed. 

The reality came fast and hard. This was real. 

“We were able to do some diagnostic testing while you were resting, Miruko,” the doctor began, whether the pair was prepared or not. “But, before I begin, what is your relation to Miruko at this time, Mr. Hawks?” 

Eager to move forward, Rumi quickly answered, “This lewd rooster is the one responsible.”

Keigo kept a straight face as heat reddened his face. He retreated back to the chair at Rumi's bedside, sitting with impeccable posture. 

Jeez. She had no filter. “I'm her fiancé,” he added with a delighted smirk, seeing her tense up and squirm. 

“S-She didn't need to know that!” Rumi lashed at Keigo. 

The doctor continued as if no one had spoken, jumping right into the depths of the conversation. She maintained an even, calm voice like a news broadcaster as she discussed concepts like far along, animal quirk hyperfertility, and the most daunting - ‘options.’ “So, Miruko, Hawks, do you have any questions?” asked the doctor. 

Keigo's mind could not form a thought around the fetus he didn't know existed, but keeping his head above water, he answered with humor, “How long do you have? Haha. I'm a bird out of water with... hatching eggs.” The light-hearted euphemisms came out heavier than he expected. The truth continued to unravel like a worn sweater. 

With awe, Rumi nodded with a giant, giddy grin, “They'll be a bunny for sure, right?” Steam pumped out of her nose as she felt another surge of energy. 

“It's possible, but if Hawks has a strong quirk lineage in his family, then the baby can still inherit traits from prior generations,” the doctor nodded politely. 

Keigo let out a quick sigh, enjoying the reprieve from tension. Maybe this could work out. Maybe they could actually start a life together. A proper house.. He'd have a sliver of life and peace in their home that he had never known before and provide a loving space that he could never have imagined.

The doctor then added, “It's nice to see you two are looking forward to starting a family. Many heroes see this as a difficult decision to prioritize home life over hero life.”

There it was, the crux of reality. 

Rumi shrugged, “With the combat ban, it's not like we have much of a hero life to begin with.” 

“We can talk more about that later,” Keigo jumped in. He knew the protocol still stood despite the peacetimes. Rumi’s life would change dramatically. But, they did not have to discuss that now. At that point, Keigo was still not fully convinced that Rumi was as happy as she claimed to be. “I think we've had enough major life events for one day, right?” he joked with a hint of strain in his voice. 

The doctor smiled, “I understand. Congratulations, Hawks, Miruko, on the baby and the engagement. Please schedule an appointment for later this week. I'll get your discharge paperwork in order.” 

Once the doctor left, Rumi fell back into bed with a joyful sigh. “Wah, okay. I think I'm going to take a nap when we get home - wait, no, maybe we can pick up some pizza on the way, watch some shows - oh we still have to finish Weak Hero, and oh, I got a surprise for you. You're going to hate it,” she grinned, mischievously. 

Keigo stretched out his shoulders with a delightful crack. This bunny was not going to give him a moment of silence to digest what had just happened in the last half hour. As much as he wanted to put the plotting on a back burner, he needed to give this more thought: how could he best protect Rumi? 

His gloved hand patted the crown of her head before she attempted to chomp at him like a feral beast. “She's being so cute. Is she seriously excited about everything?” he thought to himself. 

As endearing as Rumi was, the lingering questions swirled around in his thoughts like sludge. Tendrils of the HPSC still grasped at him, wringing his stomach, constricting his breath. He failed to rid himself of the feeling. 

Once they got the okay to leave, it took divine intervention to get Rumi to stay grounded. They argued at the entrance, and in this rare circumstance, Rumi was losing. 

“Miruko,” Keigo addressed her by her public hero name in a calm yet firm voice, pushing gently down on her shoulders. “If you want to go through with this, you need to be more careful: We're taking a cab.” He glowered down at her as she mentally processed her state. 

“Oh, really? Bird boy is all of a sudden wanting to be careful,” said Rumi as she scowled and stuck her tongue out. 

With a heavy sigh, Keigo proceeded to call a taxi from the hero fleet. 

For a few moments, Rumi argued with herself. If she wants to go through with it... he had said like he wasn't in the trenches with her, too. Like the obvious that she would not only go through with this but dominate...the pregnancy and anything that followed. 

She looked up at the night sky. The bright city lights obscured the stars. They felt so far away, and the surface felt so small. She had lived in the sky part-time for most of her life. Not even amputating 3 of her limbs could keep her down. And now... 

“Hey, Miruko?” Keigo flashed a sly grin, attempting to break the silent tension, “Wanna hold my hand?” He teased her with such an innocent gesture, flexing his fingers next to hers. 

Rumi blankly stared at Keigo. For her, the ground was a temporary handicap, but for Keigo, he had lost so much and struggled just to regain a fraction of his original power. Knowing him, he was probably freaking out and just not willing to show all his cards. 

Suddenly, she jumped on his arm, snuggling against him. “Fine, when’s this taxi getting here?” she asked, looking up at him.

