Chapter Text
“I’m back~”
A few years ago, only the silence of the utility closet would greet his calls.
“Oton!” A little voice chirps out. “Oton! What took you so long? We’ve been waiting all day for you to come home!”
Nowadays, he forgets what that silence sounds like.
“Suzume!”
Hawks’ grin broadens as he leans down on his knees to capture the tiny flight risk in his arms. She easily flies into his hold with delightful trills, baby feathers fluttering from excitement.
His little fledging was four now, turning five within the month. She was the best of both their catatonic worlds, a bright star in their dark night. Wavy auburn hair that flowed down to her shoulders and golden eyes shimmering like a crystalized sun. Her outer feathers were a chestnut tone and her downies white as snow. She wore a simple honey colored dress with bees on the skirt. He’s sure he picked out this one.
Little chirps and squabbles hit his ear as his daughter tries to scramble from his arms. Her tiny talons attempt to scrape at him in their efforts to flee. She continues to laugh during his struggles, Hawks continuing to hold her tight.
“Caught you~” Hawks softly teases.
“No fair, Oton, I wasn’t ready,” Suzume whines. “Let me try again, this time I know I’ll sneak up on you! I’ve been practicing my stooping skills all day today and I even managed to steal papa’s phone when he wasn’t looking. I hid it, too!”
Her voice was full of pride as if she did something good, which, for a growing aviator that was certainly impressive. She was her Papa’s daughter, that’s for sure. Unfortunately, Papa wouldn’t be too ecstatic at his phone being stored away somewhere… and Papa would certainly let his husband know about their little girl's antics.
“Oh, is that why he didn’t text me back this afternoon?” Hawks chuckles, carrying his baby bird on his hip. “That’s very bad of you, Suzu. Papa is not going to be happy when I tell him.”
Suzume pouts, using her puppy eyes to try to get him to budge. “Just don’t tell him Oton. What he doesn’t know won’t hurt him.” And Hawks is a lenient father. Maybe too much, but he can’t help in spoiling his little bird rotten.
“Hm. Okay. I won’t tell him as long as you tell me where you hid them,” Hawks smirks. “We’ll put it back where it belongs and he won’t even know it’s missing. Then it’ll be our little secret. Deal?”
“Deal!” Suzume hops off his hip, hobbling towards the kitchen. “I put it on top of the bathroom cabinet!”
Hawks snorts under his breath, sending a quick feather to go fetch the object. Of course she put it up there. Mischievous birds think alike, especially raptors. It was his go-to place whenever he had to hide his mate’s birthday presents or Christmas gifts. He’s rather surprised ‘papa’ hasn’t found out about their secret hiding spot in the years they’ve lived together.
“Papa! Oton is finally home!” Suzume calls as she rushes to the kitchen. “Can we have dinner now, please, please?~”
Speaking of ‘Papa’…
“You get dinner when you tell me where you put my phone, little fledgling,” Dabi snarks, still frying eggs over the stove. Their small kitchen smelt of spices and warm meals. “I don’t want to hear that Oton found it either- tell me where your hiding spot is.”
Hawks chuckles as he puts the miraculously found phone on the wooden countertop, “I don’t think she can do that. It’s my hiding spot too.”
“You’re both insufferable,” Dabi grumbles, sending him a flat look over his shoulder.
It’s been one hell of a journey, but a rewarding one regardless. Seeing his mate’s healing skin from previous scarring, eyebags finally settling into his usual skintone, a healthy pale sheen to his face one only got with healthy meals and adequate sleep. He’s softer around the edges from years of domesticity and Hawks loves it all.
Wasting no time, Hawks locks himself behind Dabi and snuggles into the familiar warmth. Even when he was peeved or pissed off, he doesn’t push him away and if he pressed his nose into the scarred skin of his mates' permanent burn marks, he could just barely smell it.
Toasted almonds warming over a campfire in autumn.
That was the scent of his mate.
“Are you gonna welcome me back?” Hawks whispers, pressing soft kisses to the flushed skin os his mate’s neck growing ever so warmer. Whether it was the heat of the stovetop or Dabi’s embarrassment, he could only assume what lights his firecracker up.
“Needy bird,” Dabi grouches. “I welcome you back everyday, even when you're full of dust and grime and smell disgusting from outside. What if I want to save my scent glands from the torment, huh? What are you gonna do when I’m not here, huh?”
Hawks grins cheekily, “Wait for you to come back?” When his mate doesn’t budge, he coddles closer. “And maybe take a shower?”
There’s a pretty pout on his mate's lips, full lips that Hawks just wants to peck relentlessly with his own.
“... Fine. Welcome back.”
