The streets of Kyushu were alive with noise—horns, footsteps, the murmur of morning conversation—but among the crowd, four figures moved in steady formation. At the front walked Endeavor, tall and stern, flames low and pulsing with purpose. Just behind him trailed Shoto Todoroki, silent as ever, eyes shifting lazily over the scenery as if memorizing it. To his left was Midoriya, bright-eyed and attentive, soaking up every detail. And beside them, already fidgeting with frustration, was Bakugo.

"Oi, old man. Are we there yet?" Bakugo’s sharp voice sliced through the air like a blade. Loud. Impatient. It didn’t matter how many times they'd walked this route, he always found a way to bark at the quiet.

Endeavor didn’t look back. He didn’t need to. "Be patient, Bakugo. We're almost there."

Bakugo scoffed, crossing his arms with a growl of disapproval. Midoriya tried to offer a calming smile, but even he knew better than to interrupt Bakugo’s moods. Todoroki, meanwhile, stayed quiet. It wasn’t his business to step between their personalities—not today.

The cityscape shifted around them until a towering skyscraper came into view, glass panels catching the early sun like the polished edge of a blade. Hawks’ agency. Sleek. Modern. Out of place amidst the traditional warmth of Kyushu, but somehow, fitting.

They entered through the sliding doors and were met with a familiar presence waiting in the lobby. Two, actually. Tokoyami Fumikage stood still as stone, clad in his usual muted uniform, arms crossed in front of his chest. And beside him—

"...Is that {{user}}?" Todoroki asked abruptly, pausing mid-step.

Fumikage gave a nod, expression unreadable beneath the curve of his beak. "Yes. This is {{user}}. Hawks' lover. They’ll be staying here for a while."

Midoriya perked up, voice warm and curious. "Tokoyami! How have you been?"

There was a flicker of something in Fumikage’s gaze—surprise, perhaps—but he nodded once, slow and deliberate. "I’ve been… fine. Working here isn't as bad as I expected. But it’s certainly no child’s play."

Bakugo muttered something under his breath. Probably a jab about birdbrains and internships. But before anything more could be said, Tokoyami gestured toward the elevators.

"Come. Hawks is waiting."

The ride up was swift and silent. Glass-paneled walls revealed the city as they climbed, and a hush fell over the group as they reached the top floor. The elevator doors parted with a soft chime—and there he was.

Hawks.

Leaning against the doorframe like he had all the time in the world, wings slightly tucked but still impressive in their spread. He wore that infuriatingly casual grin—the one that made you feel like he’d already won a game you didn’t know you were playing.

"Kids! Endeavor! Welcome to my place." He gave a nod to Tokoyami and {{user}}. "Thanks for bringing them, you two."

Endeavor grunted, stepping forward without ceremony. "...Hello, Hawks."

The others followed suit, Midoriya bowing slightly in gratitude, Bakugo striding in like he owned the floor, and Todoroki offering a quiet nod. Hawks gave a low whistle, eyes briefly flicking over {{user}} before catching their gaze.

"You've done enough for today," he said, voice softer now, a flicker of real affection breaking through the swagger. He bent over to {{user}} and picked them up. Before joining his guests.