“Actually, I was thinking,” he grinned. His hands slid down to her hips - professionally. “I’m pretty eager to get home, so why don’t we travel by air?”

Rumi let out a small gasp before she squealed. “That’s surprising for an uptight guy like you,” she grinned back at him and leaned further into him. The warmth of his body felt amazing despite the muggy summer evening.

Keigo laughed before he whispered in her sensitive ears, “You know...you’re the only one who says I’m uptight.” His mechanical wings slid out and began to beat against the night air. He zipped his tan flight jacket around her. 

“That’s because I know you,” she declared. 

With that, they launched into the air. 

“Why dare to fly like this? Because, bunny,” Keigo thought to himself as he securely flew her through the skies. “I want to be the one to bring you home.”

Rumi bit her lip hard. He knew she found this kind of spontaneous flight to be irresistible. 

From there, they embarked on a slow and steady flight through the skies, over the concrete jungle of Fukuoka, and straight to the outskirts where they resided. Keigo hugged her securely above her waist. 

Once they landed at their doorstep, Keigo kept her in his arms. The distant songs of crickets echoed through the dark alleyways of the neighborhood. The stars speckled the sky like glittery dust. And, while he felt content to be finally home, the expansiveness of the night made him feel exceptionally exposed, targeted - endangered. 

Whether Rumi was ready to admit it or not, she was in a defenseless state for the first time in her life.

To Keigo’s disappointment, Rumi broke away from his embrace and jumped at a package the size of a cake box. 

“Ah!” she screamed, shaking the box. “They’re here. Come on, open the door!” She lunged at the door, and it opened with little effort. Immediately, she began to open the box.

Keigo’s eyebrow twitched as he turned on the lights to see the house mostly unchanged except for some clothes here and there. “Rumi...did you leave the door unlocked?” he asked, his forehead sweaty. It happened before, but it was less of an issue when she was at full capacity. What kind of trouble would she get into during the next several months – years.

She shrugged, flippantly, as she ripped through the packaging. “Jeez, Kei, you’re gonna explode if you act like I’m made of glass, you know,” said Rumi, not looking up.

“I...” he froze as he tried to maintain a flimsy smile. She wasn't wrong. “That’s not-...I...”

“I know you’re probably thinking something cheesy like ‘Oh no, I have to protect my beloved little bunny. What am I going to do?’” she complained, mocking Keigo in his usual tone and inflection. She went on a rant, “Just cut it out, okay? I know, this is going to tank my career. I know, I’m going to be out of commission for a while. And yes, I realize I can’t hop around the rooftops anymore, but none of that matters right now. Right now, let's just go back to normal, and all this is even happening. I just want to be Alone. With...”

Her rant came to a screeching halt like something stopped her. This felt a lot like the dance they did before he disappeared. Rumi - squeezing the life out of their little rituals of domestic life. Keigo - aloof in his world of calculation, yet struggling to keep the mood light. 

But Keigo couldn't help but think. That's what he did. After all, his roommate evaded every question deeper than a puddle — always wanting to disconnect and deny. As much as she was a brutal badass, she still had her own way of avoiding the issue. 

Keigo gently tugged at her rabbit ears.

“Yeah, yeah, a normal night - whatever that means for you. I get it, Buns,” he sighed as he knelt beside her. “I’ll try to chill out, okay? Lots of pieces to this, but you’re right. Let’s be couch potatoes again. I'm pretty beat anyway from flying around the world.” 

The familiar gesture of his grip on her long ears sent warmth through her cheeks. God damn, she had missed that earthy scent of his. She didn't just have to sniff it through his laundry anymore. 

Despite how pathetic she felt, this was exactly what she wanted. It had been too long since she had felt his touch. And this house had been suffocatingly cold despite the warm weather. But now, in their little bungalow, they could start where they left off. 

Finally, Keigo caught sight of the contents of the package. A fluffy yellow and red chicken zip-up...? “Rumi, what is that?” he asked...reluctantly.

“Oh, this?” she flashed a flowery smile with a flash of ferocity in her crimson eyes. “One of those custom-made Kigurumis for me and one for you. You know how I love to coordinate.” She held up the other - a fluffy, white rabbit onesie - and handed it to him.

While Rumi bounced up to strip her clothes, Keigo sighed and smiled fondly at the pajamas. Her absence from the home, her eagerness to go back to normal... “Is she wanting routine or escape?” he wondered as he shed his shirt. Maybe both. 

After changing into the ridiculous pajamas (with Rumi making a yellow chicken onesie look both cute and hot in Keigo's opinion), Rumi hopped on the couch with Keigo and started one of their shows back up. 

While this was technically part of their routine, they both noticed a tension like a water droplet ready to splatter. This was nothing compared to their months-long battle of yearning. It did not frighten them, but maybe it should have. 

Rumi cuddled up to Keigo on the couch, nuzzling against his shoulder before he wrapped an arm around her. She buoyed on the edge of sleep and tranquility despite the suspenseful drama. 

