~***~ THE CAGED BIRD SINGS ~***~
A #huwumi fic.
Summary: A chance meeting leads to friendship, maybe even love. But in Hawks& #39; line of work, such happiness is frowned down upon by his superiors.
But Fuyumi... Fuyumi is worth the risk.
A #huwumi fic.
Summary: A chance meeting leads to friendship, maybe even love. But in Hawks& #39; line of work, such happiness is frowned down upon by his superiors.
But Fuyumi... Fuyumi is worth the risk.
âWhat are your thoughts on love?â
Hawks laughed at Tokoyamiâs bewildered look. âExcuse me? I mustâve misheard you.â
Hawks laughed at Tokoyamiâs bewildered look. âExcuse me? I mustâve misheard you.â
âLove. Je suis amoureux. A little death. All of that sweet nonsense the youth fall into nowadays.â
Hawks leaned on his arms on the railing, looking out over the cityâs bustling canvas. The two were perched on an office roof, high enough to duck away from the crowds below if they didnât wish to be seen.
It was a leisurely patrol; the best kind of shift, in Hawksâ opinion. They were so rare that he couldnât help but take advantage of it and just sightsee. Tokoyami was antsy; you could see in the way his shoes shuffled from side to side ever so slightly.
Hawks wanted him to just relax and enjoy the monotony, but the boy was too young and eager to be down there, in the thick of things.
âI wouldnât know much about it,â Tokoyami replied seriously.
Hawks cocked an eyebrow. âReally? If not you, then surely some of your classmates.â
âI wouldnât know much about it,â Tokoyami replied seriously.
Hawks cocked an eyebrow. âReally? If not you, then surely some of your classmates.â
Tokoyami nodded. âSome of them find time for it, I suppose.â
âLike who?â
The boy shot him a strange look. âI thought gossip would be beneath a pro hero.â
âYou would think,â Hawks chuckled quietly, âBut even adults like to indulge in a little drama.â
âLike who?â
The boy shot him a strange look. âI thought gossip would be beneath a pro hero.â
âYou would think,â Hawks chuckled quietly, âBut even adults like to indulge in a little drama.â
His new mentor was a strange man; Hawks would say one thing but act in a manner that would contradict himself within seconds. He was unpredictable, unreadable, and yet Tokoyami strived for those qualities in order to keep the villains on their toes.
âSo whoâs dating who?â Hawks asked, breaking Tokoyami out of his thoughts. âAny unrequited love? Maybe a triangle or a threesome?â He waggled his eyebrows mischievously at that last bit.
âThatâs too invasive, even for you,â Tokoyami replied bluntly. âI donât indulge myself in the private lives of my friends. I have better things to do.â
âIâm sorry,â Hawks said lightly, waving his hand to dismiss his nosiness. âKeep your secrets, Fumikage; itâs a good skill to have. You canât have your entire life splayed out for the public to see and pick apart.â
âSo that was a test just now?â
âSure, letâs go with that.â
âSo that was a test just now?â
âSure, letâs go with that.â
_____
Hawks and Tokoyami returned to the agency just after five. They wouldâve been back sooner, but they found themselves swarmed by the Number Twoâs admirers once they returned to street level.
Hawks and Tokoyami returned to the agency just after five. They wouldâve been back sooner, but they found themselves swarmed by the Number Twoâs admirers once they returned to street level.
Hawks indulged them: he sighed notebooks, took a few selfies, and high-fived awestruck kids. Tokoyami got caught up in the mayhem their presence caused, and was shocked when a few middle school girls blushed and asked for a photo with him.
âEeeeeee, thank you so much, Tsukuyomi!â they had squealed before running off.
âYouâll get used to it,â Hawks reassured him once they were inside the agency. The receptionist at the front desk greeted them warmly as Hawks waved to her.
âYouâll get used to it,â Hawks reassured him once they were inside the agency. The receptionist at the front desk greeted them warmly as Hawks waved to her.
âI was⊠startled,â Tokoyami said. âI didnât expect to have admirers.â
âYou have a cool and dark aesthetic. Itâs alluring.â Hawks led the way to the elevator in the centre of the lobby. âYouâll lure into the gothic crowds; not everyone is into flashy and in-your-face heroics. To them, youâre the revival of The Black Parade.â
Was his taste in music that obvious?
Once they were up in Hawksâ office, the pro hero handed Tokoyami a stack of blank reports to start filling out to record the dayâs patrol. The boy had been given the empty office across the hall to use during his internship, but Hawks encouraged him to decorate it.
âJust handle the small incidents from today, then you can head back to school.â Tokoyami nodded solemnly. He gave Hawks a small bow before heading out the door.
Hawks pulled off his visor, headphones, and jacket before sinking into his office chair. He sighed happily; no major villain attacks had marred his day. Holding idle and silly conversations with his protégé were so relaxing; if only ever day could be like this.
Heâd even let his mind drift off to banal ideas like love. Even if heâd wanted itâeither romantic or platonicâthere would be strong resistance from them. Still, it was a nice thought.
