Tornadoes For Sighs
-Chapter 8-
Likeness
TATSUMAKI REALIZED ZOMBIEMAN WAS AN EH GUY. It was strange.
Tatsumaki didn't care about the admiration or vitriol of the crowd. She knew how to make people angry. She didn't listen to young pretty things or older gentlemen because she didn't like losing brain cells.
Tatsumaki chased people away, turning annoying people's spots into free space. She was every colour of the dark rainbow. She never did friendly-looking things. She liked having a dark and ominous personality but Zombieman looked at her like she moved the universe.
She sipped her coffee whilst stared at by Zombieman. She was proud didn't startle like a flinching horse but his smile was always there.
His slim blazer was casual while opened, displaying unblemished skin, eyes incandescent. His broad muscles seemed infinite across his impressive chest. Dr. Gray was probably as impressive as an uncooked noodle. So not ripped— WHY DID SHE HAVE THAT THOUGHT?!
Well, whatever, it was true. And he was still staring. Tatsumaki got still. Curiosity was not flattering on his features. Everyone else stared, did he need to join as well?
"What?" barked Tatsumaki.
"Nothing. You look nice." he complimented.
"I always look nice." Tatsumaki grimaced. "If you only wanted to talk about clothes, join Amai Mask's sorry blogs. Today, I wanted to escape idiots not be cornered by different ones." she shot him a pointed glare.
"Relax."
"Relaxing is embarrassing." she scoffed. Get real.
"We're relaxing right now."
Zombieman didn't take the bait and smiled at her.
"Positive." Tatsumaki gave him a slight look of disdain. "You're embarrassing me. Button up your shirt."
"I like it."
"I don't."
He hadn't even apologized. This was embarrassing. He looked at her like heaven was missing an angel.
"Did you not get enough sleep?" he asked, concern also not flattering on his features.
"First off, whatever amount of sleep I have doesn't change my opinions. I don't sleep much," she rolled her eyes.
"Ah. Green Eyes, that's not healthy. And it explains a lot." he added thoughtfully.
"You gotta whittle away on your many defenceless hours. Heed my advice, weakling." she winked.
"Weakling? I'll protect you," he promised. "S-Class better stick together."
Tatsumaki gave him a withering glare. "Are you sure about that?"
"I'll let you protect me." he allowed.
"Good job," she beamed. "No part of you can beat me. That's just a fact. We could fight this out. I'll help lay down your form."
"Lay with me? They do say the tongue is the strongest muscle in the body, wanna fight?" Zombieman laughed.
There was a thrill in her stomach. "Pfft. As if. I'll send you to space and bring you back down. Do you know how many times your life would flash in front of your eyes?"
"As long as you're my gravity. I don't mind." he shrugged, tongue in cheek.
Tatsumaki smiled lightly, the words tickling her tongue. "I told you to leave your compliments at the door."
"Sorry, I snuck them in. I love reintroducing that sparkle in your eye." he winked.
"You mean bitter annoyance?"
"No. I can see myself in those depths," he said. "It's a mirror."
"You look a bit washed out for 24. You sure you're worth the look?"
"You're here, aren't you?" he pointed out.
He laughed and she gave him an exasperated look. He liked bickering with her, teasing and life-affirming. Other people were too scared to speak to her, much less laugh. She liked the fear but she liked it when parasites pushed the line in this way. She liked that.
"How do you like the food?" he asked conversationally.
"Eh, it's whatever," she said, balancing a sugar cube overtop her coffee.
He grinned and snatched the sugar cube out of the air. "Well, it's not the food that's important. It's who you are with. I think sharing a meal is even more important than the food itself." he said, chewing on the sugar cube like a horse.
"Eh. Food tastes better than my tastes in people..." Tatsumaki sighed. "I don't know why you insisted on a coffee shop. You don't like what I like. In fact, you know nothing about me."
"I do. I know everything you do," he said.
"God, you're dumb. Thank goodness for your pretty little guns." Tatsumaki shook her head. "Wrong. Wrong. I hate you, how would you know anything?"
"I do," he stated as he knew it for truth. "Mostly everything." he finished with some magical realism.
"Negative." Tatsumaki hissed. "You probably don't know my favourite colour, what book I like leaving in Bearded Worker's office, what zoo animal I hate the most. What person and what makes me laugh the most. You know nothing."
"You like black the most because it reminds you of every colour of the rainbow, mixed into your coffee. You leave the book on beard designs because you think he's going to bow down, be respectful and someday let you cut his beard fashionably. You don't like ponies because no matter how much they get fed, they stay short, fat and stupid. It's genetics and a bit mean—"
"They're not trying their best! And you damn well know that!" Tatsumaki stammered for the right words to say.
"It's the way they are. And you like to say people falling downstairs helps you survive. It always makes you gasp for air while laughing but you think the sound of hummingbirds snoring makes you laugh the most."
"Well, when they're sleeping like that, it sounds like—"
"Music. It sounds like music but you hate listening to the radio on car drives." he laughed.
Zombieman… always had something smart to say. Everyone claimed to be her fan, know everything about her when really, no one knew anything. Zombieman watched her closely, huh.
"So you could remember all of those inaccurate things but you can't remember to send me a text for three days? Was that not a big deal? And what about all those times you skimped out on telling me your location over the—"
"I remember the important stuff. This is a big deal for me."
"I will stab you with a fork."
"Because you don't like chopsticks." he shrugged, his face relaxing like a knot coming undone. "I know all these things."
Tatsumaki was horror-struck. His grin was near angelic now. She was flustered, not catching her racing thoughts. These simple stories about Tatsumaki didn't leave his mind. Tatsumaki knew nothing about him except for his wilful tardiness and how ripped his body was.
Tatsumaki played it cool. "Hah! You want a medal for your faulty, selective memory? I-I reject all those facts—"
"Facts. So I was right." Zombieman flashed a triumphant smile. "I know you."
