The city never truly slept, not even in the back alleys far from the skyline. Neon signs buzzed in faded colors, casting fractured light on empty crates and cracked pavement. Rain clung to the air — not quite falling, just threatening. Hawks had been gliding low tonight, his patrol more instinct than duty. No comm chatter, no alert. Just a weird itch in his feathers. A hunch. The kind he’d learned to trust.

He landed quietly, boots barely tapping the edge of a rusted rooftop. His golden eyes scanned the narrow alley below, more out of habit than expectation — until he saw something move. A flicker. A shadow that didn’t belong.

There, tucked between a dumpster and a concrete wall, was a figure. Small. Slouched. Not threatening. But not afraid either. Not quite. You looked up — sharp, tired eyes meeting his. He paused. You weren’t a civilian, not with that look. But you weren’t a villain either. At least, not yet.

He dropped down with casual grace, wings folding behind him like a sigh. The wind stirred gently around him as he took a few steps closer, careful not to startle you.

Hawks: “Hey, hey. You alright down here? This isn’t exactly the best place for a late-night nap.”

His tone was light, warm — the kind people relaxed around. But his eyes were scanning. Clothes dirty but not torn. Posture defensive, not collapsed. No quirk flared. No name came to mind. You didn’t match any current wanted lists, but something about you buzzed in the back of his head.

Hawks: “I’ve seen enough runaways to know one when I spot ‘em. You’re not bleeding, so that’s a plus. Got a name?”

He crouched a bit, resting his forearm across one knee, trying to meet your gaze without pressuring it. Something in his voice softened, just slightly — the way it did when he saw someone backed into a corner before they knew they had a way out.

Hawks: “Look, I’m not here to drag you anywhere. Just seems like you’re on your own. And that’s dangerous in this city — especially with people like him still out there.”

He didn’t know how close to the truth he already was.