Meanwhile, Keigo made an effort to silence his suspicion and remain in the moment. With gentle kisses, he grounded himself and tried to follow the plot of the show just in case Rumi decided to quiz him. 

Rumi was suspiciously silent. Her breath was growing slower. But then, a trailer for a horror zombie movie aired, startling her with a cheap jump scare.

“Eee,” she yelped at a surprisingly high pitch. 

Keigo covered his mouth as he chortled. “Did that startle you, great Rabbit Hero Miruko?” he asked while keeping his eyes fixed on her reddening features. 

“Shut up,” she turned away, hiding her face with the hood of her onesie. “It was just kind of loud.”

As Keigo adjusted the volume, a different commercial came on about diapers. “Talk about whiplash,” he joked. 

But looking over to Rumi, her eyes locked onto the screen as the baby got their diaper changed. There was quite a twinkle in her dreamy crimson eyes as she watched the giggling baby. A gentle smile touched her lips as she gazed beyond the television. 

A normal man would have asked his significant other how they, but the words tangled in Keigo's throat. 

Her feathery breath brushed as she finally dozed off against him. 

Keigo let out a sigh. “Good talk,” he muttered, turning off the TV. He would have to work on expressing his thoughts.

Suddenly, his phone let out a screeching alarm. He scrambled to silence the device while keeping Rumi undisturbed in an awkward maneuver that miraculously worked. 

VILLAIN ALERT LEVEL: CRITICAL. SEEK SHELTER IMMEDIATELY. MULTIPLE CASUALTIES REPORTED WITHIN 10 KILOMETERS OF YOUR LOCATION. 

Keigo's heart dropped as his breath stopped. This wasn't supposed to happen. These were peacetimes. There had not been a disaster this severe since the Final War. This Happy Hero initiative was failing, leaving Japan open to attack. 

Hawks - the would-be number one hero - was quirkless, powerless, and his pregnant partner had no arms of defense. 

“Keigo?” Rumi stirred, clutching at his ridiculous attire. “You good?” 

He rose to his feet, pulling her into his arms. “Let's go to bed, bunny,” he whispered. His heart beats must have disturbed her. 

The silence returned, swallowing her into slumber. 

Keigo sighed for the 10th time that day once he laid her in their futon.. Their quiet evening had come to an abrupt end.

He was locking down the door and windows when he realized his hands were trembling... 

Keigo had a phone call to make. 

Once the alert expired and all was calm, Keigo left Rumi’s side. He found himself in the cluttered second bedroom where his horde lay, Keigo perched upon a stack of miscellaneous boxes. He never visited this room, filled with clutter that he couldn’t let go of, but he definitely couldn’t care enough to sort through items of his past, books he’s never read, and an impressive amount of Endeavor paraphernalia. But changes would need to come soon and rapidly.

He dialed up Nakamura...his overseer, who answered immediately, “Nice of you to contact me, Hawks, late into the evening.”

“Hey, we need to talk. First of all, did you get Miruko to sign anything?” Keigo interrogated, his voice sharp as a dagger.

There was some muffled movement before Nakamura said, “She told me not to say anything.”

“I’m guessing it has to do with hakamas and golden screens, right?” guessed Keigo, sarcastically. Rightfully so, Nakamura had been intimidated by Rumi’s demands. “Send me the contract. Let me look it over.”

“Okay, but please don’t bring me into your relationship conflict with your blushing bride,” Nakamura agreed with an exhausted sigh.

Keigo received the contract on his phone and quickly read it over: marriage, publicity, promotional deals with fashion designs. It was all in line with the rules that he knew by heart. He had gotten his partner pregnant out of wedlock, and now it was his duty to seal the deal. No amount of maneuvering could change what was codified into their obligations.

However, there were curious consequences to declining  like Rumi and Keigo losing their standing in society and accepting the scorn of the public. 

So then that was why Rumi was behaving so strangely about marriage - they coerced her into it to protect her career. The clause noted increasing PR protections to maintain their standing with the public and companies 

Keigo knew it was traditional for heroes to shoulder the scandal if they didn't play by the rules. Even from an impulsive fling, a hero could lose partnerships and popularity overnight. How could he put Rumi through that when she fully expected to return as a hero?

“That must be why she signed...” he muttered. Should he be relieved or concerned? They didn't really have a choice. 

Keigo recalled the moments when Rumi expressed hope to return to the battlefield. Her smile lit up his mind whenever she talked about victories, achievements. That likely was her main motivation for this, so he vowed to do whatever was necessary to support that goal.

To Nakamura's surprise, Keigo returned the forms e-signed and dated. “Takami, you've just signed the most important deal of your life,” he chuckled. 

Right, Nakamura was most motivated by money. 

“I'm not really interested in exploiting our... relationship, but I understood the risks going into this,” he wearily explained. Nothing he said to the public had to be true - he had that much freedom.