_____
_____
âTodoroki-sensei!â
Fuyumi looked up from the stack of papers that she was grading. One of her students, a six-year-old girl with moss-green hair, had popped up in front of her desk. âTera, donât you have club practice?â
Fuyumi looked up from the stack of papers that she was grading. One of her students, a six-year-old girl with moss-green hair, had popped up in front of her desk. âTera, donât you have club practice?â
âIt got cancelled,â Tera said cheerfully. She eyed the papers. âDo you want me to help you, sensei? I gotta wait for Nii-chan to be done before we can go home.â
âNo, Iâm almost done here,â Fuyumi smiled. âBut if youâd like to, you can help me make copies of the permission slips for our upcoming field trip.â
Teraâs eyes widened in amazement. âField trip?! When?! Where?!â
Teraâs eyes widened in amazement. âField trip?! When?! Where?!â
Fuyumi laughed softly. âIâll tell you, but you have to keep it a secret until I tell the rest of the class.â She stood up and pushed her chair in. Grabbing the original copy of the form, she led the way out of the teachersâ office, her loyal student following close behind.
It was the middle of May, but there was still the chill of spring permeating the air. Despite the cold, Fuyumi was wearing a thin, sleeveless blouse paired with a pencil skirt.
She was already dreading summer; her air conditioner at home was broken, so she would need to buy a new one soon.
Today was also the beginning of Shoutoâs internship with their father.
Today was also the beginning of Shoutoâs internship with their father.
Fuyumi had texted Shouto during lunch. Heâd replied quickly to reassure her that everything was fine. âI havenât murdered that scumbag yet,â were his actual words, but they meant the same thing.
She was proud of her baby brother for taking the initiative in changing his life. Fuyumi had watched the Sports Tournament on TV and had cried when she saw Shouto using his flames for the first time in ten years.
Not long after, he had abruptly began visiting their mother at the hospital, and the positive changes had steadily rose since then.
He still hated Endeavour, but Shouto was trying to work with him.
He still hated Endeavour, but Shouto was trying to work with him.
The photocopy room was empty when Fuyumi and Tera entered it. She let her student pick out the coloured paper (it ended up being green) for the permission forms before setting up the machine.
âSo where are we going for the field trip, sensei?â Tera asked eagerly.
âSo where are we going for the field trip, sensei?â Tera asked eagerly.
Fuyumi smiled. âItâs nothing too exciting. I got permission from the principal for us to go to the Eastern Historical Heroics Museumââ
âReally?!â Teraâs eyes were gleaming. âThatâs awesome! Youâre the best, sensei!â
âReally?!â Teraâs eyes were gleaming. âThatâs awesome! Youâre the best, sensei!â
Fuyumi couldnât help but beam at the wonder on her studentâs face. It was the small moments like these that made her job worth it.
âJust remember your promise, Tera. Iâll be announcing it to the class tomorrow morning, so pretend to be surprised like everyone else.â
âI will!â
âJust remember your promise, Tera. Iâll be announcing it to the class tomorrow morning, so pretend to be surprised like everyone else.â
âI will!â
_____
Fuyumi easily admitted to everyone who asked that she knew little about heroes. She had enough general knowledge to get by, but she avoided the inner workings of hero society for her own reasons.
Fuyumi easily admitted to everyone who asked that she knew little about heroes. She had enough general knowledge to get by, but she avoided the inner workings of hero society for her own reasons.
The politics and rumours of her parentsâ marriage from those âin the knowâ had been a heavy burden to bear. Her job was a healthy distraction, but even now she had to face that she was teaching thirty children with a variety of Quirks.
Sheâd been blessed with well-behaved students who did their best to keep their abilities under wraps in the classroom, but sometimes conflict was unavoidable.
Thereâd been many recesses and lunch breaks where Fuyumi and the other teachers had to break up fights or monitor detentions because of something Quirk-related.
She was hoping that this field trip would help her students have a better understanding about their own powers and how they fit into society.
âMaybe itâs a bit too much to expect from first-graders,â Fuyumi mused as she walked past the school gates. The sun was slowly setting, leaving the sky streaked with orange. The streets were quiet, save for the occasional car that drove by.
âWhatâs too much?â
âWhatâs too much?â
Fuyumi gasped; a blonde man with enormous red wings had appeared at her side. His hands were in his pockets, his head tilted to the side as if to get a better look at her.
Her heart pounded from being startled. âSir, you scared me!â
Her heart pounded from being startled. âSir, you scared me!â
The man pouted, his lower lip jutting out. âThatâs the exact opposite reaction most people have when they see me.â
Fuyumi took a step back, her hand on her chest. âYou appeared out of nowhere! How did I not hear or see you?â
Fuyumi took a step back, her hand on her chest. âYou appeared out of nowhere! How did I not hear or see you?â
The man shrugged lazily. âYou were too absorbed in your thoughts, maâam. Itâs a nice neighbourhood, but you should still stay alert. A villain might grab ya.â
He was right; sheâd been careless. âThat doesnât mean you should sneak up on people!â she scolded. The manâs eyes widened before breaking out into an embarrassed grin.
