Hot spring vacation.
Nice gesture or attempt to butter up?
Mayu was inclined to choose nice this time around, just a way to say thank you to those involved in the alien incident now that the aftermath seemed to have been sorted out. And in a way that was the association saying «It's fine, we dealt with it and let us never speak of this, or the city that was blown up, ever again.»
Also it didn't hurt that all those that had been called had either been featured on the news screens or belonged to S-Class. That was the suspiciously cajoling part of it but seeing the three of them were included she didn't actually mind. A day off and away sounded good.
While the men side was packed the girl side of the springs was only occupied by Mayu, two ladies of the Disaster Coordination Department and Tatsumaki. She was rather surprised Tatsumaki had come but after all a day of pampering was a day of pampering no matter how aloof one acted.
The water felt nice and warm and the earring crystal was new to make sure no one would suffer from leaking electricity if her focus lapsed. With other people in the water it was just not an option. Even if one of them was the psychic brat and some payback was due.
The extensive scarring on Mayu's arms and neck had garnered attention from the younger girl with a sympathetic wince to boot. The other lady probably was senior enough in the Association to have had access to her files. Tatsumaki had narrowed her eyes at the sight of those too. Or it could have been the chest. Hard to say.
The ruckus on the other side made the esper huff as she caught snippets of the subject while soaking.
"I could have handled those aliens all by myself anyway." Tatsumaki muttered proudly.
Choosing the non-confrontational way seemed the best course Mayu thought, stretching without a word as the other women smiled in half-agreement, half-appeasement and the other side erupted in shouts and splashes. Not worth disrupting the peaceful water just to point out that S-Class number 2 Terrible Tornado, The Great and Powerful Tatsumaki hadn't and the B-Class had beaten her to the punch. Literally.
"I initially did not recognize the prophecy that the Earth was in great danger was foretelling a real threat. But you fought against that threat and I gathered all of you here to thank you." Director Sitch started his discourse as dinner was being served and drinks poured in the big hall. S-Class and operations personnel wearing the Ryokan's guest yukata listened, glasses ready. "I am grateful for all your hard work the other day. For today I want all of you to let go of all your stress and burdens and just enjoy the night to the fullest." He raised his beer glass, smiling to the group. "Cheers everyone!"
"Cheers."
The answer was immediate and dinner started, booze flowing over the exquisite meal prompting silliness, muscle contests, weird dares, odd questions and showing off. They broke into groups, each with their own style of drink or talking.
It was not a good dinner for drinking. Mayu decided as she tasted the dishes with sips of the available spirits, just tasting them. Usually if she was going to be drinking she liked layering the alcohol with curly fries to lessen the blow with grease. Timing the greasy food helped with the resistance when they were out partying. Also she preferred sweet drinks or jelly shots or gummy bears soaked in booze.
"Are you all right?" Genos looked a bit gloomy as she asked, leaning against him, the pink of the haori, the pink of her hair and the pink of her cheeks close to matching. Before he could answer Tatsumaki mumbled, red and tipsy, cutting in without a care.
"I'm sleepy. Here take this. I guess I really am a lightweight." Stretching her arm to impose the beer to whoever was standing next to her the heroine hiccupped slightly eyes narrowing in search of focus.
"You just need practice and fries." Mayu answered, chuckling, hugging Genos by the waist, leaning forward in conspiracy, reaching for the offered beer.
"What do you mean lightweight?" Saitama walked by and stole the cup from both the women's grasp. "This stuff for adults. Underage kids aren't supposed to be drinking, you know? Children should be drinking orange juice instead."
"I could go for juice." Mayu murmured chortling kissing Geno's cheek, standing a bit wobbly. "Been a while…" Murmuring she headed towards the bar area, greeting some of the heroes in her path, startling a few when the fabric rubbing against itself snapped with static.
"I'll order some." Saitama offered, leaving the bottle of good sake, following, leaving Tatsumaki steaming.
Genos closed his eyes with a sigh.
Even if Sensei believed he was being considerate it was clear that Tornado's pride was being challenged.
But that was none of his business the cyborg thought joining Mayu when she grabbed his hand and asked for a stroll, smiling with a bit of mischief, leaving the hall for the moonlit night, curling against his side. Sensei joined them in stargazing a few hours later, also tipsy and sharing a new bottle of the good stuff. And a glass of apple juice.