MHA: Harbinger of Fear - Male Reader x Midnight

Part 39

"So... what's your endgame?"

Hawks took it upon himself to sit down, dropping into the fine grains of sand on the beach.

"To halt and destroy Shigaraki's whole operation."

"Shigaraki, huh?" Keigo raised an interested brow. "He looked more like a no-name kinda guy."

"You've seen him?" Y/N asked, surprised.

"Yep." The younger Hero leaned forward. "The Commission figured we needed an inside man—"

"You didn't." Y/N interrupted sternly.

"I did." He nodded. "We couldn't have gotten as far as we have if I didn't."

"You don't understand what he's capable of, Keigo."

Hawks gave him a leering side-eye, yet there was still some meaning behind the old, forgotten name. And some connection.

"If he finds out what you're doing, he will know everything. Not only that, but your quirk will be as good as gone."

"I know what I'm getting myself into, alright?" Hawks replied with a huff. "I'm being careful, taking things slow. As you Americans say, it's not my first rodeo."

"My concern isn't your experience, it's your position."

Y/N took a knee, speaking to Keigo with a low and urgent tone while doing so.

"You know why I'm doing this, right?" He asked. "It's so that people like you wouldn't be in this situation, or someone your age doesn't need to put themselves in harm's way for a few measly scraps of intel."

Hawks lowered his gaze, unable to look at the stern, hard eyes looking down upon him.

"I understand why you're doing this, but in no way shape, or form can I condone it."

"Ease off, old-timer." Hawks waved a dismissive hand and jumped to his feet. "You're not my dad."

"I know I'm not." The older hero sighed and stood. "But there isn't much to compare between me and him."

"Funny." Keigo replied dryly and with a sarcastic smile.

"Or would you rather me start hitting you?"

Hawks scoffed at his words, but underneath he began to waver.

"I know I left you behind, but you need to understand that some things aren't worth doing."

"Like killing villains?" He asked, attempting to throw salt on old wounds.

"You know why I did that, and if I hadn't, you would be in a completely different situation."

"So I should be thankful, then?" The young man's smile dropped, quickly replacing itself with a frown.

"The former President had no problem killing children," Y/N replied, shocking him. "Maybe he would have done the same to you if your training fell through. Or... maybe you would have taken my place, or even Kaina's. So no, I wouldn't expect you to be thankful, but to be understanding."

"What's your deal?" Hawks chuckled incredulously. "Just get to the point already!"

"We don't need someone on the inside, and if you disagree, look how far I've gotten."

"I don't think I can just leave, not after all I've done."

"Yes, you can." Y/N gestured faintly to the headset. "Are they listening?"

"No." Hawks lifted the gear and dropped his arm, letting it lazily sway back and forth.

"Then get out while you can." His senior warned with a no-nonsense tone. "The Commission will only bring you trouble."