Keigo glanced out the window into the black night that offered more unknowns than comfort. “Another thing: I have a huge favor,” added Keigo as he turned his attention to the master bedroom door. 

“What is it?” Nakamura asked politely. 

“I need my quirk back ASAP, so send me whatever deal we need to make to make that happen - Special Ops, a hand, cash. I'm now open to whatever it takes,” directed Keigo. He needed to protect this tiny family of his. 

Nakamura yawned, “Wow, I was going to save that spiel for later, but you're kilometers ahead of me, Takami.”

The Special Operations Enlistment Agreement showed up on his phone. He scanned through the same document he signed yearly for most of his life, but this didn't feel like enough. Having a quirk, working in the underground of society - he had the sinking, gut-wrenching feeling that he needed more power. More intelligence. 

More control. 

As he signed it, he made an agreement with himself to aim for higher. 

“Excellent,” chuckled Nakamura a little too happily. “Get some rest, Takami, you'll need it.”

The conversation began to fade before Keigo returned to the futon to lie with his fiancée. He stared at her abdomen, obscured by the thick cloth of her pajamas. 

Fortunately, Rumi slept heavily. 

Unfortunately, Keigo did not.

Rumi woke to a morning darker than usual. Maybe it was a morning summer rain. But the cold spot in the bed felt like a significant betrayal. 

She groaned, “Motherfucker...” Over-sleeping weighed heavy on her head but not nearly as much as Keigo’s absence.This wasn't supposed to happen anymore - especially not the day after his big return. 

To her side, her phone was miraculously lit up, on, and charging with a new message. 

She snatched it to read through the texts. On top of the long history of texts from the last few weeks from friends, colleagues, and Keigo, he had sent an apology text:

“Sorry, bunny. I went to run an errand. I'll be back soon after you wake up,” Keigo messaged after a long line of messages of concern and borderline panic. There was a winking emoji at the end. 

“Fuck him for always plotting something,” she grumbled, burying her face into the pillows. 

“What was that?” he asked. Keigo appeared in the doorway, the dull morning sun glittered his golden features.  “I figured you'd be sleeping in today.” He glided to her bedside and sat with crossed legs, looking down at her. 

His smooth voice alone was enough to get her heart going. She stretched into his lap, feeling the warmth of his body caress her. 

Keigo gently stroked her hair. “I expected a much more heated welcome. Is this the new Rumi?” he asked cheekily.

“No, I'm just half asleep,” she muttered, nuzzling up to his firm abdomen. Truthfully, she was hopelessly happy to see him. “New Rumi will probably get some giant tits and hips over the next year.” 

He chuckled, clearing his throat. “That'll be something. You already have...ahem,” he gulped. 

Rumi laughed with a cocky grin. His fluster was so irresistible. Getting worked up over body changes. What a pervert. She climbed up to his shoulders to kiss his neck. That delicious tension coiling around him - she could feel it. 

However, Keigo's energy was more desperate than depraved. His mind was somewhere else as he stayed limp and distant. 

“I actually have something that I need to tell you before I melt all over you,” he began before repositioning her to sit up. Their eyes met direct and firm. Keigo smiled as proudly in a way that didn't quite reach his eyes. 

Rumi let out a nervous laugh. “Yeah? What is it?” she asked. The worst thing he could say was that he's having second thoughts. “Thinking of calling things off?” she blurted. 

“What? No, Rumi,” restarted Keigo. He pulled her in. “You are my priority right now. Everything I do connects back to you and our...future.” The warmth finally reached his eyes as he fixed a lock of her hair. 

Narrowing her eyes, she complained, “Okay, then what's with this buildup?”

“Well, it's just a big change: I signed the contract,” he confessed. 

Rumi's eyes widened as she grinned, “The contract thing? I thought I'd have to spend weeks convincing you! So that's it? We're getting married?!” There was a slight irritation in her gut about these surprises, but at least she didn't have to watch him go back to sacrificing his happiness. 

“Oh, and also. I'm transferring. That part won't change anything with us. It comes with a large pay bump and some added bonuses,” he smiled like it was a small addition of information. “I'll have to step out for some missions here and there. But this time, I asked for more work-life balance. We'll see how it works out in Special Operations.” 

“What the fuck?!” Rumi shouted. 

Chapter Text

“I signed the stupid contract for you to live your stupid peaceful domestic life - not to kamikaze into the hands of those...those...shitfucks!” exclaimed Rumi. Her chest heaved with exhaustion. 

“...shitfucks?” Keigo muttered to himself. However, it appeared to him that Rumi was somehow more frustrated with the special operations contract than the marriage contract. 

Rumi held up a finger to Keigo as tears sparkled in her eyes. “You went behind my back!”

“Maybe I could get you in, too.” he exclaimed with a smile, stretching out his arms in defeat. Sure, this was a life-changing decision, but if anything, he thought she would think it’s badass for him to return to the field. “It’s more perks, more money, more security. We’ll be set for when the little chick hatches and probably for the rest of our lives.”

