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Really it was Tokoyami's fault for listening to Kaminari. He should have known better than to actually buy what he recommended. His next mistake was trying it out with Hawks.
Tokoyami saw the innocent electric green energy drink in the 7/11's drink aisle. 'Blazer!!' a caffeine induced drink advertised by Burnin. He picked one along with a can of Hawks' coffee. Another, less 'invigorating' (to put it lightly) tasks as an intern was fetching the beverages and snacks. It was on Hawks' tab. Tokoyami felt guilty for not paying, but Hawks assured him it was part of 'intern expenses'.
Not the regular Apple Fizz ? Dark Shadow asked at the cashier.
" A change would be refreshing," Tokoyami shrugged whimsically.
No harm in trying, right? Really he should have stuck with the usual.
Tokoyami walked out of the convenience store, a white plastic bag in hand. The streets were teeming with life. Dogs trotted on the cement as their owners followed. Civilians were racing to their destinations. White-collar workers were piling out of the more refined establishments. A welcoming sea. Hawks' city was always far safer than the other sectors.
He flew up to the skyscraper where Hawks was waiting. Believe it or not, Hawks had caffeine withdrawals. Slightly fidgety, more restless, but he was undeniably drained from his smile forced, as if held together by flimsy toothpicks. Tokoyami didn't want to put his beak where it shouldn't prod, but he was concerned about his mentor. Just how many hours did he work after dropping Tokoyami to the agency's dorm?
Tokoyami landed on the desolate skyscraper's roof. Dust and trash littered the floor as Hawks was near the tooth paste ad. Washu gave thumbs up above the caption, composed of soap suds 'Brush your teeth Like Washu Washes the Streets and Sheets'. Tokoyami still wonders why a washing machine hero with no teeth was advertising tooth-paste of all things. Maybe for the jingle.
Hawks didn't sense his presence yet. Odd. He was pacing, whispering into his phone. Bored if not for the steely set of his eyes. Tired, yet alert.
His eyes snapped to Tokoyami and he waved nonchalantly, wordlessly motioning for the bag. He ended a call with a frustrated tap. Hawks had more phone calls than an average pro. Secret ones away from Tokoyami's scrutiny. It wasn't really a confidential one if Hawks was still on the roof. He took to the skies, hopped from place to place, so hastily and high, no one would catch his words even if they tried. But even if he didn't, Tokoyami respected his privacy.
He handed him the drink.
" You're a life-saver Tokoyami," Hawks sighed in relief , " Got something for yourself too?"
" Certainly," Tokoyami brought out the energy drink.
" Is it that Apple juice, again? "Hawks snickered , " You gotta try out new drinks, can't be a kindergarten forever."
Says the man who drinks the same sugary dilution of coffee day in and out. Even Dark Shadow was chuckling with him. One thing he found out was that Dark Shadow and Hawks shared one interest: teasing him to glory.
" As a matter of fact, no, I am trying something new." He pulled out the green drink.
" I've heard of this! Blazer!!! right? It's pretty popular with the students," Hawks tilted his head, as if in mock thought.
" A classmate of mine recommended it to me. He told me it's extremely energizing."
"Mind if I try some?" Hawks brought out a few white cups from his coat.
Hawks' coat was still a complete mystery to Tokoyami. It seemed to fit everything: hard candy, money, books, phones, first aide, and other miscellaneous items.
"Of course." Tokoyami nodded.
He uncapped the bottle and poured the contents equally into the cups. Dark Shadow was clueless about his hectic role for the next few hours.
They chugged down the drinks, not bothering to look at the caffeine content. As human as they seemed, there were physiology aspects that were undeniably avian. No two ways about that. Unfortunately that applied to caffeine and sugar tolerance, a bit. Fortunately they won't die from the toxicity, but hyperactivity was a different story.
The rush was instant for both of them. Their heart rates accelerated. All thoughts of rest, drowsiness, and sleep was thrown out the window. Their surroundings had more clarity...yet more blurry. Like looking through smudged glasses when sunlight is beaming straight into your eyes. Tokoyami blinked from the surge. Strong. This stuff was strong. Tokoyami crossed his arms over his chest and trembled from the energy surge. In a few minutes, he started tapping his left foot, as if to chase all the excess energy.