“Well thank you, firefly.” Hawks leaves a purposefully wet smooch on his mate's cheek, smiling playfully when Dabi wipes it off. “Is dinner gonna be ready soon? I’m hungry.”
Dabi rolls his eyes, “When are you not?” Then he takes the pan off the open flame stove; probably somewhat hazardous. He’d be more afraid if he didn’t know Dabi was a master at managing fire or have seen his mate wield even larger flames. “Everything’s done. I just need someone to clear the table. Preferably the troublemaker.”
Suzume tilts her head and blinks owlishly, “Who? Oton?”
“You, you kleptomaniac.” Dabi wraps his arms around their little fledgling and hoists her up. “Don’t think you’re not getting in trouble for your stunt from earlier. We’re gonna have a long talk later about things you can and can’t steal.”
Hawks takes a seat at their small dinner table, leaning against his palm. His mate looked perfect holding their pup, scolding her with gentle whispers. His eyes remained loving and based on Suzu’s slight pout, she did not question her papa’s love. He smirks. “That’s interesting coming from you, firefly.”
“Don’t enable her, Hawks. If she keeps stealing my things, I’ll teach her how to use a matchstick on your stuff next.” Dabi bounces their sunshine a few times, with a teasing smile. “Ain’t that right Suzu, you want to learn how to start a house fire with your quirk? Papa can teach you how to do it safely. Oton doesn’t have to know. It can be our little secret.”
Suzume’s attention was firmly set on papa, seriously considering his offer.
Hawks mournfully looks at his precious baby bird, “Suzume… you know it’s not okay to steal from Papa, right? It makes him very cranky and upset.” Hawks rarely carried out stern talkings or discipline, but the few times he did tended to be difficult. For himself. It broke his own little heart.
“Hawks.”
“It’s also a very morally wrong thing to do. Papa needs that phone in case of an emergency. What if you got hurt and Papa couldn’t call for help? Neither of us want that, baby bird.”
While Dabi did a fantastic job of taking care of their pup, mistakes still happened. If Suzume crash landed in the wall and broke her arm again, Dabi wouldn’t be able to leave for the hospital without his phone. He couldn’t go anywhere without it. The cell tracked his location so his parole officer and Hawks could know where he was at all times.
A limitation of being a rehabilitated villain. Any case where Dabi broke that rule would result in him being returned to Tartarus to serve a life sentence. No questions asked, no chance of parole, don’t pass go and don’t collect 200$, and certainly no chance to hold their daughter again. Hawks can only imagine the panic fire he’d return to in such a scenario. He can’t imagine his own terror at losing his precious mate and becoming a single father.
It’s a good thing Dabi would never let that happen.
Suzume tilts her head down, an apologetic look on her face. “I’m sorry for stealing your phone, Papa. It was wrong of me. I promise I won’t steal it again…”
She makes a heartbreaking warble trying not to cry and it takes all of Hawks strength not to fly over to his sunshine and comfort his pup in a cocoon of feathers. He wasn’t immune to her tears like Dabi was. If he smelled a distressed pup, he had to protect, comfort. Even if she wasn’t in danger and was simply learning the consequences of her actions. He didn’t have the strength.
“I forgive you,” Dabi sighs, petting down auburn fuzz. “I’m not mad either. I’m proud. You did such a good job of apologizing, okay? You know that, right? I trust you’ll make good decisions in the future, little fledgling.”
Suzume nods, sniffling, “Yeah.”
“Good. So no need for all this snotting. You’re not in trouble anymore. Come here,” Dabi wraps his arms around her, kissing the top of her head. Hawks makes way to grab the tissue box. “Me and Oton love you very much. So let’s have dinner. You’re hungry, aren’t you?”
Suzume pouts, nose dripping as Hawks places a tissue to her face. “... M’ not hungry, anymore,” her voice muffles.
“You’re not? But you were so hungry earlier.”
Despite that, Dabi plops onto the kitchen chair with Suzume in his lap. She was still pouting. Though she wouldn’t be for much longer. Hawks throws away the gross paper and sits down at the table, feeling hunger pains in his gut. He wants to eat but can feel eyes burning into his skull and the smell of distress pup would kill anyone’s appetite.
Dabi sends him a pointed look.
“Sheesh, well, if we’re gonna be mopey for too long, Oton might not wait for us. You see, he’s very hungry. He’ll probably eat our entire dinner if we don’t stop him. You know how Oton is, it’s like his stomach is an empty void.”
Suzume glances at him, trying to call his bluff. She was good at reading her papa, but her Oton had a mask ingrained into him since he was but a pup. It’s nearly impossible for her to catch his lies.