Her shoulders slumped. “Like that’ll ever happen...you know my career is basically over,” she sighed. “You’ll get to return to hero work without skipping a beat, and I’ll be at home making curry and popping out babies for eternity. And you know it, too. That’s why you’re wanting to get security goons all over me. That's why y-you're jumping head first into this.” 90% of the time, that’s what happened with heroes who chose to keep their kid. 

Keigo should have known she would take offense at the security comment. But that much was obvious to him. Whether Rumi wanted to admit it or not, she was out of commission at the moment. “So, how do you want me to fix this? You want me to quit? Call things off?” he asked directly, getting to the heart of the matter. Rubbing his forehead, he sighed. “This is why I had no idea you actually wanted to get married.” And, that single remark was not meant as a taunt but as a raw confession of his doubt—his turmoil.

That’s when Rumi froze, avoiding his gaze. “Uh, no - I mean.” Not quit. But something else entirely. And that mystery left a silence in the air. 

It didn’t go unnoticed that Rumi had yet to affirm any level of love for him, at least verbally. Perhaps, she was not ready, but he craved to hear her say something. 

As Rumi lost herself in thought, Keigo calmed her heart with a single touch to the small of her back. “Rumi,” said Keigo, tenderly. “I fully trust in your power, your resilience. I’d love nothing more than to fight alongside you. Truly, I will be content knowing that I am doing this for you and this...baby. I have purpose and meaning, so this dirty work doesn’t feel so dirty.”

Rumi couldn’t help but lean into him. Her instinctual body relaxed against his touch. 

With a sigh of premature relief, Keigo whispered, “I need to know the underground and to get my hands dirty. I can’t just sit around being useless and weak, Rumi.”

“Right, because that’s my job now,” she sighed as she tore away from his embrace. Dryly, she announced, “I can’t process this right now. I need a walk — without you or any damn security.” At the dresser, she found some blue summer athletic wear to throw on.

“This is only temporary, but you understand that you’re just kind of open right now. It’s got nothing to do with your power or strength. Maybe if you had some projectile or telepathic quirk, then it’d be different. But you rely on close combat and high impact. Even if I had my fierce wing quirk, I'd have to take a step back if I were pregnant,” he joked with a laugh that fell flat on arrival. The crime rate looked fine on paper, but there was a critical alert just the night before. 

While Rumi could acknowledge the logic and all his points, her flaming dumpster of thoughts went wild. Suddenly, her future felt more fragile than a frozen lake. “I’m not talking. I’m leaving,” she declared again. She could already feel her muscular physique turning to fat. 

Pulling on her shorts, one leg at a time, with the silicone prosthetic catching on a thread just as it always did. What even was she anymore if she wasn’t actively being a hero? Where had Miruko gone since the war ended?

Once she got to her feet, fully dressed and ready to walk, she heard the splattering of water. 

“Rumi,” Keigo called out as he fully embraced her once again. “Miruko isn’t dead. Just trust me: I’ll make sure to protect you, ‘Miruko,’ and our future child.”

Were these her tears falling? She touched her face, yet she struggled to feel anything. Numbness left a ghost of a phantom feeling in her fingertips, but she fully felt the warmth of Keigo’s body. He pulled her to his chest.

It was tempting to stay with him in their room forever...however long forever could last. 

“Just let me go, Keigo. I can’t do this right now,” she admitted passively, tearing herself from his arms with more willpower than it took to tear off her limbs. 

With a simple straw summer hat, a mask, and sunglasses to conceal her identity, she was off. 

Not once did she look back as she ran out the door. As much as she knew she did not need him, she wanted him. The union with Keigo, the pregnancy, these were her non-negotiables. But there was no way she could think straight in his arms. 

Under her breath, she exhaled into the humid summer air thick with pre-rain tension. “What the hell is wrong with me?” Rumi growled to herself before taking slow strides away from the house. If anyone could make a postpartum comeback, it was her. 

No, this pit in her belly went deeper than just a blow to the ego. 

“I’m such a bitch,” she cursed as she walked down the dark backways and alleys. Her conspicuously bright white ears twitched. The ground level felt dingy and narrow compared to her usual route of rooftops and mainways. She was never one to go undercover, but that day she didn’t want to be bothered by voyeuristic fans and press. 

That damn bird worried about protecting everyone except for himself. She could picture herself waiting up late for his return while she was stuck with diaper duty for the hundredth night in a row. 

Then the real possibility that one night, he may not return. And there would be nothing she could do about it. 

Suddenly, a wave of nausea hit her. That’s when she knew this wasn’t just about her career. This was about the precious life they had built together. 

She wandered to an unfamiliar crevice of the backroads and nearly stumbled out into a clearing packed with people. “Civs...” she thought to herself, registering the landscape. 

This was a main road, closer to city traffic. People bustled around a new barbecue place that attracted people with lights, colors and a catchy name: Barbecute. The hot smell of sizzling flesh smoked from the building. 