Sugar cubes and time flowed around her fingers. Something changed.
"I don't want you to… You haven't found any good part of yourself when you met me. Don't put all your thought into something stupid like that. The world is extending, don't get stuck in your head with fake dreams." she advised neutrally.
For the first time, he stopped smiling during their facetious but flirtatious exchanges. He got her coffee… Did this build bonds? They couldn't be open at work, but here they made memories. Was there something under the coffee? Well, this didn't matter because they didn't air their grievances. He was charming until he wasn't.
"Well, if that's how you think, I don't want to catch it." she tsked.
"Green Eyes, would… would ya invite me to your wedding? You weren't comfortable enough to tell me you've gotten someone else. I'd like a sign, blessed." he said, all blasé as if he hadn't cornered her.
Tatsumaki laughed obnoxiously. "What part of my life concerns you? You're not my boyfriend—"
"I know but it would have been nice to… have a heads up." The words came out as a slight gasp. "Are you happy?"
Tatsumaki's hand twitched. "I am getting somewhere."
Dr. Gray was too involved in Tatsumaki's life. Dr. Gray probably was born under some miracle star for Tatsumaki to care this much about him. Zombieman didn't like her honest attempts at shutting down this conversation.
"Tell me what you're feeling, that you mean the engagement. I can take the pain."
"Wait," Tatsumaki shifted, her voice so unpleasantly high, even to her ears. "Why the hell would this be pain? What does it matter to you that I am getting married?"
Zombieman's eyes got dark. "You just… I feel like you haven't even said one good thing to me about him that was… true and you don't lie to me."
Tatsumaki just wanted peace, a heartfelt apology and begging. Zombieman just made her feel guilty. She sighed. "Maybe it's because you're just annoying to talk to, you know that!" Tatsumaki slammed a hand on the table. "And you act weird whenever I bring him up."
"That's fair because this is weird."
"You don't know how much I tried to come here, to you, smiling." Zombieman sighed.
"Don't put that sentimental shit on me. I'm not supposed to be guilty!" Tatsumaki clicked her tongue. "I don't care. You haven't even apologized! And you want to butter me up, lips at the ready like one of your groupies into drinking terribly made coffee with a bunch of random extras from this bougie place and expected me to be grateful? For what?"
"He probably doesn't know anything about you," he claimed, instead of telling the truth.
"And so what? He treats my heart with the sentiment of a man tucking a cactus into his arms, close to his heart." Tatsumaki snapped. "And I like being a succulent."
"Green Eyes, Green Eyes," he sighed. "I just wanted you to know that Amai Mask signed you up for a program. A talk show about whether or not he knows you. Good Morning City A."
What? "Why'd you greasy scrubs sign me up for that?" she commanded. "I don't like interviews. Why the hell do you think I don't do them?"
"This one is… It's to repair your image. To see if your love withstands what the media says. You've been more loved than you've ever been. Shouldn't you want to have the people on your side? You'll have more opportunities to appear on camera—"
"I hate that!"
"You know image is important. Fubuki has her group but she takes 70% of the credit for some of the feats they do despite never fighting. She even does the famous "rookie-crushing" that everyone despises but Amai Mask overlooks. People, even the ones you like, would do anything to get ahead."
"What? 70%? Fubuki wouldn't— I mean..." Tatsumaki faltered. She didn't know what Fubuki would or wouldn't do. Besides, she never sees Fubuki with scars or doing any work. She hides behind the group. "If this is true... I love her but I don't want you telling others any of those "truths"..."
"It's common knowledge. Everyone in the Association knows about her… nefarious ways. Along with the rumours… There's a rumour that I am the weakest of the S-Class heroes. It follows me like immortality." Zombieman said, his tone vague and unpleasant. "Having that reputation accosted me with shitty hero rescues."
"Weak?!" Tatsumaki hesitated. "The ranks are law. You're rank 8, the Hero Association has no flaws with their rankings. I'm rank 2. You're strong. I chose you as my partner, which was a mistake but that wasn't an unfounded choice."
"The public thinks I'm weak." he shrugged.
"Who cares about them?!"
"I'm too far gone in the public's eye but you're still there." Passion danced in his dark eyes. "You have to protect your image. The importance of protecting your social image was vital. Naturally, you seek to defend your character, getting away from what incriminates you. Amai Mask is shady but he isn't you. What you do affects everyone."
Tatsumaki clenched her fist. I know! I know I have that responsibility, Tatsumaki huffed. I only wanted the money for Fubuki, to look better for myself. Strong enough to beat those assholes from high school but now this shit mattered.
"If you know anything about me, you'd know that I hate all of that I don't carelessly lean into the image of what the public makes of me. I don't care… Since when did being a hero become about social presence rather than strength?" she sighed.
"You are the queen of the Hero Association—"
"It's annoying that I have to be a "queen of the association". You all get it wrong."
"I thought you'd be happy with that senior title. You brag about it," he mumbled. "You know, you could be the queen of my heart instead. We could leave this all." he offered.
Tatsumaki's atrium pulsed. What… was he offering? A way out? And she didn't like how he offered.
"Ugh! You're just an annoying idiot. A pushover who put me on a stupid talk show with dim people. Go gargle some rocks, idiot."
"I didn't want you to misunderstand or to leave you upset. I didn't agree at first but I do want to know him. Amai Mask barred you from missions next week to prepare. You have lessons with him. So answers must be authentic just as the truth is authentic. I'll see you on Hero Appreciation day." he said.
Who the fucking fuck does Amai Mask think he is? Barring her from missions?! That's why she hasn't been getting calls from distraught people! AND she had to deal with Hero Appreciation Day? WHY THE FUCK WAS THE SKY FALLING ON HER?
"Oh, gargle rocks, idiot!" she yelled and zoomed away. "And button up your shirt. It's awful!"
###
When she got home, Tatsumaki was greeted by Fubuki's body splayed on a couch and a shitty zoo re-enactment with B-Class parasites everywhere.