“I mean, I am extra hungry today. Couldn’t even think about eating lunch when I thought of Papa’s homemade dinner,” Hawks dramatically rubs his stomach. “If you won’t eat dinner, it’ll be okay if I eat it right? After all, I don’t want it to go to waste…”
Her facade cracks like shattered glass, a shrieky whine splitting through the room.
“Papa, don’t let Oton eat all of it, okay? I’m really hungry!”
Dabi chuckles, placing her on the seat without him, “Alright, glad to see we’re all hungry tonight. I’ll make sure there’s enough for everyone.” His smile turns coy, keeping a cunning look to his eye that shifts to Hawks. “Sorry pretty bird, you’ll have to share with us tonight.”
Hawks eyes flutter down to where Dabi’s apron hugs perfectly at his waist. “That’s unfortunate. I might still be hungry after dinner, then.”
“Even after dessert?” Suzume asks.
Hawks blinks, “Dessert?” what sweet treats did they get up to while he was gone.
“Yeah! Papa and I made caramel custard pudding today. It was really hard to do the tip and flip but we managed. Right Papa?”
Dabi puts dinner dishes on the table. Teriyaki chicken, rice, broccoli, salad, everything that made Hawks mouth water. A whole twelve hour shift with barely any breaks, so much paperwork that had his eyes rolling, and the never ending meetings; finally he’s rewarded for his painstaking work. This is what he needed. His mate truly was the best.
“Yeah, only one spillage because of a clumsy hand. It was still rather tasty. Good thing it was only the test batch,” Dabi smirks, leaning over the table to ruffle their chicks hair as she tries to grab chicken with her talons. “Think you’ll still be hungry after all that, birdie?”
Hawks meets his eyes with a determined look, “Guess we’ll see tonight.”
Despite saying that, everything Dabi made was mind blowing. He couldn’t control himself from eating to his heart's content. His stomach never felt as full as it did since he’s been mated. The only thing remaining once they were done was a few pieces of lettuce. Dabi was picking at it with little munches, not seeming to have much of an appetite. Hawks did feel a small pang of worry, but sometimes Dabi got like this.
Hawks listens as Suzume talks about her and ‘Oton’ practicing flying skills. She was able to stoop, perch, glide and hover now. Though landings still tend to be on the riskier side, along with swerving. It was partially the pups skills and the hundreds of paddings Dabi insisted she put on so she didn’t break an arm.
That’s okay, Suzume didn’t have to learn as fast or as dangerously he did. She could learn at her own pace, explore what works best and not what handlers insist she must know. His baby bird would never come to know that kind of life. Where your speed was just another number expected to grow and the injuries you face viewed with disappointment rather than concern. There was only a child-like wonder where safety was the norm.
Beyond just their small home, she knew she was safe. To her, heroes were protectors who helped those who needed it. Deku, Shoto, Ground Zero, Uraravity, and so many more. They kept people safe, people like her.
When she looks at the television, she doesn’t worry about villains. They barely use that word anymore. Criminals or better known as people performing misconduct. They'd be given justice at the hands of the heroes and tried to be rehabilitated under their new system. She’d never fear at night that someone wanted to hurt her or that heroes were just as bad as the people they arrested. Simply, she did not know of that life.
Unfortunately, it also means she has no idea who her fathers used to be.
Hawks, a hero born from a murderous thief, full name Takami Keigo. Numerous people died from his feathers on missions assigned by the Hero Public Safety Commission, yet his bloody hands were the same ones he cradles his daughter with every night when she fell asleep.
Dabi, a villain sworn by revenge to kill his father, Touya Todoroki. Following the League of Villains, his flamed hands burnt off most of Hawks wings back then, yet he preens their daughters tiny feathers ever so carefully just to ensure he doesn’t harm her blood feathers.
They shield her away from the media for as long as they can, hoping she’ll never learn the cruel reality she would be faced with. When she learns of their roots, of who her fathers once were, and how their blood ties together.
Born from monsters.
“Oton, I’m sweepy,” Suzume yawns, wrapping her arms around his neck, chirping tired little noises. She tries to use her wings to shield her face from the ceiling lights, accidentally smacking him in the face. “Wanna go to bed, Oton. Tuck me in…”
Hawks kisses her head, “Sure thing baby bird.”
As he hikes his sleepy girl on his hip, he takes note of Dabi scrolling through his phone. His eyebrows were furrowed, a scrunched up expression he only got when something really ticked him off. Lately the news has been releasing articles after articles about how rehabilitation is a sham and doesn’t work. Dabi has been found numerous times in the front page as Endeavor’s son. Maybe he’s been reading them.
“You want some help cleaning up?” Hawks offers.
