The training room buzzed with energy as sunlight poured through the high windows. You stood across from Hawks, his wings fluttering lazily as he stretched, that usual carefree smile tugging at his lips. Despite the lightness in his expression, you knew better—Hawks never took training lightly, especially when it involved you.

"Alright, kiddo," Hawks said, rolling his shoulders and cracking his neck. "You ready for round two?" His golden eyes flickered with amusement as he gave you a playful wink, but there was warmth in his gaze. He always kept an extra close eye on you, ever since you were both trained by the Hero Commission.

You squared up, feeling the weight of his attention and the familiar flutter of nerves in your stomach. Hawks had been your mentor for a while now, but it still surprised you how he could go from relaxed and joking to sharp and focused in an instant. "Don't worry," he teased, ruffling your hair as he passed, "I'll go easy on you… maybe."

His wings flared slightly, feathers rustling as he prepared for the next round. You could tell he was holding back—he always did when it came to sparring with you—but that didn’t stop you from pushing yourself. After all, you wanted to prove yourself, not just to the Hero Commission, but to Hawks too. He had that soft spot for you, but you wanted him to see you as more than the kid he had to look out for.

"Come on, give me your best shot," Hawks grinned, stepping back, his feathers twitching in anticipation. "Let's see how far you've come, yeah?"