âYouâre right, MissâŠ?â
âFuyumi.â
âYouâre right, MissâŠ?â
âFuyumi.â
âHawks,â he replied, holding out his hand. She reached out cautiously and gave it a small shake.
âIâm sorry, Miss Fuyumi. I overheard you talking to yourself, so I got noseyââ At the stern look she gave him, Hawks added, âToo nosey. And creepy. Yup, Iâve made myself out to be a stalker.â
âIâll have to report you one of the patrolling heroes if you keep this up,â Fuyumi said, and was surprised at the lilting tease in her tone.
This wasnât like her.
This wasnât like her.
Hawks bowed his head, his hands pressed together as if he was about to pray. âOh, please let this slide, Miss Fuyumi, just this once!â he begged jokingly. âI swear Iâll be a good boy from now on!â
And Fuyumi couldnât help but smile at this goofy young man. âJust this once,â she said, and she couldnât help but blush at Hawksâ victorious grin.
_____
_____
Hawks insisted on walking her home. âItâs the least I can do after giving you a fright,â he said, so Fuyumi took him up on his offer. Besides, her curiosity was getting the better of her; she wanted to know more about his wings.
âDo you usually fly or does that exhaust you?â
âFlying is faster, of course, but if I donât wear my visor and headphones I get a wicked headache from the wind.â
âFlying is faster, of course, but if I donât wear my visor and headphones I get a wicked headache from the wind.â
âWhat about work?â Fuyumi asked. She didnât notice the small change in Hawksâ face at her question. âAre you a deliveryman?â
His shoulders sagged with relief. âA delivâ? Oh! âCause of my wings!â Hawks laughed softly. âMaybe in another lifetime, that would be the ideal job. I would be like Kiki, minus the magic broom and talking cat.
âMan, if I could go back in time, that would be my first choice.â
âMan, if I could go back in time, that would be my first choice.â
Fuyumi looked at him. âSo what /do/ you do for a living?â
Hawks kept walking, but heâd slowed down somewhat. Fuyumi matched his pace so that he didnât stray behind. âYou⊠You really donât know?â
âHow would I?â she said. âWe just met.â
Hawks kept walking, but heâd slowed down somewhat. Fuyumi matched his pace so that he didnât stray behind. âYou⊠You really donât know?â
âHow would I?â she said. âWe just met.â
âI guess thatâs true,â Hawks said. âIâm not used to peopleâŠâ He shook his head, the smile returning to his eyes. âNever mind. You know what? I like it this way. It takes a ton of pressure off of me.â
âYouâre a strange man, Hawks.â
âYouâre a strange man, Hawks.â
âHa ha, thank you!â His grin broadened as they resumed their walk. âSo, where do you live? I know a great air service that can get you home in a jiffy.â
Fuyumi shook her head, smiling. âItâs not far by bus. ButâŠâ She looked at Hawksâ enormous red wings. âWould you be comfortable taking public transportation?â
âI never tried it.â
âNever?â
âNope! Didnât have a reason to,â Hawks said. âBut it would be fun to try it out one day.â
âI never tried it.â
âNever?â
âNope! Didnât have a reason to,â Hawks said. âBut it would be fun to try it out one day.â
It would take too long to walk all the way back to the estate. Hawks mustâve been thinking the same thing, because he turned to Fuyumi and said, âAre you afraid of heights?â
Oh no, she knew where this was going.
Oh no, she knew where this was going.
Fuyumi nervously stared at his wings; its crimson feathers were rustling, as if in anticipation of her answer. âIâm afraid of falling.â
Hawks held out his hands. His wings stretched out behind him and encircled them in a wide semicircle. âIâll hold you tight, I promise.â
Hawks held out his hands. His wings stretched out behind him and encircled them in a wide semicircle. âIâll hold you tight, I promise.â
âHave you ever flown with another person before?â
Hawks shrugged. âNot for a while.â
Fuyumi clutched her messenger bag close to her. His words werenât exactly reassuring. âItâs okay, Hawks. Iâll take the bus homeââ
Hawks shrugged. âNot for a while.â
Fuyumi clutched her messenger bag close to her. His words werenât exactly reassuring. âItâs okay, Hawks. Iâll take the bus homeââ
âPlease, Miss Fuyumi. Just this once.â
She looked down at his outstretched hand and up at his eager face. The sunset glinted off his visor like an invitation.
Timidly, Fuyumi placed a hand in his. âDonât drop me, okay?â
âI would never.â
She looked down at his outstretched hand and up at his eager face. The sunset glinted off his visor like an invitation.
Timidly, Fuyumi placed a hand in his. âDonât drop me, okay?â
âI would never.â
She squeaked in shock as Hawks pulled her close. He bent slightly before sliding his arm under her legs and lifting her up into a princess carry. The air around them stirred fiercely as Hawks flapped his wings, preparing for flight.