If she dashed back into alleyway, then she'd be fine. But that rotten, putrid smell of burning blood pierced her senses and her stomach. 

“Ugh... Not now... Not again, dammit!” she cursed, clutching her abdomen. The cramping began before a wave of nausea took over her. 

She rushed to a nearby trashcan and hurled loud enough for the wretched sounds to echo through the streets. 

As she looked up, surely enough, all visible eyes were on her. Two high school kids rushed to her side. 

“Miruko-neesan!” they exclaimed as their attention brought more people forward. 

“Shit,” she muttered. 

The last fan encounter had been a complete PR disaster — even by Rumi's impossibly low standards. She scrambled to grasp at any semblance of bravado to cover her inner turmoil. 

However, in that moment, she was a target in every sense of the word. 

The two kids became four, which doubled by the second. The questions came pouring out. Genuine, typically intrusive questions about her health, her life, that she typically could reply with canned answers. After all, she had been a public figure for several years. 

But as she traced through her mind, she found her can to be empty. 

“Miruko-neechan, is it true that you're pregnant?!” a kid asked excitedly. “We saw the video! Please say it's true!” 

Rumi laughed and waved a hand in front of her face. “Oh, right! No way. That was my sister - Ayumi. We just look alike,” she chuckled. 

An awkward silence swept through the area, leaving nothing but the cry of a distant crow. “Aho!” 

As if she said nothing at all, the buzz continued around her. A middle schooler said, “It's Hawks, isn't it?! All the kids in my class say it's Hawks. Is that true?”

Rumi checked over her shoulder, expecting him to be there. “Hawks? I don't know who you're ‘tawksing’ about,” Rumi said smugly, assuming that was a good enough way of maneuvering out of this awkward swarm. 

Another wave of awkward silence brought the cry of a crow, “Aho!” 

A high school girl added, “No way. That'd so unalive her career, and she just broke into the top ten two years ago!”

The curious eyes stared up at her. She sighed, bending forward. The girl was right. 

“No! No, of course not,” Rumi muttered, her voice barely a squeak. Why was her voice so weak? Her heart hammered against her ribs. She was usually terrible with fan interactions, resorting to quick, sharp one-liners and a general air of badass dismissal. But at the heart of every situation, Mirko - Rumi always veered towards brutal honesty. But this… this required a finesse she didn't possess, a level of deception that felt alien. 

Plus these were kids ranging from knee high to taller than her. She couldn't just shove them out of the way or tell them to fuck off. 

They pelted her with more questions, and she stumbled, diverted, answered in half-truths and stammered evasions. Each word felt like a betrayal of herself, of Keigo, of hero she knew to be Miruko. Her identity was undergoing an agonizing separation and she wasn't sure she could adapt. 

Panic dried Rumi's throat. Not from the people, but the loss. Her quick wit. Her sharp tongue. Absent. 

She took another involuntary step back. She could just run. Suddenly, she bumped into someone sturdy and firm. 

Her head whipped around, ready to snarl, only to find Keigo standing there, his expression a carefully crafted mask of calm concern, though his eyes held a flicker of something more intense – that possessive glow she both wanted to punch and nuzzle into. Of course. He was always watching her. That infuriating, overbearing, possessive bird. 

“Everything alright here, Miruko? I guess you ran ahead of me like always,” Keigo’s voice was smooth, a comforting balm in the sudden cacophony of Rumi’s inner turmoil. He subtly placed a hand on the small of her back, a grounding gesture.

The fans were in complete awe to see the Aerodynamic Duo. Their excitement doubled into an uproar. 

“Hawks! Oh my gosh!”

“Congratulations!”

“I wish you two the best.”

Keigo chuckled, a charming, disarming rhythm that immediately swept the crowd up. “Ah, Miruko,” he chirped. “She's a funny little bunny, isn't she? And she’s been a little under the weather lately, so she might be... off her game. But, she can still absolutely smoke me on a morning jog.”

He turned his full attention to the fans, his posture relaxed, his smile stunning them to silence. “We really appreciate your enthusiasm and support. Miruko has some private health concerns she’s managing at the moment – nothing to be alarmed about, but it does mean she needs a bit more peace than usual. As her partner,” he emphasized the word gently but firmly, “I’m just trying to ensure she gets that. You can speculate all you like, of course, but we’re not really open to questions about personal matters right now.” He paused. His eyes swept the crowd. “Now, if you’ll excuse us, I think letting her enjoy her walk would be best for her condition.”

The kids were not hard to please. His cunning deception was enough to placate them all. 

Discreetly, Rumi leaned into him, her fingers finding his hand behind his back. Damn this stalker hunting her like the vulnerable prey she was. She didn't even hear him follow her. 

The fans, suitably charmed and a little chastened, began to apologize. “Oh, we’re so sorry, Miruko-san! We didn’t mean to bother you!”

“I feel so bad. I'm sorry, we just assumed you had good news!” 

Good news... It was... Even if it had its costs. Her fingers took a brushed against her abs. 

