Atlantis

Chapter 20: Explain

Authors Note: I really didn't want to leave you hanging with how the last chapter ended >_< And also... Happy Birthday to meeeee! :)

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Maybe it was due to your numbness, but you didn't even flinch when you had heard the knocks against your sliding glass door.

You didn't even stop playing the piano as you casually looked over to see Hawks' face pressed up against the cold glass. A pleading look drowning him in the heavy rain outside.

Typically you would laugh at such a sight... but your face held no emotion. So you nodded for him to come in - as the door was already unlocked.

You turned back to your hands flowing ever so gracefully over the piano keys. A song both beautiful and sad filled the room.

You heard the sliding door open, and the ruffling of some feathers. Probably him ridding the water droplets from his wings and clothes.

But as soon as Hawks came to stand beside the bench you were seated upon, his blazer was already off, and he looked fairly dry for the most part.

As Hawks inched closer to you, you side glanced his way. His eyes silently asked for permission to sit beside you.

And fully understanding with what he was asking, you gently scooted your bottom over; making plenty of room for the Pro Hero.

You continued to play; focusing your eyes back down to the instrument. The only thing that was keeping you grounded at the moment.

Hawks sat there in silence, but his attention was trained on your ever moving fingers. Almost as if he were absorbing what you were playing.

And then to your surprise, Hawks softly placed his fingers upon the keys - coming in at the chorus of the song.

He played perfectly.

His hands moving as elegantly as yours as he started to play the backbone - and you the melody.

The two of you were perfectly in sync - and you couldn't help but to turn to look at him.

Your mouth slightly agape, and your E/C eyes glossed over with a whirlwind of emotions.

This man was as beautiful as the notes he played.

And when the song came to a stop, you deeply sighed. "Is there anything you can't do?"

"Keep your attention."

You really couldn't apologize to his response, because he did hurt you. What you heard come from his mouth hit the core of your heart.

So you stayed silent.

Hawks inhaled deeply; the frustration clearly in his face as he struggled with his words.

"What you heard... I didn't mean for you to ever hear. Because what I said is FAR from the truth. Please let me explain."

You stayed where you were; your face hanging low towards the ivory piano keys in front of you as you waited for his explanation.

Taking your immobility as a sign that you were there to listen to him, Hawks continued.

"I was trying to protect you, Y/N. The President was wanting to take you in for training. Extensive and harsh training to enter the fucked up world that I'm currently in. And they were looking for any excuse to do that..."

You still didn't look at him; as your mind mulled over with what he was saying.

"The Commission wanted to know if we had relations... because if I had expressed what you truly mean to me... then they would have leverage over me." Hawks' voice cracked as he thought of what the Commission would possibly make you endure. "I've already put you in danger in other aspects. Simply by being seen with you publicly. And I am SO sorry for that. My own selfishness of wanting to get to know you; wanting to be near you took over my instincts. And I reached for what I wanted anyway."