Learn to Fly (HawksxReader) (FINISHED)

Chapter IV: The Past Never Dies

"It does not matter how much we distance ourselves, how far we run - the past always shadows us."
(Jayne Castel, Night Shadows) 

~6 Years Ago~

"Do you really think we'll ever become real heros?"

Y/N could feel Keigo's gaze land on her from across their room, a comforting smile spreading across his lips as he made his way towards her.

"Of course we will, the commission needs us. We're both sixteen, so in two more years we should make our debut as heros. What are you concerned about, kid?"

"I'm the same age as you idiot, stop calling me that already."

Y/N could feel the rumble of Keigo's laughter as he sat next to her on the floor and leaned against the wall, pulling her towards him with his arm over her shoulder. Y/N couldn't help herself as she snuggled in closer to his embrace, her head resting lightly on his shoulder. 

"I can stop calling you kid, but then I'll just have to resort to my other nicknames. Babybird, hummingbird... hmmm what else can I call you?"

Y/N couldn't help but laugh along with him as she playfully swatted at the free hand that rested in his lap.

"Fine, call me whatever you want birdbrain."

"That damn nickname. You gotta stop hanging around that guy so much--"

"I have a name jackass."

Y/N laughed at Keigo's pissed off gaze as her only other friend in the complex entered their room. Cerulean eyes met her gaze, a soft smile playing on the white haired boy's lips as he stood across from them. 

"Touya, can't you see we're having a moment here? Go back to your own--"

Y/N shut Keigo up with a playful slap to the back of the head whilst using her other hand to tap the empty space next to her. Sticking his tongue out playfully at Keigo, Touya sat down next to Y/N with a cocky smile on his face. The cockiness however soon left his face as he noticed Y/N's concerned gaze on his, her eyes traveling along the multiple fresh bandages that covered his arms.

"Rough training again?"

Touya smiled sadly at Y/N, his hands rubbing the bandages on his arms tenderly. The tension in the room became dense as Y/N and Keigo observed his injuries-- Touya obviously trying to cover up the pain with his smile.

"It's nothing I can't handle."

Silence engulfed the room as the three of them gazed at the ground, each of them lost in their own thoughts. 

"We'll become heros. In two years, we can leave this damn place and finally be free."

Keigo's words broke the silence in the room, the conviction behind his voice making Y/N actually believe that their future as heros will become a reality. However it was obvious that Touya felt differently as defeated laughter left his body.

"You're really still believing in that bullshit? Come on Hawks, we both know that the commission will just continue to use us as their pawns-- we'll never be free. That's why I refuse to become a damn hero... I'm going to escape this place, just you watch." 

"Escape to where huh? You'll just end up being chased down by the commission-- you'll become another villain that they'll sweep off the streets."

Y/N could feel the heat radiating off of Touya's body at Keigo's words, his cerulean eyes glowing in annoyance at his words.

"I'd rather be a villain and free then a hero who's just another pawn for this fucked up society."