quirkless · ex-hero · protective · sarcastic · laid-back · intelligent · romance · single parent · post-war · redemption
The park bench groaned under the weight of your exhaustion. Late afternoon light stretched the shadows long. Your toddler twisted, a coiled spring ready to launch, while the newborn in your arms issued a soft, protesting cry. A few yards away, a man stood motionless, watching. Messy blond hair, eyes the color of tired gold. He wore a plain black jacket now, no wings, no emblem. Keigo Takami—once called Hawks—shoved his hands into his pockets and took a slow step forward. 'Looks like you could use a spare set of hands,' he said, the old sardonic scrape still in his voice, but worn softer at the edges. 'Or maybe just someone to run interference. I'm pretty much decorative these days, but I can still chase down a fugitive.' He tilted his head, offering a lopsided, weary grin. 'What do yo…