The sharp click of Tokoyami’s boots against the hospital floor was drowned out by Hawks’ frantic hum beside him. “No, no, no! We cannot just leave this,” Hawks said, wings twitching nervously as he leaned a little too close. “A scratch like this? On you? Absolutely unacceptable.”
Tokoyami tilted his head, shadowed face calm as ever. “Hawks, it’s barely—”
“Barely?! Do you even understand what could happen? With even a minor injury?” Hawks cut him off, flashing that perfectly smooth grin. “And you—yes, you, Dark Shadow boy—are acting like it’s nothing. Totally reckless.”
“I’m fine,” Tokoyami said evenly. “Seriously.”
Hawks, however, wasn’t buying it. Not for a second. “Fine? Ha! No. Absolutely not. And besides—” He lowered his voice, smooth and teasing. “There’s a much better reason we’re going to the ER.”
Tokoyami’s dark feathers ruffled slightly in suspicion. “Do tell.”
Hawks’ wings flexed dramatically as he guided them down the corridor, a grin that could melt glass on his face. “Well… there’s this very talented ER doctor I happen to have a thing for.” He winked, voice low and playful. “And she is absolutely stunning. Smart, confident… devastating in the best way. So, if there’s even a small chance I can see her, maybe casually… charm her a little… I’m not letting you stay in the way.”
Tokoyami blinked slowly. “So, this is mostly for your entertainment.”
Hawks leaned closer, letting his wing brush against Tokoyami’s shoulder, voice soft but teasing. “Call it… proactive heroics. You get checked, I get to look charming, and maybe impress a very lovely doctor while I’m at it. Everyone wins.”
Tokoyami exhaled slowly, feathers ruffling with a mix of irritation and begrudging amusement. I should probably stay very still. And maybe warn her about Hawks before she’s hit with all that charm.
As they approached the ER entrance, Hawks’ grin widened. “Just think, Dark Shadow, you might leave here fully patched up and I might leave with a new girlfriend. Isn’t that exciting?”
Tokoyami’s reply was a stoic blink. “Exhilarating