He licked his thumb and his eyes went half-lidded. His stare was intense so I looked down to avoid it, cutting off another bite of cake. I could feel my face turning red. I tried to ignore it to save face but Hawks wasn't having it.

He spoke lowly, "What's the matter baby? Am I too intimidating?"

As he said that he got off the seat and walked around the bar into the kitchen. I resisted the urge to look up at him and stuck to my cake when a hand reached over and stole a syrup covered strawberry.

I could feel how close he was, yes. But only when I looked up at him did I realize just how close he was. If I were to lean just a few inches to the right I'd be pressed up against him.

This close to his face, I held my breath. His bullet golden eyes we're still intently gazing into mine with interest.

Then he but into the strawberry like a goddamn shark.

He perked up immediately. "Wow. This is really good! I did a good job picking this out", he cheekily said.

He was still close and my mouth betrayed me. I couldn't find anything to say with him this close. I just popped the collar of the jacket and hid in it. He chuckled and flattened my collar so he could see my face so i turned away, shamefully looking at my cake. When I turned back he had another strawberry in his mouth, and he was holding it halfway in and halfway out. When my eyes flicked back to his, he playfully raised his eyebrows as an invitation, a smile on his face the whole time.

"Oh would you -" I playfully smacked his chest, my face burning more from the implications.

He leaned back a bit and laughed, pulling the strawberry out of his mouth. "Alright alright," He said between chuckles, "but for real, I feel bad about our date a few days ago-"

"A few days ago? What? That was yesterday... Wait how long have I been asleep?"

He looked at me with a bit of surprise, "You've been asleep for..." he checked his watch and frowned, "I wanna say thirty-six hours?"

"Oh my god, I am so fired. Shit and I was supposed to get my car detailed yesterday and-"

He smiled wide and I stopped in my tracks.

"What?" I squinted suspiciously.

"Nothing! I just took care of all of it for you. You're lucky you write on your calendar. A few of my interns took your car in, and handed in your resignation letter!"

"Oh yeah, I work for you now right?"

"Yep! I'll get the paperwork taken care of. I think you'll start on Monday."

"Cool, no interview? Wait but I could be a villain."

He smirked, "Kid, you have a poster of me in your room and your calendar is hero themed. Not to mention you're not all that sneaky and", he continued, "although you know how to use a gun, I don't think you would have pulled the trigger if I happened to be a villain.

"By the way, I saw how awkward you were when I had practically no clothes on sitting on your couch, I think I'll take my chances with you being a villain."

I know he was just teasing but I was embarrassed anyhow. "Oh yeah... The poster..."

"Yeah. The poster." He replied smugly.

"Alright kiddo, I gotta head back to work, this is a little break. Oh! And-" He pulled something out of my hair. It was a red feather, "This was just sitting there. It's kind of like an SOS if you need me. You're still under protection right now but still. "

The feather floated out of his hand and tickled my nose. I grabbed it with a giggle. "Thanks Hawks."

He was already walking to my slider to launch off the balcony. "No problem kid. I left you some cash as compensation for breaking your house and your bones, it's on your nightstand ", he opened the slider.

"You didn't need to-"

"I felt like it. See you soon baby!"

And he flew off.

Snuggling into his jacket I-

Oh shit, that's right! I slid it off and looked at it. It was covered in blood and there were a few burn marks here and there. And there were holes...

I frowned. I could fix this right? I mean I don't have anywhere to be. I grimace at the burn marks.

That might be a little tougher to handle.

I felt like doing something. Going out. It was an absolutely beautiful day and my body was feeling restless. It felt like it was going to be a good day. I put the cake back in the fridge and went to my room to change. I opened my window, and to my ear's dismay, it screeched open and jammed but I could still feel how warm it was outside.

I changed into a tank top and jeans then threw on shoes. Getting ready for the day felt good and I walked out of my shitty apartment with my gun tucked between myself and Hawks's jacket. I locked my door and headed downstairs when I felt a slightly painful poke on the back of my neck.

When I turned around, one of Hawks's feathers were following me. I smiled and grabbed it.

I guess you're coming along with me.

My pants didn't have pockets (fuck women's jeans) so I opted for my bra.

My car looked cleaner than ever and it made me so happy. I dropped the jacket in the passenger seat and put the gun back into the glove box.

I think I'm going to take Hawks's jacket to be fixed and then save the rest of the money.

Then my phone buzzed. Hawks's message read: Hey there, beautiful. I still feel bad about the date, so how about we try again. I'll pick you up at 8. Dress fancy because where we're going, you'll want to. Also, I hope you remembered that my feathers can sense their surroundings ;)

My smile was mixed with a grimace. Maybe I won't get to save the rest of my money. But who cares? I'm going on a date with Hawks! And hopefully, this one won't result in both of us almost dying.

I texted back: Yeah if love to! Sounds really fun.

I giggled like a schoolgirl and grinned like an idiot. My phone buzzed again.