Fubuki looked glorious, pampered by her mafia group. They handled nail filers and charcoal creams as well as they handled knives and gun powder. Tatsumaki was congested as fuck now, bombarded by steam. The Fubuki Group had a spa day with all-you-can-drink cucumber water glasses everywhere.
First off, gross. Second off, gross. Tatsumaki didn't put food on her face. Why do cucumbers get a free pass? Not to mention the candles everywhere in broad daylight. Ironic, huh?
Fubuki's fluffy bathrobe was cinched at the waist, giving glimpses of her bright and dewy skin. Fubuki's delicate feet were in a steamy soak, getting scrubbed free of dirt. Why couldn't Tatsumaki look like that?
Tatsumaki's flat chest was jealous. How does someone look that beautiful? Was this how the goddess Aphrodite would live her modern life? Hopelessly beautiful and hopelessly loved by many and all. How omnipotent can one person be?!
Since when could Fubuki afford a jade face roller? Beauty products were a waste. Except for the hair curlers Tatsumaki used every night. Tatsumaki would never tell anyone she didn't have naturally curled hair. Ever.
"Oh my god." Someone whispered, horror loud and crisp. "We're screwed. She's mad."
The jaunty music paused. The room held its breath except for Eyelashes who knelt, shaping Fubuki's nails.
Fubuki hissed. "Eyelash, that hurt. You are supposed to be soothing, not careless. Do you want Lily-chan to take over this job? Be gentle like a kiss on the forehead. You must treat my finger like the stem of a freshly picked rose, not like a withered branch of a tree." Fubuki hummed. "It's common sense."
"Flowers, do liars get treated like that? Hhmm. Buki-dear, the sound of the chainsaw must be introduced to the tree." Tatsumaki held up a fist. "Instead of a kiss, Buki Buki, would you like a punch to the forehead?"
"P-Punch? Tatsumaki— you're home." A pale cucumber slice fell off of Fubuki's face, revealing Fubuki's much prettier emerald eye.
Eyelash caught the cucumber slice. "Want me to save it? I know you guys don't have a compost—" he whispered.
"Quiet now, Eyelashes," Fubuki ordered.
Eyelashes popped the cucumber slice in his mouth. Tatsumaki scowled. Eyelashes just had to make this weird. "Eat your face cucumbers elsewhere. Leave or I'll turn you all to cucumber slices and paste." Tatsumaki flicked the lights on. "You weirdoes."
Fubuki floundered off the couch but her foot landed in a basin of water. Water splashed everywhere. The group reflected off of their mistress's actions. They scattered away. The door flew open and one got out.
Fubuki stood to her full height, steel in her syllables. "Stay! You belong here," Fubuki met Tatsumaki's glower with her own classic stare. "Someone doesn't!"
Tatsumaki laughed, the sound dry and sweet like cherry wine. She ignored the pain she couldn't possibly put into words.
"They're ruining my home. At least I live here. I'm not sure if you do. I never see you. We have a major problem with our family! You only care about your dogs who I'm sure you don't actually see as people!" Tatsumaki snarled.
Gasp! "That's so respectful. They're my dear, distinguished B-Class warriors. I believe in strength in numbers. They are my strength. We are very strong. They'll help me beat monsters like you. All of us combined are stronger than anyone."
"Yeah, the holy spirit of dumbass just possessed you. That's so wrong, to do, to me, your sister!"
"It's the only way to eat so we eat." she justified.
Tatsumaki wasn't a monster. She didn't believe in borrowed strength or the imaginary power in numbers. Being solo, looking out for number one (Tatsumaki and Fubuki, always) was the only way to live. Fubuki liked assuming authority without earning it. This group was a crutch for her ego. Tatsumaki was no small fry, she was a whole buffet. She wouldn't be taken down by anyone, especially A-Class rejects.
"Why don't you rely on yourself! Tell others to get out of the way! Defeating me with your power would be your greatest victory. I don't want to beat you up!" Tatsumaki spat.
Fubuki stiffened. "We've never had a formal sparing session." Fubuki shrugged away the information. "One on one."
They don't duke it out like the Tank-Top army. Besides, when Tatsumaki offered, Fubuki brought her army of idiots. That's not one on one. She did know how to count. Tatsumaki glared. She didn't want to fight Fubuki with her full strength. At all.
"Not everything needs to be done alone." Fubuki sighed, squeezing her eyes shut. "You never listen to me."
Why were the extra B-Class idiots still here with their overconfident smiles and happy looks? They should have dissolved into worried murmurs and fear. They're all getting used by Fubuki.
"They're still here," Tatsumaki huffed. "Tell them to go. This is a private discussion."
"I need them around. I protect them." Fubuki retorted.
"Or take all their credit. A little bird told me that you take 70% of your group's credit, what kind of honour have you got? It's wrong. I know you don't choose your dogs but your dogs chose you. Be a better leader if you'll keep on like this." Tatsumaki rolled her eyes. "You got a threat against your damned school and you're stuck playing God to these idiots?"
Fubuki's face hardened. "What are you talking about? Are you going to attack?" her voice raised, words cobra-quick. "Are you that petty when you don't have control? They're children!"
Tatsumaki squawked at the personal attack. "I don't attack children. I am a hero. I would save idiots from themselves." Tatsumaki asserted. "Just because you want to be overdramatic, don't claim something like that! You're getting out of line."
They all stared at Tatsumaki the way one would at a feral beast. No one believed her.
"Tell me about the school," Fubuki finally said, all discordant.
"Fine! It's about Locker Time." Tatsumaki stated.
Fubuki reacted negatively. "Locker Time" was a euphemistic name that wasn't as demeaning as human experimentation. Tatsumaki never talked to anyone about "Locker Time". She never wanted or needed to tell anyone. No one knew. She liked that. Fubuki never talked to her about it. Tatsumaki's past was draining and miserable.