“I’ve got it. I just need to do this real quick.” Dabi barely blinks, not even sparing him a glance. “I’ll join you both soon.”
If it weren’t for the way Dabi was tapping his foot and quickly typing out a message, then Hawks would believe him. However, he knows better than to leave his mate with a handful of messy dishes and whatever else he was dealing with. He’ll trust his firefly needs some alone time and takes the responsibility of his little chick.
Hawks doesn’t leave without three stray feathers on the table to help clean up as he drags Suzume to their nest.
It wasn’t a big room by any means, but it was enough for them. There was one big closet where they all organized their clothes. A toy box in the corner of the room with Suzume’s play things and stuffies. One night drawer where they had essentials. Then finally, a massive sunken-in bed they all shared, combined with three comforters and three pillows.
It smelt like roasted almonds, petrichor, and happy pup.
Hawks gently cradles his baby bird for a while longer, chirping a sweet birdsong in their shared native tongue. He even got Suzume to chirp along, though it was warbly from sleep. She wasn’t fluent, but she tried her best to learn. He doesn’t force her to learn it, it was ingrained in them. She’d figure it out eventually. Just as she learned to fly.
As he snuggles his pup underneath the covers and gets ready to find and drag his mate to bed, Suzume grabs the fluff of his coat, accidentally yanking a few tufts out in her talons.
“Oton, can you tell me a story?”
Hawks chirrups, “A story? Baby bird, you’re falling asleep on me. If I tell you one now you won’t remember it.”
“But… I wanna know how you and Papa met,” Suzume whispers, eyes barely fluttering open. “Papa told me-” she yawns, wings fluffing out. “He told me to ask you. Can you tell me, please? Pretty please?”
Ah, of course Dabi would press this on him.
Not that he blamed him.
It wouldn’t be easy to talk about how they met without mentioning to their baby how Dabi was a criminal. Not that Hawks would be able to tell this story without explaining how Papa was a villain and Hawks an undercover spy. They both had bits and pieces to their stories that were best not mentioned… but he could skewer the lines a bit.
It wasn’t like she was gonna remember this in the morning.
“Alright,” Hawks sighs, sitting on the side of the bed and cuddling next to her. “Let me tell you the story about how Papa and I met…”
“Hawks, we need you to infiltrate the League of Villains.”
While Hawks was aware his final mission would end up with him sent off to his death, he didn’t think he was worth only five years of hero work. He thought he’d at least be kept around to his forties. Their input of training hasn’t paid off enough for them to cast him aside. Which means they are desperate. This villain organization must’ve been pressing their resources.
“Currently their base of operations has been exposed past-Kamino. We suspect they have moved to Kyushu. That is your territory Hawks. We suggest you do well in tracking them down for us.”
“Suggest?” Hawks shrugs. “Is it really a suggestion if I can’t say no? President, you know me best! Don’t bother asking or suggesting, of course I’ll help you out. In a pinch. No need for pleasantries.”
He’s never really had a choice in the matter. If he declined their offer, he can only imagine what poor unfortunate hero would be tasked with his mission instead. Or the casualties that would arise if he doesn’t act first. There wasn’t anyone better than the number two and if that’s who they must sacrifice, so be it. If it was a mission from the Hero Commission, then it was a mission he couldn’t ignore.
That’s what it took to be the best, to be the fastest, to save the most lives and bring justice to villains.
“Don’t play games Hawks, this is an important task. It’s the most dangerous one given yet.”
“Danger’s my middle name, Madam, Hawks Danger. It’s got a nice ring to it, doesn’t it?”
Madam President doesn’t even crack a smile.
Tough crowd, he supposed. Not that he was ever able to make the president chuckle once in his scornful life. His jokes, his amusements, they only were meant to play puppets with the crowds. Make the people feel safe, make them believe he was human, a person worth treating with respect.
Of course his handlers know better than believing that.
“So you’re sending me out to get the work done. What happened, was Gran Torino and everyonr else too packed full from Sunday brunch? Geez, retirement is calling their name. What about you Madam, are you close up on the retirement list, yet?”
“Not until every villain is behind bars,” Madam says firmly. “Better get it done fast, Hawks. Like we trained you to do.”
“Yes Madam, as you wish,” Hawks bows, one arm crossed above his chest. “Sacrificing myself is the least I could do to keep our citizens happy.”
Not that his happiness ever mattered. The only important people in the world were those he didn’t know. The faces he couldn’t see, the stories they’ll never share. A stranger means more to them than he’s ever been worth. It wasn’t an assumption, it was known. They told him that himself so he didn’t grow fantasies about a makeshift family in his mind. Their relationship was purely transactional. If it weren’t, then they’d risk the notion of him being happy.