As if by instinct, Fuyumi wrapped her arms around his neck. Hawks looked down at her, grinning widely, just as his feet left the ground.
Fuyumi snapped her eyes shut. They were too high already; it was too much! They were going to fall!
Fuyumi snapped her eyes shut. They were too high already; it was too much! They were going to fall!
Hawks gripped her tightly against him. âI got you, Miss Fuyumi.â
Heart pounding wildly, Fuyumi dared to open one eye. She gasped and clutched at Hawks as they soared above the streets. They had to be above a hundred feet up. From below, walking civilians gasped and pointed at them in awe.
Hawks tilted them downward. They swept through the air in a arc, dropping lower. Some of the onlookers cheered his name, waving wildly.
âYouâre pretty popular,â Fuyumi shouted over the wind.
Hawks laughed. âYou could say that.â
_____
âYouâre pretty popular,â Fuyumi shouted over the wind.
Hawks laughed. âYou could say that.â
_____
The longer they were in the air, the more comfortable Fuyumi became. She managed to keep both eyes opened after a while, but was forced to close them as the wind picked up and made her eyes water.
Hawks had been right; wings were faster than wheels, and their flight came to an end far too quickly. They landed in front of the estateâs gate. Hawks gently lowered Fuyumi to her feet, his hand lingering a moment too long on her hip.
âYour humble abode awaits.â He took her hand in his and brought it to his lips. Fuyumi blushed from head to toe. She pulled away, trying to hide her red face.
âThank you, Hawks,â she said.
âThank you, Hawks,â she said.
âMy pleasure,â he said. He leaned into her space, his hands in his pockets. He got so incredibly close that their noses were nearly touching.
Fuyumi couldnât help but laugh. She pushed at his chest lightly. âStop, you.â
Fuyumi couldnât help but laugh. She pushed at his chest lightly. âStop, you.â
âIâll back down today,â Hawks said. âBut next timeââ
Next time?
ââI wonât be able to resist.â
Next time?
ââI wonât be able to resist.â
Before Fuyumi could respond, Hawks walked backwards, keeping his eyes on her as his wings propelled him into the air. With a final wave, he was soaring off, soon becoming a red-and-yellow blur in the sky.
/End of Part 1/
In the age of social media, gossip sites and rumours fueled by witness accounts and incriminating videos travelled annoying fast. What shouldâve been an innocentâyet impulsiveâact on Hawksâ part led to a frenzy of stern phone calls, last-minute PR meetings, and damage control,
all helmed by his handlers from The Hero Public Safety Commission.
His PR agent was a frantic mess by the time Hawks decided to roll in and see her at her office. When he walked in, Miyuki had her back turned to him, chattering away on her phone.
His PR agent was a frantic mess by the time Hawks decided to roll in and see her at her office. When he walked in, Miyuki had her back turned to him, chattering away on her phone.
ââplease refer to the official statement put out by his agency at this time⊠No, he wonât tell you any differently⊠No, he wonât tell me the name of that girâWHAT??!?! How did youâ?! Never mind, Iâll talk to him about it. For now, refer to The. Official. Statement.â
Miyuki growled out a note of frustration, her hand gripping her cordless phone so tightly that Hawks heard it crack. He stepped toward her desk and knocked softly on the spotless mahogany.
Miyuki jumped, throwing in a couple of cuss words as she twisted around to face him. âYouâre going to be the death of me!â she shouted, pointing an accusatory finger at his chest. âI swear, Mirko never gave me this level of grief and she once kicked a paparazziâs teeth out!â
âI pay you to be the calm, professional one,â Hawks said, grinning as Miyukiâs glare deepened. âI donât see what the fuss is all about.â
âOf course you wouldnât, you airheaded bird brain!â She took a deep breath, running a hand over her face. âSit down, Hawks; this isnât
âOf course you wouldnât, you airheaded bird brain!â She took a deep breath, running a hand over her face. âSit down, Hawks; this isnât
something you can gloss over and be on your way.â
He frowned, but after taking note of Miyukiâs stiff posture and joyless eyes, he decided that it was better to not poke fun at her this time.
Was he really in that much trouble?
He frowned, but after taking note of Miyukiâs stiff posture and joyless eyes, he decided that it was better to not poke fun at her this time.
Was he really in that much trouble?
Miyuki took a seat and propped her elbows up on her desk. âLook, itâs not just my bosses breathing down my neck but yours too. The Commission made it clear how devastating any bad press you gained would affect them. Do you know how nerve-wracking it is to receive a call from
President Daitoryo herself ordering me to squash rumours about your sex life?â
âWhat? Sex life?â This was fucking absurd.
âWhat? Sex life?â This was fucking absurd.
