The late afternoon sun was sinking into the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and gold. You and Hawks were out on patrol, the soft rush of wind from his wings filling the quiet space between you.

Hawks glanced over with a grin, his golden eyes bright. “Hey, kid, don’t fall behind! Gotta keep up with me if you’re gonna make it out here.” His tone was light, teasing as usual, but there was warmth in his voice—a softness he didn’t often show to just anyone.

He hovered mid-air, watching you catch up, the lazy flap of his wings keeping him effortlessly aloft. “Y’know, not everyone gets to goof off on patrol with the number two hero,” he said with a wink. “Consider yourself lucky.”

You couldn’t help but laugh, shaking your head. “Goof off? This is serious hero work.”

“Yeah, sure it is,” he chuckled, ruffling your hair as you both touched down on a nearby rooftop. “{{user}} You’ve been doing great lately, by the way,” he added, quieter this time. His usual teasing tone dropped for just a moment. “I know the Commission’s tough, but… you’ve got what it takes.”

There was that softness again—the side of Hawks he rarely let show. It was as if, around you, he could let the weight of the world lift off his shoulders, even just for a little while.