Honestly, it’s lived in the back of his mind as long as he could remember, collecting dust with cobwebs of hope and longevity. Happiness. What a wondrous thing his young mind could create. A fantasy he’d never see the light of.
Now his only goal was to fulfill his duty to the world as thanks for what they gave him. Food, water, shelter, and the opportunity to be their number two hero.
Hawks, the fastest hero alive.
That’s who he was.
He’s handed a document of the last known whereabouts of each League of Villain’s member and a yellow cyanide pill in case things went south. His scent glands are already blocked with injections and scent patches, along with rut suppression pills. Everything he requires to go undercover.
“Remember Hawks, whatever you do,” Madam places a palm on his shoulder, a heavy, unbreaking stare boring it to his soul. “Don’t let us down.”
Not a ‘stay safe’ or a ‘be careful and come back to us soon’. That was too much to ask from the Commission president. It’s not like she was his mom. Nor were any of his handlers remotely considered family. They just raised him from his seven year old self up to now. It was only years and nothing more should matter. It still stung. He makes sure not to let it show, smiling in the face of pain.
I’ll be sure not to.”
Growing up as a commission spy didn’t entail the normal childhood one would hope to see for an average kid. He didn’t celebrate holidays or spend time after class mingling with other students. The most sports he’s done was archery; using his feathers to lock on moving targets and impale their vital zones.
Of course his birthday was never forgotten. He was told he was a year older, but they only drilled into him that he was losing time and had to work even harder to reach their expectations. He’s never had a birthday cake to rot his teeth, and hasn't been given a gift in years- in fear he’d become too spoiled. Last gift he got was when he was seven, first year in the institution, where a handler gave him an Endeavor sticker. She was fired.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner were shakes full of nutrients he couldn’t taste, much less know what they were made of. He’s better off not knowing. It’d help him choke it down. If he learnt what ingredients they used, he can’t say he’d be able to stomach it anymore. It's too smooth, too liquidy, not sufficient to fill that inner hunger.
Strangely enough, it always felt like he was on the cusp of inadequate energy, pushing through brain fog just to get through the day. Never assuming they’re drugging him. Didn’t think long enough about it.
Wake up. Train. Learn. Train. Sleep.
Rinse and repeat.
It was the same routine over and over again. His handlers never bothered for enrichment unless it better honed one of his skills. Such as interpersonal conversations or face mickery. The only time he had fun.
Was it fun or was he pretending to have it? He couldn’t differentiate, either way.
Presenting as an Alpha when he was thirteen was a shock among the ranks, but only made his training more brutal. Apparently they had assumed he would present as a beta, they didn’t think to push him to his limits. As a beta had no inner feature to push through, while Alpha’s could move past death itself.
After that, everything became a blur.
Before he knew it, he got his first rut when he was just seventeen. Triggered by an omega handler who smelled so nice- a test by the commission to see how he’d react if a citizen was in heat. He didn’t even touch her.
Since they didn’t know what to do with the hero killer they created, so afraid he'd snap against them after so long of their ‘training’, they had to ensure he was safe before he debuted. Though whispers went around the halls about Lady Nagant. Apparently they feared he’d be her replica. Go batshit crazy and rip a neck off or two the same way she did when she presented.
It’d be funny a thought, him of all people slitting throats with his feathers, but his mind couldn’t stop thinking of mate.
He didn’t care about hurting anyone who got in his space or took his food. Things like possession didn’t apply. He had no territory. All he wanted was a faceless mate. Someone who he could snuggle with and make his skin feel bearable again. He craved sweet scents and fingers running through his hair, to tell him everything would be okay.
It took around four days but the feeling finally subsided, waking up on the other side without his imaginary mate.
Strangely enough, it was then he could feel the way his teeth tingled. They were sharp, aching, just wanting to puncture into softness. He’d experiment with his pillow but it never felt right. As if something was missing.
Later, much later than what should have been necessary, he learned that his body was trying to mate. Attract a partner, court his partner, be as submissive as he could so his mate would let him bite them.
Apparently he’s an enigma.
An Alpha wasn’t known to be submissive. They were go-getters. Fighting for a mate amongst other Alpha’s and Beta’s. Ruthless creatures who didn’t care for their partners comfort, only about themselves. They fought, tooth and nail to claim, not able to ignore instincts even when cognitively they held no desire to harm their mates. When rut took hold, all alpha’s were barbarians desperate to fuck, possess, mark their territories like filthy animals.
Hawks was different.
Something about malnutrition from growing up poor and the commission altering his diet made him less prone to those instincts. Made it easier for him to engage with civilians and focus on rescue when it was required. Prevent him from lashing out against them when he finally broke free from their mind games.