âEye witnesses got a good look at the young lady you were with last week. Very pretty, looked to be the same age as you. From what I hear, you were really chatting her up before whisking her away to God knows where.â
âShe needed a ride home,â Hawks said. He hated having to defend the smallest of actions. âShe was going to take the bus; I offered to fly her instead. Isnât that was heroes do? Provide community service?â
Miyuki shook her head. âYou say that, and as much as I want to believe youâI do, I really want toâthe public doesnât see it that way. Your private life doesnât belong to you, Hawks. A large demographic of your fans are young, single women. A bunch of them see videos of the
Number Three hero take off with some woman and they see red.â
âFuyumi isnât âsome woman,ââ Hawks blurted out.
The silence was deafening. Miyuki looked like sheâd just swallowed hot coals.
He groaned as he sunk deeper into his chair. Ah, shit.
âFuyumi. Thatâs her name?â
âFuyumi isnât âsome woman,ââ Hawks blurted out.
The silence was deafening. Miyuki looked like sheâd just swallowed hot coals.
He groaned as he sunk deeper into his chair. Ah, shit.
âFuyumi. Thatâs her name?â
Shit, shit, shit.
âWhite hair, with flecks of red?â
Why was she asking these stupid questions? Wait, how much did the vloggers zoom onto the two of them that day?
âWhite hair, with flecks of red?â
Why was she asking these stupid questions? Wait, how much did the vloggers zoom onto the two of them that day?
âYou understanding where Iâm coming from? This Fuyumi has a distinct look. She canât blend into the crowd without being recognized as the âhussyâ that stole the Wing Hero away.â
âFuck.â
âFuck.â
Miyuki clasped her hands together and leaned forward. âDo you know who I got off the phone with just now?â
This couldnât be good. Just another added layer of bullshit that he was going to have to deal with.
This couldnât be good. Just another added layer of bullshit that he was going to have to deal with.
âIt was the head PR agent for the Endeavour Hero Agency. They have a no-nonsense, total lockdown on everything and anything related to the Todoroki family. No family photos, no press conferences involving them. Only Endeavourâs youngest is exempt, since he attends U.A.
The rest of the family is off limits.
âFuyumi Todoroki is his only daughter, and you just thrown her into a vicious media circus, you dumb ass.â
_____
âFuyumi Todoroki is his only daughter, and you just thrown her into a vicious media circus, you dumb ass.â
_____
The day that Hawks dropped her off at home was the last peaceful one Fuyumi would experience for a long time. Shouto had texted to let her know that he would be home late, so she prepared dinner and left a plate aside for him. Fuyumi made enough sukiyaki so that there were
leftovers for lunch the next day and ate alone in the dining room.
Natsuo rarely came home since starting college, so Fuyumi often phoned to make sure that he was eating and sleeping enough between classes. As she munched on her beef, she dialed her younger brother and waited
Natsuo rarely came home since starting college, so Fuyumi often phoned to make sure that he was eating and sleeping enough between classes. As she munched on her beef, she dialed her younger brother and waited
for him to pick up.
âHey, sis!â
âHello, Natsuo. Did you have dinner yet?â
âItâs only seven! I just got back from my study groupââ
âThatâs a terrible excuse and you know it.â
âHey, sis!â
âHello, Natsuo. Did you have dinner yet?â
âItâs only seven! I just got back from my study groupââ
âThatâs a terrible excuse and you know it.â
âGeez, gimme a minute to finish! Iâm dropping my books off in my dorm and then me and the guys are gonna grab some ramen. Tetsuya found this place just off campusââ
âSounds expensive. You know that the food at home is free, right?â
âSounds expensive. You know that the food at home is free, right?â
Natsuo went silent. Fuyumi heard him sigh irritably on the other end.
âI made sukiyaki.â
âIs /he/ there?â
âI made sukiyaki.â
âIs /he/ there?â
Fuyumi hand trembled at the venom in his voice. Natsuo was happier ever since he packed his clothes and went to live on-campus. He made friends and got a girlfriend, with none of them knowing a thing about his past. It was good for Natsuo to get away, but Fuyumi missed him.
Regardless, she shouldnât have pushed him to come home.
Natsuo groaned when she didnât answer. âSorry, sis, I just canât.â
âI know.â
âYou know itâs not you, right? If it were just you and Shouto, maybe.â
Natsuo groaned when she didnât answer. âSorry, sis, I just canât.â
âI know.â
âYou know itâs not you, right? If it were just you and Shouto, maybe.â
âThen maybe, if you have time this weekend, we can go visit Mom?â
âYeah, I can definitely do that.â The warmth returned to him, and Fuyumi could hear his smile. âIâll bring her one of those âCollege Momâ shirts they sell at the bookstore.â
âYeah, I can definitely do that.â The warmth returned to him, and Fuyumi could hear his smile. âIâll bring her one of those âCollege Momâ shirts they sell at the bookstore.â
Fuyumi laughed softly. âSheâll love that.â
After saying goodbye, she placed her phone face down on the table and stared at her food. It was getting cold; her appetite was gone.
_____
After saying goodbye, she placed her phone face down on the table and stared at her food. It was getting cold; her appetite was gone.