"They're after your school. And you don't like me going to your school. They want to test on your Esper babies." Tatsumaki groaned. "I'll give 'em a pasting if you'd smarten up!"
Fubuki stiffened.
City A hosted the only academy with psychic children, peculiar skills or extremely advanced intellect. The children learned to become heroes or productive members of society. Fubuki's academy had the protection of the Hero Association and Metal Knight's gadgets.
Metal Knight's technology and security system saved many of Fubuki's students from many attacks. Tatsumaki had to beg for weeks then do a bunch of favours. Tatsumaki retrieved undersea weapons and she excavated rare metals in exchange for Metal Knight designing the school.
Metal Knight spent so much time at the school that his prodigy Child Emporer taught there. But not without a cost. Tatsumaki leaked real stories about Blast because the kid was weirdly obsessed with Blast.
Tatsumaki did a lot for that school. She gotit good press, she patrolled around it in the afternoons just so no creeps were lurking and she also signed autographs and such for the snot rags.
Fubuki depreciated her efforts.
Tatsumaki was forbidden from teaching since she had a "temper". Some kids weren't comfortable around her Esper powers. Some threw rocks and carrot sticks or whatever the kids drank at that age. Even so, Tatsumaki was awesome at being a teacher but was forbidden from teaching. Now she realized that perhaps it's because Fubuki has nothing but bitterness and bile left for Tatsumaki.
Was Tatsumaki a moron as Baldy said? Pfft. Nope. Fubuki was being egotistical and dumb. Tatsumaki was a great tutor… Right?
"So, if you'd spoken to me beforehand, maybe you'd have known that they're after the kids. You have to teach children better. You're putting them at risk for being weak without letting me help you." Tatsumaki rolled her eyes. "If you'd only listen to me. I'm always right."
"Listening to you? What do you mean listen to you? Oh my god, you sound like Zombieman." she face-palmed.
Tatsumaki gagged. "I don't know why you ever dated such an idiot like Zombieman!"
"I thought you liked him. You told me you liked him!" claimed Fubuki.
"Excuse me while I go running through the woods as my true fae self while you continue to lie. I never said any of that!" Tatsumaki flew up to her. "Don't change the subject, let me teach at your school! If you did, kids would be safe because you're not willing to take the extra measures!"
"No. I will not let you become a teacher." Fubuki said coldly, icicles gliding across her eyes. "Why would I let you in my domain?"
"Haven't I said that this is bigger than you and I?" Tatsumaki hissed. "Get over yourself. Stop stroking your ego. Not everything is about you!"
"Ego? Coming from you? Take your own advice. I may be luxurious, worse at telekinesis and not able to get into S-Class… I admit, I am weak but at least I have the heart of a hero."
Heart of a hero? Tatsumaki ground her teeth. These children were literally in danger and Fubuki wanted to talk about Tatsumaki. Fubuki wasn't as strong as Tatsumaki. Obviously. Tatsumaki didn't mind, she liked helping Fubuki and took responsibility. Fubuki had the problem and didn't accept Tatsumaki's help.
Fubuki still wants to one me up for no reason after everything, anything I did for her. Maybe I should be a doll and continue saving those Fubuki can't possibly dream to save. Oh, wait, that's all I was already doing! Tatsumaki paced around.
Tatsumaki felt like flipping a table. Wait, she can't lift a table. She'll settle with a chair!
"Fine! I'll take it upon myself to fix this. I promise that." Tatsumaki groaned.
Fubuki regarded her warily. "What will you do? My say is final. My words are final."
"Oh, Buki Buki dear. There are so many words." Tatsumaki chuckled. "I'll chat with the public. I'll ask if Tornado of Terror deserves to teach at your school. Tornado of Terror-sama funds the school with the Hero Association. Maybe I'll pull rank and they'll make me a teacher— and they'll let me take over the school."
Fubuki went pale, all her colour seeped out. "You wouldn't."
"The poor, defenceless children don't need final words, they need a hero. They need me. The moment creeps touch your school, I'll be there." Tatsumaki clicked her tongue. "I'll do anything to get what I want."
Fubuki's voice was hushed, scornful where she aimed to hurt. "You are the worst sister ever, using your rank to your advantage just to spite me! You can't take the school away from me. So what if you fund it? I am the one who puts it all together!"
"You'll be the one to tear it apart." Tatsumaki shook her head. "And you don't even want to consider that."
Tatsumaki turned on the TV with her psychic abilities, landing on a channel seeing Zombieman sitting in an illustrious TV set with coffee. With the headline, she knew she wanted to level the guy with a meteor.
HEADLINE: DISASTER STRIKES BEFORE HERO APPRECIATION DAY!
HEADLINE: ZOMBIEMAN CAN'T WAIT TO MEET BEST FRIEND'S FIANCE DURING THE HIGHLY ANTICIPATED TATSUMAKI/MYSTERY FIANCE'S GAME SHOW APPEARANCE. ZOMBIEMAN SAYS HE CAN'T WAIT TO KNOW EVERYTHING ABOUT HIM TOO!
Oh, that son of a bitch.
Tatsumaki will level Zombieman with the entire solar system. Why was he doing this?! She wanted to scream. In all of her 28 years, she's never seen something so outrageously petty!
"Zombieman started talking to me because he dated you. Now that you've broken up, he solely bothers me. I bet you'd love to use him again just to teach your idiot pack of B-Class window lickers. You're headmaster of a school but you can't even teach your idiots!" Tatsumaki groaned. "You ALL annoy me."
Fubuki snapped her head up, affronted. "Why shouldn't I support my group? Furthermore, why should I tell you anything? I didn't know you were engaged. At all! You never tell me anything. And how could you get a boyfriend? Married, much less. I pity him! I can barely spend five minutes with you and I am family—"
Tatsumaki's eyes can't roll back far enough to continue this conversation. "Oh piss off with that. Family?! Since when did that matter to you? When was the last time we went shopping and did those daily things? I was so excited to live with you. Family doesn't matter to you."
