Roommates || Hawks x Reader || MHA

Chapter 20.5 || A flavourless dried fruit

A/n: this has little to no impact on the overall story, I was just having some writer's block and wrote this to help motivate me. It's just fluff for the sake of fluff. Takes place immediately after Chapter 20 and you can read this before reading that if you'd like. When that chapter eventually comes out...

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A crystal clear mason jar sat on the grey marble circular low lying table, which sat in front of the large flat screen TV in the living room area. The large jar was filled about 75% full with glossy maroon coloured dates- a dried fruit you weren't all that fond of, but your feathered friend seemed to adore. At least enough to fill an entire jar with them. The man in question was lounging around on one of the white sofas that was opposite the TV screen and snacking on the dates like they were a bowl of sea salted crisps.  

Having come back down from changing into your pyjamas, the soft cotton being much more comfortable than the itchy tights, you quickly went into the kitchen for a glass of water and made your way over to Keigo. Upon noticing your approach, he turned down the volume of the late night quiz show he was watching (in which a couple lesser known pro heroes were competing) and greeted you with a backhanded wave. Even though he couldn't see behind him, you returned the gesture as you walked over to him and once you had gotten a better look at what was in the jar you smiled to yourself.  

"Okay, tell me why you're not actually three birds perched on top of each other hiding in a trenchcoat," you giggled, leaning over the back of the sofa next to Keigo, who was casually sat down watching TV. 

Keigo rolled his eyes and sighed, pretending to cringe at your joke. He looked up at you and replied, "Not your best one Petals." 

Crossing your arms, you rested your head attop them and complained, "How can you say that when you've taken all the good bird puns?"

"Excuses," he chuckled, shaking his head and popping a date in his mouth, "Besides when have you ever seen me in a trenchcoat?"

"You should wear them, jokes aside I think it'd really suit you. And hey- speaking of clothes," you said, reaching out to tug lightly at 'his' t-shirt, "Why are you wearing my white shirt?"

"Well I had a shower earlier today and had some clean clothes drying in the laundry room," he said, "But when I went in I saw your shirt left out in the open, and since I was needed for a meeting I put it on and hurried to my laptop."

"Seriously...?"

"It was right there in front of me and I was running late," he said and threw up his hands for effect, "And this thing's way too big for you anyway; at least it actually fits me."

"But that's the point," you said and you climbed over the back of the sofa to sit next to him (carefully as to not risk stepping on his wing), legs extended to the floor and crossed at the ankles, "It's called fashion, gotta commit to the look."

"So you say," he shrugged, "Why was that the only piece of clothing left out?"

"Oh, I washed it because it had pasta sauce on one of the sleeves," you explained, "I had put it in the washing machine with a couple other items, but they dried quicker."

"Hm ok," he said, shifting his position so that he was better facing you and pushing the jar towards you with a feather, "I shouldn't really offer you any given that weird 'bird pun' or whatever that was just now, but here. Help yourself."

"Thanks," you said, after all you hadn't had one in a while. And once you'd reached into the jar, picked out one of the discount prunes and tasted it, you remembered why. The texture, at least to you, was something left to be desired, although the chew reminded you of a desert you thought was much better.

"You don't like them?" Keigo asked, curiously watching your reaction.

"They're ok I guess, I don't hate them..." you said, "Mochi is better."

"Both are good," Hawks said as he leaned against the back of the sofa. 

Then his eyes gleamed mischievously, he picked up one of the fruits and lazily tossed it at your direction. You lurched forward to grab at it, managing to just about catch the shriveled pebble in the palm of your dominant hand. The momentary sense of pride it brought made you hum to yourself.

"Date me," he said. 

That triumphant breath hitched in your throat and your grip loosened, almost making you drop what you had just so expertly caught just seconds ago. Soundless mutterings left your agape mouth and face flaring up as your brain jumped to analyse the first interpretation that demand meant...

That was until...you glanced down at the now sticky fruit that sat patiently in your warm palm and then back at Keigo. With a growing earnest smile, he sat cross-legged opposite you, leaning forward ever so slightly. Expectant.

Oh.

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Word count: 857