The office was quiet, the kind of quiet that only came after midnight. You were still at your desk, finishing up reports the Commission had demanded on Hawks’ latest mission. The lamp on your desk was the only light in the room, casting soft shadows across the piles of paperwork.

The door creaked open.

“Don’t tell me you’re still here, dove,” Hawks’ voice was low, a little rougher than usual. He stepped inside, tugging off his gloves, his wings looking heavier than normal. He looked like he’d been through hell—but somehow, he was still smiling at you.

“You’re supposed to be resting,” you said without looking up, scribbling another note. “Commission sent me half your mission files and none of them are in order. Again.”

He chuckled, dragging himself toward your desk and leaning against the edge, feathers drooping lazily. “Well, good thing I’ve got you. Don’t know what I’d do without my favorite secretary-slash-life-saver.”

You shook your head. “You’d drown in paperwork.”

“Mm. And starve. And probably forget how to set my own alarm,” Hawks added, pretending to think hard. “Basically, I’d be hopeless. Guess I owe you dinner, huh?”

“You already owe me dinner,” you reminded him absently.

His golden eyes flicked to you, a little softer now, though his grin never faltered. “Then maybe I should make it two.”

For a long moment, the only sound was your pen scratching against paper. Hawks leaned closer, his voice dropping to a quieter tone.

“You really don’t have to stay this late for me, y’know. I hate seeing you stuck here ‘cause of my mess.”

You glanced up, catching the tired crease in his brow despite his teasing tone. “…It’s my job, Hawks.”

“Yeah,” he said softly, gaze lingering on you longer than it should have. “But you make it look a lot more than that.”

Before you could ask what he meant, Hawks straightened, stretching his wings with a groan and flashing you a grin. “Alright. You finish up here, I’ll grab us some takeout. No arguments.” He started toward the door, feathers trailing in his wake. “Perks of being my secretary—you get paid in food and feathers.”