_____
The next morning, Fuyumi felt the burning gazes of everyone on the bus. A few high school girls muttered darkly behind their hands as they glared at her. Anxiety prickled across her shoulder blades, but Fuyumi didnât know why.
In the teachersâ office, her colleagues whispered amongst each other, but stopped the moment she walked in. She looked at them, frowning, but they didnât dare make eye contact.
âMay I ask whatâs wrong?â she said, clutching her messenger bag.
âMay I ask whatâs wrong?â she said, clutching her messenger bag.
âItâs nothing, Fuyumi,â said Tanaka, the third grade teacher.
âPlease be honest with me,â Fuyumi said, suddenly feeling irritated. There was nothing she hated more than people hiding something. She had scolded many of her students for trying to pull that stunt on her regarding unfinished homework.
âWhatâs going on? People were staring at me all morning for some reason.â
âWe didnât know you had a boyfriend, thatâs all,â said Kubo with a smirk.
âBoyfriend?â What were theyâ
Oh no.
âWe didnât know you had a boyfriend, thatâs all,â said Kubo with a smirk.
âBoyfriend?â What were theyâ
Oh no.
Fuyumi quickly reflected on the previous day. The only thing different had been meeting Hawks. Hawks, who stuck out like a sore thumb with those beautiful wings of his. Someone mustâve recognized her before they took off and now they were spreading petty gossip.
But how far did this word-of-mouth go? Fuyumi wasnât famous or well-known; Endeavour had seen to that.
So why�
âItâs all over Facebook, Twitter, Instagram,â said Kubo. âYou and the Number Three Hero.â
Hero?
So why�
âItâs all over Facebook, Twitter, Instagram,â said Kubo. âYou and the Number Three Hero.â
Hero?
âDonât play dumb, Todoroki,â said Tanaka. âEveryone knows the Top Ten heroes in Japan. Didnât you think it was weird to see a man with wings and him not be a pro hero? His agency is only four blocks away from the school.â
âI didnât knowââ Fuyumi protested weakly, but the other teachers werenât having it.
âWhen did you two first meet?â
âYou must have some powerful connections to make a man like Hawks notice you.â
âWhen did you two first meet?â
âYou must have some powerful connections to make a man like Hawks notice you.â
âWait a minute! Todoroki, like the Shouto Todoroki from the Sports Festival? Are you two related?â
âMust be. It makes sense. And if thatâs the case, then that means youâre also related to Endeavourââ
âMust be. It makes sense. And if thatâs the case, then that means youâre also related to Endeavourââ
She couldnât take the assault of questions. Fuyumi turned around as calmly as she could and walked out of the office.
Her hands were shaking, and her lip trembled as tears formed at the corners of her eyes. Nobody was supposed to know. Sheâd kept her name because it kept
Her hands were shaking, and her lip trembled as tears formed at the corners of her eyes. Nobody was supposed to know. Sheâd kept her name because it kept
her connected to her brothers and mother. Not many people knew Endeavourâs real name, even after the Sports Festival. The only thing he was supposed to do for her was to keep his private and professional lives separate, so that something like this wouldnât happen.
How was she supposed to know that Hawks was a pro hero, let alone Number Three?
Fuyumi knew little about the heroics industry and the celebrities attached to it. She never attended any charity balls or dinners with Endeavour; her only positive connection to any of it was
Fuyumi knew little about the heroics industry and the celebrities attached to it. She never attended any charity balls or dinners with Endeavour; her only positive connection to any of it was
through Shouto. Now she was being thrown into it against her will.
She couldnât teach, not today. She would have to go speak to the principal to call in a substitute.
There were too many fires too put out.
_____
She couldnât teach, not today. She would have to go speak to the principal to call in a substitute.
There were too many fires too put out.
_____
Fuyumi suffered through a stressful week as she sat with Endeavourâs PR agents, his sidekicks, and a representative from the Commission. She carefully went over her story, explaining every detail, and hoped that the truth would be enough to clear everything up. Sheâd decided
to take a paid vacation for the week, which had been fully supported by the principal (the only one at the school that believed her).
As long as she didnât need to speak to Endeavour himself, she could get through this.
As long as she didnât need to speak to Endeavour himself, she could get through this.
Her anxiety skyrocketed when she got a phone call from Hosu Cityâs hospital telling her that Shouto and two of his classmates had been attacked by the Hero Killer Stain. Shouto had been uncooperative with the police chief, but otherwise the boys were fine. Fuyumi had tried
to hold back tears, but ended up sobbing hysterically as she tried to talk to her baby brother.
ââŠIâm sorry, Fuyumi,â he said. After saying goodnight, Fuyumi hung up, trying to calm her thumping heart.
ââŠIâm sorry, Fuyumi,â he said. After saying goodnight, Fuyumi hung up, trying to calm her thumping heart.