With Keigo there, some of Rumi’s bravado returned. “Nah, it’s fine!” she said, with perhaps a little too much gusto. “Doesn’t bother someone like me. But, uh,” she faked a cough, a theatrical, unconvincing hack. “My ears are pretty sensitive to noise, you know? And I think I’m coming down with the flu. Yeah. Flu. My ears really hurt.”

Keigo gently pet her head, taking care to rub behind her ears. The crowd laughed.

"Yes, yes...” he exhaled, bringing her away with his arm firmly around her shoulders. Rumi clung to his shirt collar. They returned back to the alley. 

Once they were a safe distance away, he turned to her, his expression softening. “I apologize, Rumi,” he said, his voice low. “I'm suffocating you. Stepping in probably wasn't the best move, but you seemed...troubled.”

Rumi looked up at him, a small, genuine smile finally gracing her lips. She actually liked that about him. “Whatever, Birdie,” she mumbled. “I'll be sure to let you know when or if you cross that line with a swift kick to the ass.” 

He offered a tentative smile in return as he rubbed the back of his head. “We can head home now, if you want, or I can leave you be. Give you your space.”

“No,” she said, surprising herself with the firmness in her voice. Suddenly, she poked his cheek. “I'm feeling hungry. Buy me something.”

The first drops of rain began to dot the ground. With a click and a pop, Keigo covered Rumi with an umbrella before a single droplet could hit her. 

“Yes, ma'am,” he agreed with a sly grin. 

Rumi scoffed. That smarmy smile was just because he had a dorky little gadget. 

She leaned into his side, unafraid of the rain or a little public display of affection. That was okay now, right? Affection in public. For all she cared, people could guess and assume. Hell, people could even know that they were... bonded.

As she looked up at Keigo, she caught sight of the Endeavor logo on the umbrella instead. She froze. “Seriously?! You're still obsessed with that piece of shit? What a dork!” 

Keigo let out a laugh, “I found it in the junk room last night. It was one of the first things I bought with my own hero account.” His eyes focused on the darkening sky. 

“You had to ruin the moment by bringing that deadbeat into the picture! Let him go,” she tried to wrestle the umbrella away from Keigo, ready to snap it in half. But he held it high above her head. 

The tips of their noses brushed against each other. 

The rain cascaded around them, torrential and powerful with the bubbling threat of thunder. Keigo managed to hold the handle perfectly still. 

“Hey, Rumi. Let's find a place,” Keigo muttered at a volume only she could hear. 

“Maybe I'm fine where I am,” she whispered into his ear. An impish smile graced her lips. 

Keigo averted his eyes and pulled away, taking care to keep her dry. 

Even with the red tape cleared and their amorous activities on the books, he pulled away. 

They found themselves in a dimly lit restaurant. A place for heroes to eat together with discretion. It wasn't their usual spot, but it was secluded and calm...hidden in the basement of a seemingly abandoned warehouse. 

After a waiter sat them at a booth, Rumi had a moment to study Keigo's flat expression. As they settled in, the air between them did not. Did she break something between them? 

Keigo leaned back in the booth. The cushion breathed beneath him. “You wanna hear something crazy?” he asked, his voice strained. 

Rumi blinked. Her long eyelashes glittered beneath the hot lamp above them.

“When I was a kid, I wished for a family like something on TV. I thought it'd be cool if Endeavor were my dad or something,” he admitted while his hands bit into the table's edge. “So you have to understand, when the scandal broke out... I kinda suppressed it. That's not to say I condone what he did. I know first hand... I know it's not the way to be. But the Todorokis were the only family I could picture having.”

Although Rumi hated every ember in Endeavor's body, she could admit that even she idolized his hot, gruff demeanor here and there. She could sympathize a bit. “Is that why you were thirsting over Fuyumi?” she asked with a teasing smirk. But even Rumi could admit there were plenty of reasons to thirst over the voluptuous and delicate Todoroki. 

Keigo let out a short snort. “Not consciously at least,” he admitted. “But the short of it is: I never pictured myself creating a family. I obviously have no idea what a father is supposed to be. I barely know how Keigo Takami is supposed to behave.”

As it turned out, Rumi wasn't the only one having an identity crisis. 

Rumi drew circles on the table with her finger. “Well, you're in luck because I can do this on my own,” she declared.

He nearly stood up on his seat. “Wait! Please understand: I don't know what it takes to build a happy family, but I want to build one with you,” he confessed formally, yet the declaration caught her off guard. “So, please accept me.” 

The waiter came back to take orders, and Keigo sat back down immediately, struggling to regain his composure. 

That moment of desperation. Rumi could sense it like a candle in the dark. 

Rumi found herself silent. Her mouth felt arid. Her tongue, heavy with words she wanted to say, but her tangled thoughts could not sustain them. 

Keigo reluctantly ordered for her. And the waiter walked away without a clue. Crisis averted. 

She knew Keigo Takami. Even if he didn't. He had nothing to prove and no words to say. At least, she felt like she did. So why wasn't that enough for him?