" That...that really has some zing to it, huh?" Hawks commented a tad too loudly.
Hawks was vibrating( or was Tokoyami vibrating?). His pacing just escalated. From left to right, right to left, his pace becoming more erratic with each step. Each step a mini dance. His hands were shaking. Hawks' pupils were dilating.
" I really like it!" Hawks laughed a tad hysterically.
Woah Hawks is acting high as Hell. Dark Shadow examined the bottle, before snapping in realization, Fumi! Great it's affecting you too!
Tokoyami didn't think standing in place was right, either. Hawks had the right idea in mind. But he didn't join his mentor's self-race. No he opted for prancing in circles.
Dark Shadow was still aware and lucid. Not all of Tokoyami's physical processes transferred to him. Really both of them should be thankful for that.
Fumi say something!! Dark Shadow groaned.
And that was his grave mistake.
" We live in this world. But what if there's actually alternate realities that are there there , but mankind is just terrified to explore. Forget Heaven and Hell. I'm talking about a world rid of heroes, villains and civilians. Just grotesque creatures that roam a barren land. Land? Wonderland. That must be its name. Wait! No no-It's probably in another language beyond human comprehension. They probably communicate by brain-wavelengths, like like bats. Yes like gigantic bats. Fluffy black ears and fangs that suck human souls. We must must go back. That's humanity's path. Humanity escaped from their world because they were sucking us up like apple slushies. Right, right Hawks-sensei !" Tokoyami rambled
Hawks who wasn't listening to a word he had said, bobbed his head like a bobble head, " Yup!"
Hawks stopped pace-dancing. And slid off his gloves. Messily trimmed talons then scratched the toothpaste ad. He easily ripped the bubble captions below, with all the pleasure of a kitten kneading a silk curtain.
Stop! Stop! Dark Shadow screamed.
Tokoyami joined him, even though his human nails were too blunt. Hawks just gave a chirp of pleasure.
" Why? It's an eyesore as it is. I'm doing the public a favor. Speaking of public. I have work! Patrol! Patrolling. We have to patrol!" Hawks snapped his fingers.
No you don't! Patrolling is over for the day!
Hawks would probably not save a single civilian in this state. Besides this could damage his reputation. Dark Shadow would have been more than pleased see his ego deflate, but Hawks rep was how Tokoyami's.
"Why?" Hawks cocked his head in that iconic bird tilt.
Because uuuuh It's a half day.
His whole face glowed up at that.
" Hey Tokoyami! We have a half day today!" He held up his hand for a high five.
Tokoyami somehow missed his hand, and slapped his cheek. Hawks rubbed his cheek, slightly red from the unexpected slap, with a pout.
Then Tokoyami went to a bout of apologies. Before both of them were back to wrecking the Washu advertisement.
Dark Shadow put their beak in their palms.
Agh...Now I have to handle two three year olds. I can't let the two of you be here....Hawks do you remember where you live?
" I live somewhere?" Hawks tapped his chin, deep in thought," Oh yes the Commission! The Commission!"
" Do we live anywhere? I mean aren't we just temporarily existing befo-
Fumi don't you dare start! And not the Commission!
Hawks looked genuinely confused, still vibrating like a kid experiencing the sugar rush of a lifetime.
" They kicked me out? After all I've done for them?"
No the agency. Your agency.
" Oh yes...I remember that. But how do we go there?"
Did a caffeine overdose take away his memories and intelligence too?
Wings. Hawks. Use your wings. You can fly.
His eyes glinted like a flashbulb discovery.
" You're Right! I can!" Then he flapped away.
Wait ! Wait ! where are you going?
Dark Shadow clutched his ankle before he flew off for good. Tokoyami was in tow.
