Withered Flowers

Chapter 15

Hawks had been up since dawn, his mind racing with thoughts of Y/N and the mounting pressure from the Hero Commission. They had both been secretly searching for any signs of a threat, Y/N sneaking out under the cover of night while he scoured the city in the early morning light. For two days, they had moved like shadows, each of them oblivious to the other's relentless pursuit.

The sun had barely peeked over the horizon when Hawks found himself standing in front of Rock Lock's office, anxiety coiling in his gut. It was time to confront the man who had been harboring resentment against Y/N for far too long.

When he stepped inside, the air was thick with tension. Rock Lock was sitting at his desk, eyes narrowed as he looked up. "What do you want?" he spat, the disdain evident in his voice.

Hawks crossed his arms, trying to project calm. "I need to talk to you about Y/N."

Rock Lock's face twisted in anger. "That woman? You think I want to talk about her? She ruined my life! You're just as bad, associating with a pathetic villain." His voice dripped with venom, and Hawks felt his blood boil.

"She's not a villain!" Hawks snapped back, his fists clenching at his sides. "She's trying to help us all."

Rock Lock leaned forward, his tone icy. "She injured my wife, Hawks. She blew up the building my wife was entering! How can you defend her?" The bitterness in his voice was palpable, cutting through Hawks like a knife.

Hawks took a step forward, unable to hold back his anger any longer. "That was years ago! She wasn't even in control of her quirk! You have no idea what she's been through!" The thought of Y/N being painted as the monster ignited a fire in him that he couldn't ignore.

"None of this would be happening if it weren't for her," Rock Lock growled, venomous words lashing out like a whip. "We wouldn't be fighting these mutants or dealing with this disease if she hadn't messed everything up."

Hawks felt something snap inside him. The accusations flew too close to home. "You're wrong!" he shouted, fury pouring out of him. "She's not the enemy! She's here to help!"

Without thinking, he launched himself at Rock Lock, fists flying. The two men grappled, the room echoing with the sound of their scuffle. Just as Hawks landed a solid punch, the door burst open.

Mirko and Endeavor rushed in, their presence commanding the attention of both fighters. "What the hell is going on here?" Mirko demanded, her eyes fierce.

Endeavor stepped between them, holding Hawks back. "You both need to cool it," he ordered, his voice stern. "This isn't the place for a brawl."

Hawks glared at Rock Lock, who was nursing a bruised jaw. "He's blaming Y/N for everything that's happening! He thinks she's the cause of all this chaos."

Endeavor's expression shifted slightly, an understanding forming in his eyes. "I've seen how hard she's been trying. But Rock Lock has a point—there's a lot of anger directed toward her."

"Because of her past!" Hawks shot back, his voice laced with frustration. "She's not the same person she was back then! She's fighting for us now, for everyone!"

Rock Lock scoffed, still seething. "And you're a traitor for standing by her side."

Hawks felt his heart race. "She's my family! So is Megumi! I will protect them, no matter what!" His voice was fierce, filled with determination.

Endeavor raised an eyebrow, sensing the depth of Hawks's feelings. "Then you need to be careful, Hawks. You're walking a dangerous line here."

"I don't care!" Hawks exclaimed, desperation creeping into his voice. "I love her!"