He didn’t hate it, rather he preferred ignoring the snarling beast in the back of his mind.
However, as he takes a look at the materials provided to be for engaging with the League, he notices his suppressants looked different than usual. A pale blue instead of their normal gray.
Normally he’d question the color, but if it was a change for the important mission, he wouldn’t question it. They wouldn’t flub up a mission when the masses were on the line. He trusted the higher ups knew what they were doing. The same way they knew how to cut off his talons and suppress every urge to chirp or squawk.
All he does is swallow it down with a glass of water and head towards the last known sighting of one of the League of Villain members.
Apparently he went by a cryptonym, Dabi. Cremation. Ain’t that a scary name when your strength relies on flammable plumage. His achilles heel aches with every step nearing his instructed location, wings forced down and head held up.
The flame user hasn’t been seen by many. Most of his victims turned to ash as soon as they caught sight or whiff. Honestly, the fact that he was the last known villain seen probably meant this was a trap. They were throwing bait in the water expecting him to jump in, not second guessing the smell of blood or the tips of the shark's fins. Since he was observant, not a cocky bullheaded alpha like most pro’s were, he dared not underestimate Dabi.
Even if it seemed like the villain grew a second head since Kamino.
Either way, it was Hawks job to butter him up and get some intel on the villain’s schedule. Unravel where, when, and how their next course of action would be. Stop it. Then put an end to this once and for all.
According to the files, Dabi was last spotted in a shabby rundown warehouse at the docks by the fishing boats providing quirk enhancers to sailors. Any information about those enhancers were considered too high up for Hawks to access, so he entered blind.
A great start.
Hawks flies down to the warehouse in Saga prefecture, not expecting in the slightest to sense a person inside. No- not just one person. The mix of scents were off, making Hawks scrunch his nose in disgust.
Burnt flesh and a person.
Choking down his disgust and the alpha inside him clawing to fight, he maneuvers through the building's support beams and balances high enough where he could camouflage. Let the drapes of void hide his being and suppressants mask his scent for night air. This way, he may not need to engage with the villains just yet. He could observe their motivations and use that as leverage in joining their rank-
A fume of blue engulfs his visions.
It’s hot, burning, ash sweering his vision to hazardous- run. Stooping down to the ground floor to escape the fire. The alpha inside him screeching danger in the back of his head. Talons scratch to the tile like chalk on a nailboard. His hearing is erupting into pure static. Fumes were burning his nostrils and the heat beaded against his back.
How had he been discovered so fast?!
“Great, another putrid hero violating my nose… and this time it’s a pro hero. Just my luck.”
Hawks looks up, noticing the man hiding away in the dark. His voice was rough and deep, like he’d smoken a million cigarettes in one go. It was alpha-like, but his own second gender didn’t meet the same ferocity as it normally did when butting heads with another alpha. However, it’s only when the person steps out of the shadows does the realization hit him.
Dabi, a member of the League of Villains, stood in front of him. Long stitched up coat draped around his shoulders and skin scarred beyond recognition. His hair looked like he’d been electrocuted a thousand times over again, lank body serving no better. Tall, intimidating, yet…
There was a distinct smell overriding burning wood.
Almonds.
Hawks brushes it aside, believing it to be one of the victims having a snack pack in their pockets. It ended up as fuel for this villain’s fire. That was all.
“Either way, you all stick the same when you burn,” Dabi shoves his hands in his coat pocket, leaning forward intimidatingly. “So, what can I do for you, hero?”
Not attacking? Well that was rather peculiar for a hero hating organization. Perhaps Dabi was throwing him an olive branch. Or maybe he has a time limit on his flames. Hawks wouldn’t dwell on it, not when he’s been given a gold mine of an opportunity. He’d be a fool to waste it.
“Heard you’re part of the League of Villain’s. Saw you on TV during your fight with All Might,” Hawks forces on a pleasant smile, keeping a cocky undertone. “Gotta say, getting knocked out by Gran Tarino five seconds in the fight was rather embarrassing. Along with everyone else getting swiped down.”
Dabi bites, but doesn’t reveal his hands, “So what’s it to you? Here to finish the job?”
Perhaps his buddies were nearby and he was playing a distraction. Or they were testing him, check out if Hawks was a loose canon. Maybe they were one step ahead, seeing if he also had allies waiting undercover. There was no way to test his theories, but they fluttered in his mind like an uncomfortable itch.
That sneak attack screwed up his leverage. Couldn’t smell or see what lay in the shadows of this warehouse, except for the unconscious body in the corner.