"At least I visit Mom! The little ones don't remember your face and Dad didn't know you had someone. You hurt Mom—" Fubuki hissed.
"Do not EVER call that bitch Mom! She isn't my mother." With a huff, Tatsumaki changed it to the Disaster Channel.
BREAKING NEWS: GIANT MONSTER COLOSSAL MAN ON ITS WAY TO DESTROY CITY B! DEMON-LEVEL THREAT! NO S-CLASS HEROES ON SIGHT! EVACUATE CITY D.
Fubuki's yells faltered dramatically.
There was no footage on TV. The dark screen relayed the awful screams to sounds of destruction. Everyone there must be too scared to report, busy running away.
Oh shit. The aftertaste of coffee and familial tension turned sour in her mouth. Two cities were destroyed— almost. Was she not called in because of that manwhore Amai Mask? Fubuki offered to gather her troop of loser scouts. Tatsumaki locked her in the house, piling a bunch of the furniture in the front door. The discussion wasn't finished! Tatsumaki hadn't popped crazy pills to let Fubuki into City B or D. Despite their mission vendetta to defeat her, the Fubuki Group wasn't capable of anything.
Besides, Tatsumaki wasn't comfortable working with idiots who wanted to kill her. They would be horrible allies. Tatsumaki wanted to help the inhabitants of City B and D, not get dragged down by Fubuki's idiots.
With a superhuman sense of direction, Tatsumaki was already there.
Buildings were left eschewed. It was complete chaos on the land. Some helicopters littered the city floor, knocked out of the air and stained with red. It was like watching a child's lego battle. Instead of plastic, there was real-life concrete and mortar.
And this was real! Police sirens, people crying and debris crashing onto live bones disoriented Tatsumaki.
Stupid. Stupid. Stupid. Where were the S-Class heroes? Those temperamental assholes with no morals were missing. The other S-Class heroes were always nowhere in sight when the public needed them most.
Guilt burned deep within her. She wasn't there and she turned off her phone, too. Atlas and Zombieman kept on trying to call her. Bearded Worker wasn't answering his phone at all! HQ's line was being bombarded by calls! Damn it. Soon, City B would look just like this. Wasted.
The cars zoomed by, people evacuating the city. The damn roads were blocked, traffic was monstrous and everyone was slowly weeded off like damn nobodies. This was why she hated monsters! They cared for no one but themselves after a bloody, bloody massacre. Damn.
A loud raspy, raspy voice hissed. "THIS! THIS IS IT, BIG BRO. THIS IS WHAT I WAS LOOKING FOR… TO BE THE STRONGEST MAN."
Tatsumaki assured there were no fires and kept buildings from falling on people. Her senses were overstimulated. She had no damned time to pay attention to the guttural voice in the distance.
A warning blared all over the city. "THIS IS AN EVACUATION WARNING. A GIANT CREATURE HAS APPEARED IN CITY D. THIS CREATURE IS CURRENTLY HEADING TOWARDS CITY B. ALL RESIDENTS OF THE AREA, PLEASE EVACUATE IMMEDIATELY. I REPEAT THE GIANT CREATURE IS CURRENTLY HEADING FOR—"
Tatsumaki stopped listening. Everything was white noise when she saw the giant. She never got shocked when she saw these things, just disappointed.
The giant dwarfed everything for miles and miles. It was big, stately like the mountains. Tatsumaki craned her neck. Bitch ass monster. She levitated hundreds of feet in the air. Why the fuck was he still looking down at her?!
The giant's body was hell's playground. His laughter was that of a partially drunken, crazed and careless child out to stomp ants. Naked and muscle-bound with a rumbling voice, his shoulders were above white clouds. He had dry cracked skin as if he came from dirt but his helmet of sorts was a faded white.
His gait was hundreds of yards wide, toes the size of houses. He was impossible. His size was impossible. He was balletic in his movements, whirled up a hurricane as his limbs swung to and fro.
His white eyes or sunken pits concerned her. The damage he inflicted was major. Major. The monsters the world produced never ceased she gross her out. First of all, it was best to get everyone evacuated. Tch. Tatsumaki saw why those cowards backed out. She was caught off guard but not scared.
Maybe this was interesting but he didn't seem like a challenge. Her heart didn't beat quickly. Tatsumaki never asked the muscle to slow anymore. She yawned. The giant reared his arm back, the force of his attack sweeping away countless buildings in a dirt cloud with one wave of his arm. Tatsumaki used many barriers to stop the debris from decimating even more land.
"I'M THE STRONGEST MAN. THE STRONGEST MAN. I'M THE STRONGEST MAN." The monster repeated, chin slightly inclined to his right shoulder.
Tatsumaki was still incognito. None of those idiots noticed her. Whatever. They'll die with or without seeing her face. Tatsumaki gathered debris low on the horizon. Time to start the massacre. Now—
What was that? Tatsumaki hesitated.
A blur of yellow zipped by like a solar flare, landing on the monster's free shoulder. Great. Now a blur of yellow joined the blur of white perched on the monster's shoulders.
Annoyance bloomed in her chest. What type of idiot would interrupt her attack and attack something so dangerous head-on?! She worked alone because no one did dumb shit like this. Tatsumaki never did dumb shit like this. Heroes got in the way.
What hero wore yellow? None of the S-Class heroes had made their flashy entrance. No one called her back (Bearded Worker usually interrupted her rescues). Not to mention, who the hell could jump that high? Bang and Metal Knight's bots could jump that high but Metal Knight never bothered saving civilians. Bang couldn't get here from City Z that quickly.
Bang wouldn't attack from the shoulders— that's unfeasibly stupid. The monster paused and paid attention to the yellow blur. Tatsumaki imagined stupidity and bananas and a certain doctor… Wait, what outfit was dumb and loud and… No. Way! That— it shouldn't be.