Eight days after meeting Hawks, a woman named Miyuki Kesuhime called Endeavourâs agency, asking to speak to Fuyumi. âI would like to apologize for that bird brainâs actions, but I donât think that would be enough,â said Miyuki shortly. âI want to arrange a press conference
between you two and your representatives to get this matter cleared up. I canât force you to do anything, so the ball is now in your court.â
âI donât want him to get into trouble over me,â Fuyumi said miserably.
âI donât want him to get into trouble over me,â Fuyumi said miserably.
âHa! That idiot has been in worse scrapes over his actions! He owes YOU, so tell me how youâd like him to be reprimanded and Iâll do it! Bird Brain has it coming for putting you through the wringer.â
âI want to go back to teaching my students,â Fuyumi said. She hoped that the substitute had handed out the permission forms to them.
Fuyumi heard distant shouting as Miyuki screamed, âSEE WHAT YOU DID!??! Honestly, getting a nice young lady mixed up in this because you were thinking with your diâ Oh, shit, I didnât press mute!â
The phone was soon passed to the agencyâs own PR agent, who jotted down notes and argued with Miyuki.
âThe privacy of the Todoroki family has been violated enough,â said the agent coldly. âMiss Todoroki will not be making any public statements at this time.â He flinched and held the phone away from his ear as Miyuki was undoubtedly shouting obscenities at him.
âLet me talk to her,â Fuyumi said. The agent hesitated, but at Fuyumiâs stern look he relinquished the phone to her.
âItâs me again,â she said.
âOh good, someone with some manners! Well, what would you like to do about this whole fiasco?â
_____
âItâs me again,â she said.
âOh good, someone with some manners! Well, what would you like to do about this whole fiasco?â
_____
Hawks loathed dressing up for anything, especially for public events like this press conference. Miyuki kept his suits in her office, because she didnât trust him to keep them clean and wrinkle-free. They were tailored to accommodate his wings, so extra care went into dry
cleaning them.
He would usually moan and bitch (mostly to give his handlers some grief), but for once he decided to keep his mouth shut, since he was doing this for Fuyumiâs sake.
He would usually moan and bitch (mostly to give his handlers some grief), but for once he decided to keep his mouth shut, since he was doing this for Fuyumiâs sake.
âWhy canât you be this agreeable all of the time?â Miyuki muttered as she adjusted his tie for him. She was wearing a black dress suit with matching heels. Together, they looked like they were about to attend a funeral.
âI gotta keep you on your toes,â Hawks joked. âThink how boring your job would be if I was a nice, passive boy.â
âIâd still have Mirkoâs temper to deal with,â Miyuki said, shuddering. âI swear, between the two of you, Iâm going to get gray hair before Iâm thirty.â
âIâd still have Mirkoâs temper to deal with,â Miyuki said, shuddering. âI swear, between the two of you, Iâm going to get gray hair before Iâm thirty.â
One of the Commissionâs cars was waiting for them outside the office building. Once they were inside, the driver pulled away and drove smoothly down the busy street. Hawks stared out the window, his elbow propped up along the window, as Miyuki went over last-minute
details with him.
âI cannot stress this enough, but please donât act like yourself,â she said. âWhen itâs your time to speak, keep your tone neutral. No goo-goo eyes at Miss Todoroki, for the love of Godââ
âI cannot stress this enough, but please donât act like yourself,â she said. âWhen itâs your time to speak, keep your tone neutral. No goo-goo eyes at Miss Todoroki, for the love of Godââ
âSo you want me to throw sincerity out the window? Wonât that seem scripted to our viewers?â
Miyuki sighed angrily. âWeâre supposed to stay to the point, not dawdle off and ramble or whatever youâre scheming. For Miss Todorokiâs sake, donât stir the pot.â
Miyuki sighed angrily. âWeâre supposed to stay to the point, not dawdle off and ramble or whatever youâre scheming. For Miss Todorokiâs sake, donât stir the pot.â
For Fuyumiâs sake.
âFine, Iâll be a good boy,â Hawks said. âAnd afterwards Iâll buy you a bottle of sake.â
Miyuki folded her arms across her chest, grumbling under her breath.
ââŠIt better be Kukurihime.â
âFine, Iâll be a good boy,â Hawks said. âAnd afterwards Iâll buy you a bottle of sake.â
Miyuki folded her arms across her chest, grumbling under her breath.
ââŠIt better be Kukurihime.â
They arrived at Endeavourâs agency in a timely manner. Despite what was about to happen, the little boy in Hawksâ heart couldnât help but be excited. He was about to enter the workplace of his childhood hero.
A sidekick with flaming, copper green hair and a brash smile greeted them at the door. âWell, well, well, itâs the Kentucky Fried Baby!â Burninâ cackled. âI see youâve dressed for your funeral; after what you put the boss through,
youâre lucky you donât get a closed casket service!â
âNice to see you too, Burninâ,â Hawks said. âBefore you go out buying flowers, let me get this press conference over with.â
âNice to see you too, Burninâ,â Hawks said. âBefore you go out buying flowers, let me get this press conference over with.â
âThis is not the way I wanted to meet the bossâs kids,â Burninâ whispered into his ear. âI hope you humiliate yourself, Chicken, because I wanna take a crack at her!â She winked deviously.