"Everyone's got layers, Keigo. It's the secrets that are the problem,” she sighed, draping herself across the table. 

Keigo winced, but bounced back with a playful smirk. "What about surprises?" he suggested, holding up a finger that weakened by the second. 

Rumi sighed, flexing her shoulders and crossing her arms. The suave tone of his words failed to work on someone like her. She sipped the water the waiter had left. "Not a big fan of those either, to be honest. Especially if they involve — midnight murder-for-hire gigs,” she said in a low tone.

Flinching, Keigo cleared his throat. He watched the way the restaurant lights caught the condensation on her glass. The easy camaraderie they'd briefly found felt like it was slipping away.

Seeing the shift in his expression, Rumi softened slightly. "Look," she began, desperate to crack the conversation into something easier. "I'm fine, though. Really. I knew your… hobby," she used the word with dry humor, "meant you couldn't blab about everything. I’m not brand new to this industry, you know. So you don't have to get all salty and jumpy every time I call you out on your bullshit. It's not like I was going to walk out on you forever over it. I'm your partner.”

Right. Keigo melted into a warm puddle. That was Rumi, wasn't it? Brutally honest, fiercely loyal in her own way, even when she was furious. They accepted each other even if they were still figuring out what that acceptance truly meant. "Well, that's good to hear," he said, a genuine hum in his voice. He grinned. "Because, one thing's for sure, Rumi. I'm not gonna leave you behind. You're the girl I love after all.”

Rumi sputtered her water in a spray across the table. Her eyes were wide, shocked like she had never heard the word before. "What—... ?! Why would you just say that? Out of the blue! Like that?!" she stammered, grabbing a napkin and dabbing furiously at her chin, his face, the table. Her face burned into a deep burgundy glow. "Okay, yeah, maybe that particular secret could have stayed a secret a little longer!"

With a weak, slightly pained laugh, Keigo clutched his chest dramatically. "Ouch. Clean hit to the heart.” He leaned back. 

Rumi frowned, her earlier annoyance giving way to a pang of guilt. She was being too harsh. He was trying and she shot him down like target practice. 

She cleared her throat. Whenever he mentioned love, she just kind of broke apart. Malfunctioned. Imploded. 

Keigo reached out to wipe the last bit of water from Rumi's face. He chuckled, “This kind of feels like what a first date would be like...” He knew he was just asking for rejection. But to his surprise, Rumi smiled. 

She laughed genuine. Uncharacteristically soft. "You know how ridiculous that sounds when we're..." 

Engaged. Expecting. Eager, despite everything, to actually be together. 

Pulling back, she heard the soft sounds of dishes clanging together. Quiet chatter filling the sweet air. The way they sat in a formal restaurant in athletic wear and making fools of themselves. It wasn't bad. She wanted this more than she thought she would. "You know what? Fuck it,” she grinned. “We can have more 'dates,' if that's what you want to call whatever this is we're doing."

He caught her meaning, his smile widening. They began their brunch - with Rumi choosing mild vegetables and rice to go easy on her stomach. And Keigo opting for... Ramen rather than the greasy karaage chicken out of silent courtesy for Rumi. 

Together, they realized there was no need to rebuild what was already binding them together. Yes, they argued and walked away, but they often found themselves back together despite the circumstances. It was that trust that would sustain them over difficult distances and absence. 

She snorted, picking up her chopsticks again and haphazardly pointing them at Keigo. “Now that the paperwork is out of the way, are you going to stop chickening out when I try to touch you in public?” 

While Keigo would have sputtrred the broth of his soup, he refrained with a boiling hot gulp. He sat up straight and checked over his shoulder as if someone were watching. "Well, we've got a few fires to put out, you know, and some...some damage to control and repair for your career,” he explained like any of this appealed to her logic. 

She swished her water around in the cup before taking a loud sip. “Yeah, and? I'm not asking for a grand exhibition of our freaky time,” Rumi sighed before taking a bite of rice. “But we can take it to Onlyfans with some masks or something if that's what you're going for.” 

They both knew she intentionally wanted to rile Keigo up. 

Keigo's face turned a bright red. “That's not what I'm saying either. I just -... I'm a private person, and affection is not something I'm used to but we can try this or that...” He sank in his seat, tugging on his sweatsuit. 

Rumi obsessed over making him uncomfortably mad with desire, and she certainly looked forward to making him sweat with spontaneous advances to knock him off kilter. 

“But yeah, no sweat!” he agreed while visibly sweating from his brow. His hand reached out to grab hers gently. “Let's not let rumors and public stares get in the way of what I want to do with you.”

With the slightest mischievous glint in her eyes, Rumi caught Keigo flinching. “Oh wow. I like the sound of that, Birdie. Can you tell me more about what you want to do to me?” she asked with a smirk, letting a foot glide across his ankle. 

Keigo let out a big, jagged sigh. “Jeez, Rumi...” complained the bird as he covered his face with a free hand. What had he done?