Tatsumaki's power latched onto the yellow blur. Their molecules and atoms couldn't… be enveloped by her warmth and strength… It wasn't MOVING. WHAT THE HELL?!
Normally, Tatsumaki could lift a person with ease. Ease. It was like picking up fluff and air. Air and fluff. She'll try again— IT WASN'T MOVING. Her heart seized her chest. The yellow blur wouldn't move. Tatsumaki moved everything! She moved thousands of people out of harm's way— why couldn't she do it when she needed it most?
She gasped. The monster randomly hit his right shoulder, squashing the blur of white. Tatsumaki tsked. Who cared about the monster killing the white blur? The yellow blur survived.
The monster cringed, his whole body tensed around his shocked expression. The monster checked his hand for… something. His red-veined eyes widened. His tears trembled as he held a hand to his face.
"NIIII-SAN!" the grief-stricken monster screamed hysterically.
The sound pierced Tatsumaki's brain. Her heart flinched. The scream was desperate, bordered on terror and was… almost painfully raw… and human. The monster had killed his brother. Family.
The monster clenched his fist, his whole body quivering with fury and distress. "HOW DID THIS HAPPEN? I JUST WANTED TO BE STRONG. AND I FINALLY AM THE STRONGEST MAN, BUT…!" he rumbled, narrowing his fury onto the yellow blur. "I DON'T KNOW WHO YOU ARE, BUT IT'S YOUR FAULT MY BROTHER IS DEAD!"
Everything was still. Tatsumaki's instincts wouldn't react fast enough.
The monster grabbed the hero and the crumbling building noise greeted her.
The neverending ambush of pummels, punches and strikes were pounded into the building where the yellow blur died. So much hostility was in the brute's fierce and unequal attacks. Bullet fast, the explosion of dark dust and debris went in all directions.
The monster pounced onto the previously decimated building, making sure there was nothing left. The solid ground morphed into a liquid sea. The surrounding buildings hopped, riding the wave of the monster's force.
A chill stole her skin. The brief but hopeless onslaught confirmed what she knew. That hero was so dead. Dead. Dead. Dead. No one could survive that!
"BEHOLD OUR BROTHERLY POWER!" the monster said, out of breath.
The monster's ugly abdomen flexed and rippled as all his strength intensified. The last punch let out the largest cloud of smoke as the plain was free of structures. He cleared the land as if farming for harvesting season.
What type of world was this?! People asked her why she was always sullen. Tatsumaki saw City D being cleared out along with that idiot yellow blur. No one got hurt when she worked alone! Fuck. Tatsumaki didn't expect others to save her but she sure as hell could save others. Normally.
The monster made a deep and wide crater with billowing smoke. He was uncaring of what he's done. The monster studied the disaster appraisingly, almost pleased. He panted, face in this closed grimace.
He lifted his hand. "I AM THE STRONGEST… SO WHAT IF I AM? I FEEL EMPTY." the monster said sadly.
He wasn't as passionate, he looked tired and burdened and sad. Weak. He looked weak. He killed his brother then all these fathers, sons, brothers and he dared to say so that? Tatsumaki will kill this thing! KILL! The need to do it was an ache in her stilled muscles.
Tatsumaki rushed forward, debris boulders like a small army behind her.
Suddenly, something shot towards the giant's gargantuan face. Chunks of his helmet flew as his neck elongated, skin stretching to accommodate the killing blow. Blood sprayed and his skull cracked with an awful sound.
With one devastating punch, the giant flew backwards, falling onto another open patch of buildings and people and cars. Tatsumaki stopped before the yellow blur, lost in vivid burning yellow. The blur of her surroundings, the sheer vice-like pressure around her chest rescinded. Going away. Her heart released a sigh.
Dr. Fucking. Gray.
Their gazes met.
Tatsumaki closed her eyes. So. He's alive. Good. Candy apples replaced the coffee in her mouth. Pleasant, pleasant— Tatsumaki's eyes snapped open, reality coming back to her. Why was HE here?
"Hey, Zuzu," he said casually. A shallow hello.
They were falling out of the sky, weightless, pressure a biting cold while his cape flapped. And he looked calm as fuck on their downward spiral.
"Dr. Gray have I gone crazy or you became one punch man? Why the FUCK do you think you're equipped to fight Demon-level threats?! And how dare you get in the way— you could have died or WORSE GOTTEN HIT BY MY ATTACK AND SURVIVED WITH MANGY zombie bones! And— how could you just throw yourself into the battle like this, I mean— that threat was something that could be defeated by me and you just came here and— and it's dead. How did… you…" Tatsumaki took deep pants, gasping for air and answers. "What the hell is wrong with you?!"
Tatsumaki couldn't think or concentrate, way out of depth. She blurted what came to mind at the moment and didn't get to express half of what she felt. The rest she couldn't figure out.
"I forgot that you don't need to breathe between your sentences," he grumbled, cleaning out his ear. "Damn. Up close, you sound like a window cleaning spray bottle."
Tatsumaki made a half-confused, half-I'm-gonna-kill-you noise. "What the fuck! I do not sound like that!"
Dr. Gray tilted his head. "Were you worried? Are you okay? That was pretty crazy for you. This city, more like."
For her? No one has ever asked her if she were okay after an attack. It felt… new. Not demeaning…? She just witnessed the fight. No one was concerned about her like that… Who's ever asked her if she were okay? A fresh wave of heat attacked her cheeks.
Dr. Gray leaned closer, completely unaware of how she was set alight. "You gettin' a sunburn here, we're that close to the sun…" Dr. Gray murmured. "Do you need sunscreen?"
Tatsumaki hid the radioactivity on her cheeks. "It's just a SUNBURN."
"Sunburn? It looks like you're blushing—"
"Don't be stupid, stupid." Tatsumaki shrieked, voice again too bright when denying it.
He winced. "You're taking this situation with a bit too much stress. He's dead."
