Hawk had never thought about hiding anything from Gwen.
At least, not since they confirmed their relationship. He had no reason to conceal his power or anything else.
Lovers shouldn't keep secrets.
That was how he saw it. And it wasn't just his belief—it was a lesson burned into him after watching countless movies in his past life, where misunderstandings born of secrets destroyed relationships.
Like he'd just said:
If you ask, I'll tell you.
So…
He told her.
"Kill someone."
…
Gwen's smile froze.
See? I told you. You're not happy now, are you?
Hawk chuckled inwardly. He wasn't disappointed, though.
Gwen was beautiful and kind—of course she'd be shaken by this. If she had smiled happily instead, that would have been the time to worry.
Then Gwen recovered, and her answer was just two words:
"Kill who?"
"Hulk."
"Bruce Banner's back in New York?"
"No."
"Then…"
"I've got intel. He'll be spending Christmas in New Jersey."
Hawk laid it all out for her.
Her eyes widened. "So all those weekends you went to Jersey were to—"
"Scout the terrain," Hawk admitted, smiling faintly. "I've been preparing, mapping out the battleground in my head. If Hulk tries to run, I already have multiple counters planned."
This Christmas, Hulk would die.
Anya had waited long enough in hell for him to avenge her.
Hulk first. Abomination after.
Hawk wasn't in a rush for Blonsky—he was locked down in Quantico under heavy guard. He'd deal with him in time.
One step at a time.
But Hulk… Hulk would die at Christmas.
Then Gwen said it.
"I'm going with you."
Hawk blinked, certain he'd misheard. "What?"
"I said I'm going with you." Her gaze was steady, her tone unyielding.
Hawk laughed, shaking his head. "Gwen, I'm going there to kill."
"I know. I'm still going with you."
He stared at her.
"Don't joke."
"I'm not joking. If you're going to hell… then I'm going with you."
Hawk froze.
They looked at each other, silence stretching.
Finally, he exhaled a laugh. "You're worried I'll die?"
Gwen shook her head. "I don't know. But I do know I won't just sit in New York and wait."
…It was so very Gwen.
Hawk sighed. "No."
"This isn't me asking, Hawk," Gwen said firmly. "You know me. If I want to find you, I'll find you. So if you win, we come back together. If you die, I'll follow you to hell."
Then she smiled softly. "Honestly, ever since I found you that day in Maryland, by the waterfall… I think it was already decided. We were going to hell together, weren't we?"
Hawk couldn't help but laugh. "You think hell's so easy to get into? I haven't even figured out where the damn entrance is—"
"Stop deflecting," Gwen cut in, frowning.
"I'm not," Hawk said with a sigh, standing and moving in front of her. He looked down at her, serious now.
He smiled faintly. "All right then. We'll go to hell together."
Gwen stood and threw her arms around him, her face finally breaking into a radiant smile.
"Good. Then hold on tight, or I'll get lost."
"I won't let go."
"Promise me. Swear it on Anya's name."
That broke the mood completely—Hawk almost laughed. "You really know how to corner me."
"Of course I do." She tilted her face up, smiling slyly. "I know exactly how to handle you, Hawk."
He sighed, helpless. "Yes, you do."
"Then swear it."
"Do I really have to?"
"Absolutely. Don't think I haven't seen enough movies—I know you'd try to knock me out and leave me behind."
This is what happens when you date a girl who's too smart, Hawk thought wryly.
Looking into her bright eyes, he sighed again. "Together, down to hell?"
"Together."
"…Fine."
He drew a deep breath, then solemnly swore on his sister's name.
"Now are you satisfied?"
"Almost. If you agree to one more thing."
"What?"
Her smile vanished, replaced by a steady, serious expression.
"I know you don't want to be a hero. I won't ask you to. But Hawk, please… don't become a villain either. Try to be good. Try to be someone who can always face himself without guilt."
"Can you promise me that?"
…
(End of Chapter)
[Check Out My P@treon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!!][[email protected]/euridome]
[Thank You For Your Support!]