“No, I’m here for more important matters.” Hawks narrows his eyes, morphing on a serious expression. “I want to join the League of Villains. Your guys' cause has opened my eyes to the injustice of Hero Society.”
The only thing it opened was more work on his plate and overnight stays at his agency. His eyes were already open to corruption a long time ago. A necessary evil for managing civilians protection. His suffering brought peace to the world and that was enough. As long as he could save people, he wouldn’t mind dirtying his hands of these villains. Regardless of their intended mission.
Besides, one of a few victims meant nothing to the mass. He wouldn’t flinch at killing any of them.
“For so long false hero’s take the spotlight and it makes it harder to do our jobs correctly. We’ve tormented and corrupted our society, putting villains behind bars as the culprits. Isn’t that a twisted reality?”
Fall for it, please, for the love of All Might just take the bait.
Dabi sticks up his nose, eyes still dark with distrust.
That was okay, he still had an opportunity. His hands were still covered and he made no move to de-shield them. A wild cat ready to pounce any moment he felt threatened. Hawks wouldn’t give him the chance.
“Take a look at Endeavor, for example. Hasn’t that old man been hated since the start of his hero career? All he wants is fame and power. That’s not a true hero. Hero’s like him shouldn’t even be given a title.” Hawks points to himself. “And me? I’ve been told what to do by The Safety Commission for as long as I’ve been a hero. My wings have been constrained for as long as I can remember.”
His wings have always been bound. Stepped on by his father, chained by the HPSC, and now hopefully used by the League of Villains.
Please, take the bait.
“When you guys showed up, it’s like my rainy days became sunny,” Hawks gasps dramatically. “Finally, a chance to fly free.”
Please.
He doesn’t believe for a second that the dark look crossing Dabi’s face was a sign of trust. If anything, he thought he played theatrics a little too excessively.
“Huh, you’ve got some strong morals for a hero, I’ll give you that. Even your scent stinks up when you talk.” Dabi’s nose wrinkles. He must’ve had a sensitive nose if he knew Hawks smell outside his scent patch. “Though you do make a fair point about heroes like Endeavor. People like him shouldn’t even be imprisoned. Death penalty is the only outcome he deserves. At the hands of us, the one’s he tormented.”
Hawks laughs, “You’ve got better ideas than me. See? We think alike.” He places a hand over his heart, same way he does for the Commission. “If you use me, we can make our dreams a reality. Together.”
Slowly, Dabi takes his hands from his coat pocket. It isn’t a fight, but a sign of allowance. He was showing his true colors now. Taking off the mask of his organization. Telling Hawks what he wanted, not the Villains.
“False promises won’t entice me, hero. Make them become reality, then we’ll talk.”
Unbeknownst to Hawks, Dabi had a slip of paper in his hand. It was blank. The other contained a pen. It’s outstretched to him. An olive branch. He had managed to successfully dig into their ranks. Now he truly had to prove himself.
“Write down your number. I’ll contact you when I see fit. If you bore me or betray us, you can consider your sunny days over. Expect a rain of ash over your corpse.”
Hawks swallows thickly, “I’ll surely keep that in mind.”
“Good,” Dabi smirks, turning his back to him. “Don’t disappoint us, Hawks. I’m putting my trust in you.”
Sugary almond smell became more potent and for just a brief second, Hawks wondered if the smell was coming from Dabi.
Nonsense.
“Thank you!” Hawks laughs brightly, smiling with all his teeth. “I won’t let you down!”
Maybe it had something to do with the commissions pills. Messed up his sense of smell. Wouldn’t be the first time they manipulated his alpha for their own gains. He trusts the commission is doing things right and they know how alpha’s work, better than Hawks. Or he might get placed on Dabi’s bad side trying to butt heads.
Hawks rubs his nose, but the almond scent still lingers. It was toasty, almost like it’d been fried over a stovetop with caramelized sugar. Too sweet for his tastes. Almost like an omega. But that would be outlandish.
Huh. Maybe he’ll research Dabi’s second gender if he gets the chance, too.
“I didn’t know Papa was an omega at the time. He knew how to hide his scent from everyone. Though maybe if I lingered for a while longer I could’ve guessed,” Hawks whispers, scenting his daughter's hair. “Maybe I would’ve stayed away from the sickly sweet smell.”
Maybe then he wouldn’t be here holding his daughter as she slept.
A reality he never wanted to live in.
“That was the first night we met. But it was far from over. Papa didn’t trust me and I had to prove myself. Show him I was a dumb hero. Basically tricking him… That wasn’t nice of me. You shouldn’t trick people,” Hawks murmurs. “Just be yourself, okay Suzume? Never stop being your honest self.”