This way ! Not right! Left! Left! Dark Shadow was navigating Hawks, steering him in the right direction, as the wind smacked them, like one of those parents manhandling their toddler in an airport, using the strap of their monkey backpack. They must have slammed into a flock of migrating, unsuspecting geese. A flurry of white feathers passes their way. Minutely, Dark Shadow saw a goose flapping downward, honking furiously. Hawks was fast. Okay that's an understatement. But never this fast.
Ugh so this what babysitting felt like. Dark Shadow had more respect for those toddler rearing guardians.
Finally they reached Hawks' balcony of his penthouse/agency. They're been there a handful of times. It was a barely-lived-in area with white halls, table tops, and rooms. The floors were Italian marble. White everything, with black furniture and diamond symbols at the corners. Some of it looked like it catered to him. Backless chairs and beanbags for his wings. When Tokoyami asked where he got them from, Hawks just shrugged and said ' they were gifts.' There was too much bark in that laugh for it to be genuine. Hawks had so many private jokes that even he didn't find them funny.
Landing would have been too generous of a term to whatever Hawks did. More like flopping head-first onto the balcony. He was flat on his stomach. Cold for a solid minute. No more vibrating. A loud thud echoed his empty balcony ( did he even live here?). In his shock, Dark Shadow was able to at least let Tokoyami land safely.
Hawks! Hawks ! Please don't die! Don't Die!
Dark Shadow clutched his shoulders and shook. Hawks was blinking the stars out of his eyes. He just chirped in response. There was a nasty bruise smack on the center of his forehead. At least he was alive. Could have loosened a screw or two, but eh.
Great now let's get your ke-
A potted with a wilted plant was hurled through the glass planes. Courtesy of Tokoyami, of course. So much for calmingly entering.
Tokoyami went in, rambling to himself, avoiding the glass shards and potted plant. At least he was cognizant in this.
Dark Shadow sighed as he helped Hawks into his apartment. He had a wiry frame, but there were muscles there. The coat really did hide a lot. Dark Shadow felt his firm tendons, while leading him inside. Picture a mom holding her baby waddling, outside fresh out of the bath.
Hawks shook his head, as he blinked to awareness.
Let's get you an ice pack for that.
Dark Shadow slithered to his fridge. A few Endeavour styled coasters were on his table top, stained with coffee. And out of curiosity just to see whether there's any snacks or drinks, Dark Shadow checked the regular fridge before the deep one.
I always joked that you live on coffee and KFC...Guess I was right... Dark Shadow sighed to themself.
It was pathetic. Coffee cans and take-out containers that looked like they haven't seen daylight in a week occupied his fridge. A half-finished Endeavour themed hot sauce was sitting on a shelf too.
Dark Shadow was going full Mother-hen mode after this fiasco was over. Whether Hawks liked it or not.
Dark Shadow took out the ice pack from the fridge and returned to Hawks who was again doing that weird, dance-pacing thing, not minding the glass and pot on the floor. His head was twitching from the caffeine buzz. Luckily there weren't any precarious vases for his puffed wings to bump into. Tokoyami was rambling to himself, again going in uneven circles as if he was dissecting the mysteries of the world. Their roles are reversed, Hawks is too quiet while Tokoyami the chatterbox of the hour.
Dark Shadow scraped the glass shards and pot from harm's way, letting them do their thing. He placed the cold compress on Hawks' forehead. Both of them were still vibrating like an iron rod, strung with electricity.
Dark Shadow didn't try to calm them down. They can tucker themselves out, let all that caffeine drain out of their systems. Hawks certainly needs a detox.
They seem to be talking to each other in a mixture of human gestures and bird sounds, Dark Shadow was too exhausted to analyze.
Dark Shadow slipped out their shoes and let them pad barefoot in the flat. Hey Hawks already had a shattered glass door and potted plant to fix, the least Dark Shadow could do is save him a dirty floor. They expected normal feet on Hawks, but met with sharp, blackish, talons, not nearly as trimmed and proper like his fingernails. Hawks really did live up to his namesake in ways Tokoyami and Dark Shadow only had glimpses of. The saying goes -You can never tame a hawk, and they're right. There was just something about Hawks that's just....wild. His piercing graze, the way his wings flapped as if they had a mind of their own, his inkling for chicken- all screamed raptor. Dark Shadow was staring too long
, which earned him a glare. Hawks flapped his wings to shake him off.
