Me and the Devil

Time

Two weeks had passed in a dull blur. Chise spent her days in the apartment, her green eyes watched the sky as winter raged. Spring would be making an appearance soon. Her heart sank thinking to Haru. He loved the cherry blossom trees and all of the themed foods. So made a mental note to avoid the festival this year. She couldn't go without him. She'd had a lot of alone time to sort through her thoughts on the turn her life had taken during these months. She went from bitter, to numb, to whatever she currently was. Today the word was somber.

A knock at the door made her mind jerk back to the present as she stood. She opened the door and tilted her head, "Hawks?"

He flashed a goofy grin, "I was told to bring you some things and check in," he held up the bags in his hands.

"Please, come in," she smiled slightly and stepped back, giving him space.  Once he was inside, Chise closed the door and locked it, "I'm sorry to be trouble-"

"You're not," he sat the bags on the counter, "Have you been okay?"

She nodded, "Yeah."

His golden eyes looked her over, "You don't have to lie to me."

She scoffed with a smirk, "Grief is just weird."

"It's a hard thing to work through," he thought for a moment before smiling, "Which is why I am going to make us some dinner and hang out for a bit." He held up a box of hair dye, "It's makeover time."
_______
Chise munched on the cracker while her green eyes watched the screen, "So, this bad guy," she pointed to the screen, "is really a good guy?"

Hawks sipped his beer and nodded, "I think so."

"Seems a little messy to me," she frowned, "he's like you."

"Oh?"

"Yeah, stuck between two sides."

"I'm not the only one," he looked at her, "You are too." She nodded quietly before he continued, "Chise, you're not a villain. You just got caught in the middle..."

"And I've laid the price," her voice was soft, "Haru paid the price that should've been mine."

Hawks let out a long breath before reaching over and ruffling her damp hair, "Red looks good on you."

Her cheeks felt hot as she swatted his hand away, "I still don't understand why I'm doing all of this."

"Just to be safe," he winked, "we don't want firehead to burn the city."

"Thank you," she looked away from the screen and to him, her dull green eyes had a small amount of warmth to them, "I needed this...it almost feels normal."

"I needed it to," he grinned and stood, "I'll let him know you're safe and sound."

Chise watched as he disposed of his beer, "Could I trouble you for a request?"

"Of course."

She grabbed a nearby paper and pen, "If I'm stuck here I'd like to have something to do." She stood and walked up to him, "it's just a couple of things."

He raised a brow, "What, are you some famous artist I don't know about?"

For the first time that evening, Chise laughed. It was music to his ears. She rolled her eyes, "No, I'm actually horrid at it, but there no time like the present to practice."

He put the list in his jacket, "I guess I could make it happen," he teased with a smirk, "if you think of anything else, leave a note in your mailbox...I'll come check on it when I can."

"I appreciate you, Hawks," she smiled slightly, "I mean that."
________
A small sign of spring. It had been a month and a half by now. Hawks had come a few times to check in, bringing her hair dye and other tools for her extended stay. She was able to go out to the local market early in the mornings. Or course, by now she had a whole new identity and story. Her hair was still dyed a deep red, but held its usual wild waves. When she went out, she would wear a mask and ball cap, something pretty standard for the incoming allergy season.

According to Hawks, a lot of things were going to happen soon, on both sides. He wasn't aware, but Chise was keeping tabs on information she might find useful. Information he might find useful. She thought about him often, missing his snarky attitude and stunning eyes that often looked at her like prey. She craved his presence and touch. She had feelings for this dark, twisted being. There was no denying it.

Part of her held a hope he would walk through the door with a snide comment on her ridiculous hair. Grab her and kiss her until she couldn't breathe.

She currently sat on the balcony. Her dark button up sweater hung off of one shoulder as she focused on her work. Her fingers were slightly stained from the charcoal as she sketched the blooming tree. Her hair was loosely braided back in a sad attempt to keep it from her face.

It felt lovely today, the sun kissed her skin softly. It would begin to cool off soon, the sun had moved across the sky, but she was determined to finish before it set.

"It looks good," Hawks peeped over her shoulder.

"No," she sighed and looked at the sketch, "It needs more life...somehow."

He took the sketch pad from her hands and held it up to the tree, "I mean...it's pretty spot on, Chise."

She wiped her dirty fingers on her light colored jeans, "To what do I owe the drop in?"

"I was in the area," his golden eyes watched her, "What, you already tired of me?"

She scoffed with a smile, "Is isn't obvious?" She took the sketch pad from hun and opened the balcony door, "Come on noddle brain."

He grinned and walked inside, "What's for dinner?"

"Ah," she chuckled, "there it is. I knew you came here for a reason..." she rolled her eyes at his childish smile, "What do you want?" He opened his mouth, "Besides chicken nuggets..."

He puffed his cheeks, "Aww come on."