"You nearly died. I thought you'd be asleep, dreaming about some mistakes you made. And now— now you've done this. In one punch. You just borrowed all your future luck, rice grain!"
"Ah. So you were worried. Don't worry, Zuzu. You did well, too. You were ready as a back-up."
Tatsumaki reeled back as gestured to the rocks all around them. They were suspended in the air, so she could pummel the idiot monster to death. They were ready like missiles the size of cars.
"I didn't need back up! Pfft! You're just fucking intrusive as hell!" she barked, waving her arms wildly. On these Demon-level threats, it's her playing field, her bloodsport!
"Me? I'm intrusive?" he blinked. "I didn't need back up either but here you are."
The air stung her eyes but she stared him down. "You wanna talk about who needs to be here?! I could've handled that, easy! That was a race I could run. Don't talk like I can't fight him."
For the past twenty seconds, she's been keeping a controlled descent, matching his speed. She faltered and grabbed onto his arm. That stopped them a lot. They fell just way slower.
"Seeing you fight him would have been the highlight of my fight." he sighed, limbs falling still, lamenting something.
"Wait—" Tatsumaki recoiled. "What do you mean? You're not satisfied with what you did?"
"I'd told you, Zuzu. Don't be a moron," he flicked her forehead. "Having overwhelming strength is boring as hell."
"Bah-boring?! Mo-RON. Don't touch me!" she released him.
Tatsumaki smacked away his glove, noticing how hot it was. Welp, she's just stepped into an alternate universe where idiots thought this was normal. Tatsumaki perhaps lost something between these last twenty minutes and now. Maybe it was time and brain cells.
What else could he do? He's falling and— and she can't lift him or move him!
Tatsumaki said, "I'll fly you down, yeah. We'll land safely."
Dr. Gray waved away her outstretched hands, still glum. "I don't think you'll handle it. I'll see you at the dude's corpse. He still needs pants. Fly slow. You should get there before—"
"There you go again. I can save you. I don't think you're being sensible!" Tatsumaki seethed.
"I'm better off just falling. I'd survive. Nothing can kill me."
"Would you really? Survive everything?" she quizzed.
Dr. Gray nodded plainly.
Tatsumaki chuckled. "You wanna hit the ground after this fight, maybe it's your adrenaline or the punches from the big lump of fibre. Not getting my help, brilliant idea. Who helped you? Was it your second to last brain cell or was it your idiot ego? Just let me help you!"
"I'm fine," he stated, provoked "I won't die."
A thrill rolled over her entire body. "Nothing could kill you, nothing at all?" Tatsumaki leaned forward, voice with a sultry crack. "Dr. Gray."
"Yeah," Dr. Gray said, eyes bored. "Zuzu."
There was a malevolent simper on her face. There was this unspoken battle between the two of them, a necessity for control that set Tatsumaki's jaw.
Tatsumaki shot out of his personal space. He's dead meat. Suddenly, Tatsumaki used all her sonic-speed anger. All the stray austere, dark-gray unpleasantly jagged boulders closed in on him like a recently cooled molten prison. He wouldn't survive, right? Tatsumaki queried, in the hind part of her brain.
BOOM!
There was a savage precipitous blast of sediment. Then Tatsumaki was surrounded by warm muscles, pressed against rock-hard abs. A laundry scent seeped into her lungs as if it were the only air she breathed. Warm. He was very warm. She didn't like that discovery.
"Wha-What? Don't touch me! Seriously! I have boundaries, respect that!" Tatsumaki shouted.
"Jeez. You almost got hit." Dr. Gray complained.
"I almost got hit wh-what?"
Dr. Gray pointed to a falling boulder that would've flattened her. "That one came for you before you knew it."
How did… How did he sense that? How… fast were his fast reflexes? They were above this abrupt and perilous rainfall. It rained trouble. Thankfully, the city wasn't destroyed but civilians might get hit. She put up a large barrier over the city, glowing green.
The signature green glow relaxed her. The reassuring warmth helped too. So… Dr. Gray zoomed towards her, caught her and pressed her close. She was neatly tucked into his chest. The whole time, he held her!
"Let's get down," he announced before she could protest.
Then they moved, landing on the ground. The brief taste of dirt and dry charcoal burst on her tongue. How fast did they move? Dr. Gray somehow jumped mid-air. Tatsumaki couldn't move that fast while flying. Tatsumaki rolled out of his arms and tumbled onto her knees, deeply disoriented. Her eyes spun, her stomach an apparent intruder in her mouth.
Welp, my insides are melted. Woe from a puddle, me, Tatsumaki, Tatsumaki heaved, dangerously close to throwing up. I'm just melted!
Tatsumaki's unlucky while everything wronged her. She wanted a damn refund on her life. She glared with murder in her eyes at nothing particular. Stupid. Beanhead. Egghead. Baldhead. Rice grain. Stupid man! She demanded a refund.
"Shit, Zuzu." Dr. Gray called out, somewhere distant. "You good?"
"Don't say anything. I'm fine," Tatsumaki snapped like a dragon.
Yesterday, flying seemed like a damn good design but now this was a terrible idea. Tatsumaki didn't have the mental capacity to flare up at him. He stood, face pinched in concern instead of running away like a felon. "Yeah, I didn't think I was goin' that quick," he whispered.
Sure. "You didn't think— that wasn't fast? You threw me through the sky. You obviously should know it's not normal and you're a strange and what the hell is this situation—"
"10 words, Zuzu. Not novels." he cut her off. She growled and he spoke again. "Anyway, when I move people, most people are okay afterwards. Did ya eat recently?"
"Not at your barren place. I ate and now I am sick. Sick."
"Man, I'd pay to be sick again." he murmured to himself.
Tatsumaki hissed, "Shut up. Would you pay for anything? Especially that." Who wished to be sick? Was he even human?
