Me and the Devil

Bird Brain

Spring turned to summer, bringing the hot, humid days. Chise kept to herself as they'd agreed. Truth be told she was beginning to enjoy her quiet existence. She had a routine, and accepted the peace her isolation brought her.

She had bought some clothing for the summer, feeling bad that she kept stealing Dabis oversized clothing. Her red hair was pulled into a low Messy bun, a few pieces fell around her face as she laid back against the couch, her breathing was even and soft. The sun was down now, but the air was still humid, sucking away what energy she had left.

Hawks smirked down at her sleeping form. He was happy to see her relaxing....healing. She looked good. Her complexion was warm, her body was free of bruises and cuts.while she still grieved her little brothers loss, she was finding ways to cope through her art. Which in his opinion, was extraordinary. Her attention to detail was lovely. He had brought her sketchbook after sketchbook, offering to take the ones she filled to "dispose" of them.

She cracked an eye open, "Are you creeping on me?"

His smirk formed a grin, "Perhaps. You just looked peaceful."

She slowly sat up and rubbed her eyes, "I didn't realize I fell asleep."

"Sleep is good." He casually pushed off of the couch, "It heals your mind."

"So what can I help you with?" Her messy red waves fell over her shoulders, her hair had grown out to her mid back.

"I needed an escape," he opened the fridge and pulled out a beer.

"From?"

"Myself," he took a long sip, "Things are getting...rough."

Chise tilted her head, "I see. For which side?"

His golden eyes zeroed in on her, "Both. More and more skirmishes are happening as patience dwindles."

"I saw on the news," she bit her lip, "I wish there was something I could do."

"You being right where you are is doing more than you think," he assured her, "it keeps you out of AFOs hands, and keeps her pros focused on the threat he poses."

"I know. I just...feel like a waste of space I guess."

He plopped down beside her and chuckled, "You're not, I promise. Dabi is relieved when I tell him you're still here." He studied her before tearing his eyes forward, "I won't be coming around for a bit. I have to make some decisions and actions that are going to be questionable."

"I see." She looked him over. You could see the stress on his handsome features, "You're going to turn on them, aren't you?"

He scoffed with a smirk, "You're too smart."

"Why? Why do all of this just to turn on them? Why come here?"

He chugged down the beer and sat it down, thinking through his response, "I don't want to betray him." He glanced at her before sighing, "AFO can't have his way, Chise. If he does, we would all be at his mercy."

"But you even said things need to change-"

"They do," his eyes narrowed, "they are. But All For One won't stop...you've met him, you should know."

"What about Dabi?"

Both of their gazes landed on one another, "It's not about him. I come here because he asked me to keep you safe, no matter what. I'm aware of his story. I have no plans to get in the way of his revenge."

"That's a twisted kind of friendship..." she looked away, "he's going to kill you."

A chuckle left him, "He'll try, I'm sure. But Chise, try to see in grey. All of us have some kind of part to play in this, even you."

"I've played my role," she sighed, "I have no desire for revenge anymore. Haru would be appalled. So, I suppose I just...exist now."

This, the hero was surprised to hear. He wasn't expecting her to give up on her revenge so easily. He tilted his head, "You do realize you were a pawn, right?"

Her brows furrowed, "What do you mean?"

"Snipe wasn't the one who made the shot...we'll, not at Haru."

Her green eyes dangerously narrowed, "Explain."

"Chise, a league member made the same shot, knocking his bullet off target."

"Don't lie to me," her voice was dangerous.

"Before you rampage, he doesn't know. I only found out after examining the scene." He held up his hands, "I promise, I'm not playing with you."

"Who did it?"

"If I told you they were my next target-"

"Hawks," she warned.

"Overhaul." It hit her like a heavy weight in the chest as he continued, "He wanted to ensure you'd be on their side...considering your quirk. Only him and AFO were in the know."

"I see..." she locked her jaw, pulling in the rage that threatened to spill out, "What do I do with this information?"

"Nothing," he spoke sternly, "you do nothing. My next mission is to get him behind bars before this war kicks off. Let me do that, for you."

"Why?" She gave him a pained look.

"Because," he reached up and softly placed a hand on her head, "you didn't deserve any of this. Being pulled into the middle of chaos, doesn't fit you." He swallowed, "I made a promise. I intend to keep it, no matter what."

Chise admired that. She wanted to be furious with him, but, she understood. He and Dabi had an interesting relationship. It was like the sun and moon. Hawks was vibrant, while Dabi was dark. The winged hero and her had become close over the last months. He would come and chat with her, watch movies, feed her art addiction, almost making her feel normal again.

She reached out a hand and softly held his cheek, "Don't die, please. The world would be less bright without you in it."

He leaned into her hand and gave her a true smile, "I won't, I promise." Before he could stop himself, he pulled her lips to his in a dangerous kiss. If Dabi walked in right now, there would be no stopping him. But still, he couldn't take it anymore. He pulled away from a shocked Chise and chuckled, "I'd be an idiot to pass that up."

Chise rolled her eyes, "You are an idiot."

The winged hero stood and grabbed the jacket he had set near the door, "Behave. I'll see you on the other side."

"I'm counting on it," she smiled slightly as he closed the door. That bird brained idiot. He better not die. She sank back down into the couch and allowed a long breath to leave her lips, her mind swirling from information and that damned kiss.