Hawks croons softly, permanently injured tiny wings barely draping over them both. The size didn’t matter, they could still insulate. Even if their daughter could regulate her own temperature, he still misses brooding her. She was too big for that now, too fussy wanting to be grown.
Time was flying by so fast.
The door to their nest opens. “Is she already asleep?”
Hawks chirrups, glancing up at the exhausted omega. There was an overriding need to comfort him. Make him feel safe. Just as he makes sure his brood is warm, he weakly grabs for Dabi to emerge him in his own petrichor. Though he feels scenting alone will not calm the furrow of his mates brows or the way he holds himself so lowly.
Maybe they could have a quick bath together and he’d massage his mates joints. Surely that would ease the distress pheromones rapidly scenting the room. A stressful smell that would wake Suzume if he kept it up.
“Thank god, it’s like she never runs out of energy,” Dabi sighs, rubbing his head. “Doesn't want to nap either. It’s like I’m dealing with a replica of you.”
“I’m always up for a nap!” Hawks protests.
“Shut up, you’ll wake her up,” Dabi grouses, taking off his shirt and tossing it into Hawks shocked expression. “Naps don’t count when it’s three minutes of cuddling. You have to sleep too.”
Hawks catches the shirt with his face before sending a feather to toss to the hamper, “If I fall asleep I can’t appreciate how warm you are and the smell you emit when you’re sleeping. It’d be a waste to sleep through that.”
“Whatever,” Dabi grumbles, snuggling on the opposite side of the bed. “If you’re too tired, don’t complain to me.”
This was one of Hawks favorite times, cuddling in bed with his mate and pup. He especially loved watching his omega work. Creating the perfect nest for them. Fluffing up the pillows and maneuvering blankets around them all. Ensuring everyone was “tucked in” and had a warm pillow to rest their heads on.
His mate flops in finally, a deep rumble filling the silence of the room.
Content omega purrs.
“Was everything okay earlier?” Hawks whispers, not trying to disturb that peace, as if saying it in a calming voice would do such a thing. “You seemed worried. Does it have to do with the parole officer? Or did the commission president contact you again? Or is it the media?”
Dabi remains face first in the pillow, scent mellow however there was a prickle of sourness. Close but not what’s really bothering him.
“Did your family contact you again?”
Oh. The scent slamming into the walls was potent. Anger, impatience, resentment, fear, all of it mixed in a sour odor. Almost like expired milk. Immediately he knows he brought something up that should’ve remained buried. He already misses sweet almonds, but now growls slowly at poisonous milk. Not a scent Hawks was innocent of, but it triggers something deep and protective inside. An urge to fight for his omega.
If anyone dared to make his mate unhappy, even if it was blood bound family, then Hawks had no problem fending them off in his mate’s honor-
A pillow smacks his face.
“Calm down, Alpha,” Dabi grunts. “I can’t sleep with you smelling like that.”
“Omega…” Hawks whimpers.
The omega hefts a sigh, crawling over the covers until he is on Hawks side of the bed. Watching with rapt attention, Dabi snuggles on his free side, curling a spot for himself in their nest.
Warm mate.
“Mom and Fuyumi want to see Suzume again. They want Shoto and Natsuo to meet her too… and Enji.” Dabi’s scent sickens and Hawks swallows down his snarls. “I keep telling her no, Suzume doesn’t need him in her life, but mom insists he’s getting better and having a grandpa would be good for her. Something about a big family to rely on.”
Hawks croons, nuzzling underneath his mates chin. “A family would be good, but having just us isn’t bad. You don’t have to let them visit.”
“I know, I know,” Dabi groans, “but mom is right. There’s a family who loves her and is willing to redeem themselves but… I can’t see him. I’m not ready.”
Hawks ponders for a moment. “Maybe I can bring her?”
He wasn’t a stranger to the Todoroki family. He’d worked with Endeavor for a year during the war against the villains. They were co-workers before he became his son-in-law. Shoto was friends with his favorite intern- now coworker, Tokoyami. Rei, Fuyumi, Natsuo; they were all kind hearted people who loved ‘Touya’ very much.
It wouldn’t be difficult to be the bridge and introduce their daughter to the family, but without Dabi...He didn’t want to abandon his mate. However, he didn’t want his mates wishes not to become a reality.
“Thanks birdie,” Dabi whispers, pressing soft lips to his cheek. “I’d like that.”
Hawks offers a low warble, but there’s uncertainty in his heart. A glazed off look in his mates eyes. One he couldn’t bear to see but held on because he knew Dabi would want what's best for their daughter. Just as he wanted what’s best for his mate.
She needed a family?
Then Hawks would give them a family.