"It's rude to stare, you know," Hawks huffed.
I wasn't. Don't ruffle your feathers over it. I don't judge.
Hawks just scrutinized them, eyes glaring daggers before Tokoyami was meddling with the dusty speakers in the corners of the room.
" Hey hey Tokoyami! Tokoyami ! Let's listen to some music!" He chirped.
Tokoyami just nodded his head with so much vigor that would put a bobble-head to shame. Hawks tapped his phone, over-tapping the screen from his boundless energy. They discussed and argued over a song for ten minutes before settling for a random playlist on Hawks' Spotify on his civilian phone. Hawks turned on the speakers and the both of them were singing to the lyrics, like a pair of drunkard lunatics. Dark Shadow was tempted to record the entire thing, but he couldn't get Tokoyami's phone without a slap.
Glad that at least two of them are having the time of their life.
Something rang in Hawks coat. Dark Shadow shimmied it out while he was at the climax of the song. A burner phone.
Fire Turd-it read.
Hello?
Silence
" Who the fuck are you?" A gravel voice that sounded oddly familiar rattled.
Hawks is high as fuck from caffeine so he doesn't need your goods now. Call later.
“What Good-”
Dark Shadow hung up the phone.
Weirdo.
Probably his dealer. Dark Shadow had a sinking suspicion that Hawks was into drugs. Hawks really was into intoxication, huh?
Hawks was again tearing into his furniture as Tokoyami was starting his speech on cucumbers and their relation to the cosmos.
Both of them at intervals tried to get out, but Dark Shadow threw them back in the center of the chairs for a few seconds. They somehow found it a game and flung themselves at the broken balcony door or the entrance door.
Enough! Enough !
Then they lost interest in the game as soon as they gained it and again did whatever they did.
Dark Shadow groaned, rubbing their head.
And sighed at the dirty Laundry at the corner of the living room. Well laundry is better than doing nothing. They held the bunch of uniforms ( did this guy have no nightwear?) and dumped them into the closet washing station. Tokoyami sometimes forced them to do chores when he wasn't in the mood. With a yawn, they poured the detergent into the washing machine and closed the hatch. The dryer was conveniently on top of the washing machine so they didn't need to lay the wet clothes out in the open.
The machine hummed to life. Water and soap suds filled inside. That caught the attention of the high duo. They sat cross-legged, on the floor, tilting their heads to the whirling of clothes, soap, and water. Right, down, left and top, like a clock.
Cute. Dark Shadow recorded a video of that since Tokoyami was fixated on the whirling patterns. This would be golden to post this on the Class 1-A group chat.
They soon interest in that too, apparently because they were now relocating the furniture. The two of them pushed the chairs into a circle. Hawks brought out the soft, almost hotel plush blankets out and laid them on the ground. Tokoyami splayed out another on top of the chairs while Hawks brought out the pillows. It took some time for Dark Shadow to figure out what they were doing.
Ah Nest-building.
" Not there! Here! Here!" Hawks placed the pillows to the left, " You gotta fluff these more."
They spent an hour gathering material for the makeshift nest, sometimes staring at the washing machine at intervals, a mixture of rock, metal, jazz and pop music, a unique combination of Hawks and Tokoyami.
Eventually they tuckered themselves out and crashed in the nest. Hawks feet dangled out from the entrance, straight as a soldier, his wings up while Tokoyami curled into his side like a cat. Hawks didn't seem like the no. 2 hero of Japan, saving thousands of lives a year-just a youngster sleeping with wings too big to carry at times. Even Tokoyami was the fifteen year old he was supposed to be, instead of the pro-in making.
Dark Shadow listened to the rise and fall of their chests . Even if today was absolute chaos and they were high as Hell, Dark Shadow was glad they could act like kids they were for a day.