âReally hypocritical of you,â Hawks murmured back. âWhat makes you think Endeavour wonât fry your ass for trying to hit on his daughter?â
âHe relies on me, while youâre just a nuisance!â Burninâ said, grinning viciously.
âHe relies on me, while youâre just a nuisance!â Burninâ said, grinning viciously.
Behind them, Miyuki was talking to one of Endeavourâs representatives. After several tense minutes of breathless negotiations between the two of them, Miyuki turned to Hawks and said, âEndeavour had to fly out this morning for a mission in Tokyo, so itâll be just us and
Miss Todoroki talking. There are five sidekicks on standby today, so theyâll be attending and making sure that we follow his agencyâs protocols.â
âYeah, yeah, I got it,â said Hawks. âCould we get this over with already?â
âYeah, yeah, I got it,â said Hawks. âCould we get this over with already?â
Miyuki scoffed, rolling her eyes. âYouâre representing the Commission as well as yourself and your agency, Hawks. Donât forget that when you go in there.â
_____
_____
Fuyumiâs mouth was dry as she fidgeted in her seat in the meeting room. The local news had a small crew setting up cameras in front of the table. Fuyumi kept her head bowed, her hands grasping the small mug of tea in front of her.
This was all so excessive, and yet it was the only way to clear up this misunderstanding between her and the public. How did one friendly conversation with a man she met once lead to this?
Nobody knew who she was until now. Endeavour had hidden his familyâand what he did to themâfrom the world; but now heâd handed off responsibility to his underlings while he traveled to Tokyo. In a way, Fuyumi was relieved; she wouldnât be able to control her panic over the
situation if her father was here.
âThat boy is a thorn in my side,â heâd said before leaving. âHeâs caused so much trouble for me.â
âThat boy is a thorn in my side,â heâd said before leaving. âHeâs caused so much trouble for me.â
For /him./ Not her, the one who was getting hate mail and threats online from Hawksâ fans all week. Endeavour was only giving his permission for this press conference so that his âfailureâ would go back into obscurity.
âGood morning, Miss Fuyumi.â
She glanced up, her heart pounding. Hawks was standing in front of the table, his hands in his suit pants pockets, giving her a shy smile.
âGood morning, Hawks,â she managed to say. Clearing her throat, she added, âIâm sorry.â
She glanced up, her heart pounding. Hawks was standing in front of the table, his hands in his suit pants pockets, giving her a shy smile.
âGood morning, Hawks,â she managed to say. Clearing her throat, she added, âIâm sorry.â
âSorry? For what?â He genuinely looked surprised. âThis is all my fault. I always forget how vicious those gossip rags can get. I⊠I never wanted you to get mixed up in my crazy world.â
âIâm not mad at you,â Fuyumi said. âAnd itâs true what I said that day; I had no idea who you were. I donât keep up with the world of heroes⊠I have my own reasons.â
âAnd I never knew that you were the daughter of the Number Two Hero,â said Hawks.
âWe were both dishonest.â
âAnd I never knew that you were the daughter of the Number Two Hero,â said Hawks.
âWe were both dishonest.â
âI prefer to think of it as being mysterious. It takes the bitterness out of the flavour.â
Fuyumi laughed softly. It was the first time she felt light all week.
Burninâ appeared at Hawksâ side. He squawked in alarm as she pulled him into a headlock. âWell, well, well, Big Bird
Fuyumi laughed softly. It was the first time she felt light all week.
Burninâ appeared at Hawksâ side. He squawked in alarm as she pulled him into a headlock. âWell, well, well, Big Bird
is still causing trouble, I see! What did I tell you about bugging the bossâs daughter?â
âMercy, mercy!â Hawks gasped as the sidekick tightened her hold around his neck.
âBurninâ, please let him go,â said Fuyumi, jumping to her feet. âHeâs going to pass out!â
âMercy, mercy!â Hawks gasped as the sidekick tightened her hold around his neck.
âBurninâ, please let him go,â said Fuyumi, jumping to her feet. âHeâs going to pass out!â
Burninâ reluctantly released him. Hawks doubled over, massaging his throat as he gasped for air.
âNot fair,â he wheezed out. âWhy am I the only one that has to be on good behaviour while this hellion tries to kill me?â
âNot fair,â he wheezed out. âWhy am I the only one that has to be on good behaviour while this hellion tries to kill me?â
âYou deserve it!â grinned Burninâ. She thumped his back with her fist before walking around the table to get a seat next to Fuyumi.
âGoddammit, Hawks, what the hell are you doing now?â Miyuki entered the meeting room, only to catch the tail end of the one-sided fight. She stormed over to him, pulling him to his feet and smoothed out the creases in his suit.
âYouâre sitting on the right side with me. Please tell me you memorized the notes I gave you! Whatever, itâs too late for that! Right, letâs get this over with.â
/End of Part 2/