Cute giggle.

I tilted my head questioningly.

What?

He sent another text: Kid. Feather.

I whipped it out of my bra and threw it on the jacket.

Shit shit shit that was so embarrassing what the hell-

I shook my head and texted back: Where are we going? And whaT THE HELL

I could practically sense him laughing on the other end.

I'm bringing you to Mirko's party. I need a plus one and you're the best choice! :D

My thumbs moved furiously with panic: I'm sorry, WHAT?! You can't bring me, I'm too awkward and you probably have a better-looking secretary. Besides aren't I being watched because we seemed too close?!

"What do you mean frown face?" I mumbled to myself after his reply.

Again, another text; You're really good lookin' doll, don't worry about that. I'll keep an eye on you and try to help you get out of weird situations. And you're moving anyway! The gang is local so you don't have to worry probably. I got it handled baby. -3-

A flush decorated my face as I sighed and texted a response letting him know if come. I checked my phone.

;)

I scrolled through google and found a place known for their dresses. Although I don't really wear dresses (because if the jobs I work. Subway isn't known for fancy. ) I was looking forward to this evening. But at the same time, I wanted to crawl under my bed covers and sleep for another day and a half.

Right now, I'm going to do my thing then I'll shop.

I ended up just browsing through dresses for a few hours before deciding on one. The store I was at was family-owned and a sweet Hispanic looking teen helped me sift through what would look best with my figure. Even though the dress shop had many types of dresses, she wore not a dress, but baggy pants with a crop top and a beanie.

"I think I want to go with something modest but tight?"

"Ooh! Are you trying to impress a man? I understand. Something formal that's a little flirty but- ayyyee this one is going to look so good on you. "

I tried on the dress and looked into the mirror. It was beautifully made and beautiful to look at but- I didn't feel too confident. I heard a soft knock.

"Everything okay in there? Need any help?"

"Uh, yeah. It's fine. I mean- the dress is amazing but-"

"We've all been there. Lemme see you, yeah?"

I stepped out and she gave me a reassuring smile.

"Honey you look so good in this. Don't even worry about it. It's my job to find out what works best for you and this-" She fixed the hips on the dress to smooth it out. "It's perfect for you. I love it."

With some hesitation, I bought the dress and with running around all day and the dress, it was 5.

I'm going to shower, then head to Safford's Looks for hair, nails, and makeup.

And that's exactly what I did. And all of that left me sitting at the kitchen counter full of anxiety, waiting for Hawks. It was fifteen till and my stomach practically left an hour ago.

Should I eat before so I don't look like a pig eating at the party? But what if we get served full meals? Well no, Hawks said it's a party. Goddammit, eat- no don't.

And that's how I spent at least ten minutes. I dug through the new purse I bought to check off my mental list of things.

Phone, charger, mints, wallet, wipes, makeup, brushes, keys- I don't need keys I'm not driving. Just in case? No leave it.

A feather floated out from the purse and caressed my cheek in a calming manner. Instead, it had the opposite effect when I let out a squeak and waved my hand in front of my face.

The feather made it's way back into my purse and settled there.

"Wh-"

I was cut off my knocks in my door. I straightened everything up and walked over with my purse, ready to go. When I opened the door, Hawks was in a suit with his hands shoved into his pockets, his cologne hit me and damn. Even when he was all dressed up he looked ruggedly handsome.

"Hey kid. Just a reminder, my eyes are up here." He said with a half-lidded smug smirk.

He caught me looking at his muscles again.

Again damnit.

"Oh- no I wasn't- I mean. Uh- how was your day?"

Shut the fuck up shut the fuck up shut-

He laughed and looped his arm through mine, walking me to a black car. "You know-" He said opening the car door to let me step through, "if you're going to check me out, you could be more subtle."

He slammed the door shut and walked to the other side. He stepped in and told the driver to go.

"You look beautiful, (y/n)!"

In my awkwardness, I mumbled thanks and his eyes went dark. He thumbed the driver divider shut an turned to me.

With that backseat now feeling all too private, he patted the seat next to him. I hesitated but scooted closer.

"You get so flustered around me. Why?"

His body was really close. I could feel his breath fanning across my face and my heart sped up.

"Uhm. I- I don't know? I'm not flustered!"

He cocked an eyebrow and leaned in so close out lips were, at best, 5 centimetres apart he leaned off his seat and twisted so one of his arms were on either side of me. "No? You're not flustered. Really. So your face isn't red? Your heart isn't racing? You... Don't want to kiss me?" He finished slowly and raspy.

If my stomach returned to me, it was gone in an instant with the way he was talking. I couldn't form words so I just sat there, confirming his queries.

"Oh, so you like it when I fluster you?"

Again, no answer.

"You can speak, chicken, I have faith in you", he said lowly.

"Um... No?"

He leaned back and laughed. "You're determined, I'll give you that!"

Back to being a cheeky bastard, I see.