"I'm sorry. You okay, though? You've been curled up for a while. I can carry you—"
Tatsumaki ignored the urge to hurl or show weakness. She had a desperate need to stand now. "No thanks. No touching! I am not weak," Tatsumaki clambered to her feet.
He couldn't get closer. At all! Ever! Well, He was just plain ol' Dr. Gray, it didn't matter if he was close… Right? Nope. Still weird. Still too close. Still made her confused as to why he made her uncomfortable.
"If you wanna apologize, grovel," she said with grit.
"Ah, now you're back," he commented, amused. She stuck out her tongue.
"We've got bigger issues. Say, some people are in the chaos." He gestured to the city looking post-apocalyptic. "I thought he wouldn't torpedo so many things before I decked him."
Again. His casual comments took her by surprise. Weak-ass… Doctor Gray defeated the man, monster. How strong was he? Dr. Gray looked so damned goofy with his cartoonish indifference in his loose superhero costume. He was so damned unimpressive. Why couldn't he stay below her and not do something impressive?
Dr. Gray glanced at her. "What?"
Was Tatsumaki removed from reality? Tatsumaki looked down at her trembling hand. He's just a weak, weak human compared to Tatsumaki. Strong predators weren't afraid of humans.
Tatsumaki clenched her fist and shot off after saying, "You and I will talk. I'll find you before the stars do."
Everything about him screamed average and lifeless. He couldn't be a superhero! It was a hobby. He… He wasn't stronger than her…. when she started. Was she in denial?
She mindlessly helped move rubble, cars and buried people. Tatsumaki did interviews, people gave her flowers— the whole mindless cycle of gratitude went through. Tatsumaki had to take a course on how to accept gifts and how to look good in the light.
It was irritating to be the centre of attention! She collected the boulders she tossed at him then the green barrier wore off. Everyone knew she was in the city, claiming she saved them.
Tatsumaki didn't save the city —two cities, actually— it was Dr. Gray. He killed it in one punch, disoriented her and was victorious. Tatsumaki endangered the city in a brief moment of selfishness. Dr. Gray saved her and City D. Then he held her and… held her.
Tatsumaki didn't feel right. She hated this! Tatsumaki hated help and wrongfully taking credit. She did things on her own. This was the opposite. She lectured Fubuki on not taking 70% of the credit and she stole 1000% percent of the credit of Dr. Gray's kill.
City D was ruined, basically disappointing everyone. Tatsumaki didn't take initiative. What was she a pro hero for? Dr. Gray hadn't shown up and possessively taken the credit. How had no one seen him do his punch? Why wasn't Dr. Gray yapping about it? Tatsumaki waited, waited and waited.
The sun went down and she hasn't seen his face. He was disappointed about winning and wanted to see her fight, which was bewildering. Different from everyone she's ever met.
After all the rescues and tears from middle-aged women and the abundance of clementine oranges people gave her, Tatsumaki went to find Dr. Gray again. It was her final duty in life to understand what the fuck was going on. Anyway, she found him. Easily, for some reason.
The golden sunlight, mixed with greys and a navy blue reflected off the cracked concrete and dilapidated buildings. He looked melancholic, walking through the tumbledown streets. He knelt to pet a cat but it scurried away.
He wasn't a parasite. The photos were right. He used a fraction of his strength to pick up the vending machine. It's a shock he didn't break it. Tatsumaki felt his arms, corded with strength. He was built like a tiger, colours fierce and bright and odd.
"Dr. Gray, what's your deal?" Tatsumaki called out.
He turned, took one look and swung back around. "Go home, Zuzu."
"That fight must have been real hard if you have none left for me," Tatsumaki said. "I just wanted to see your dumb expression one more time."
"Okay…? I am just going home. Yeah, don't follow me." Dr. Gray went in the other direction.
Tatsumaki flew after him, shaking her head. He's so frustrating! His voice was emotionless and it plucked each of her nerves.
"I just want some thoughts on what happened today," she asked, less overbearing. Less aggressive.
"I'm not having any," he said shortly.
"Ah. I suggest you summon some because I want to know what the hell happened today. So take your dark clouds somewhere else and just tell me who you are before I report you to the authorities." she threatened.
He seemed annoyed. "I haven't broken the law."
"Yeah, but you were on the line of lying and I don't think you're being truthful. Whatsoever."
He stopped and gave her a dry look of mild annoyance. Tatsumaki met his gaze with equal exasperation. "You're not who you seem and that concerns me. You're real strange, you know, bub. You don't report your successes, your enemies go down in one punch and you have, like, three emotions! You don't have feelings of over-admiration and you don't like me!"
He nodded. "Yeah. I really don't."
Tatsumaki gasped. "Really? You don't care that you don't?"
"Not really." he shrugged, his bags crinkling.
She looked skyward, calling upon the gods to grant her strength. "We'll visit that later on!" she growled. "Why the hell didn't you tell me you were strong?"
Dr. Gray paused. "Why do I have to tell you anything about myself? You just assumed and ran with it. That's not on me."
Tatsumaki's rage reached new heights. "It's your fault."
"Why didn't you ask about me, to get to know me better? Actually, don't." he sighed.
"I try! Asking you shit. You don't answer. And who lets people— doesn't matter. Why aren't you with the—"
The words Hero Association died on her tongue.
If he registered in the Hero's Association, she'd be miserable. She didn't care about the grossly affluent S-Class heroes but he's different. If he were always around her, doing all these great feats, she'd never managed to live peacefully.
And he's strong enough to get into S-Class, no joke. If he used more than one punch, what the actual fuck would happen?! She was jealous, whatever. She felt threatened by some random idiot who could punch out a random giant on a random day. He was unusually strong and subtle about it.
She overlooked him and she hated it. She hated she didn't know him as a threat. She usually could push around anyone she chose but he was resistant and that wouldn't do. At all.
And… And… He'd get more sick of her. Her red-hot scowl disagreed with that. Again. She didn't want to examine that.
"What, Zuzu, you gonna talk?" he asked boredly. "I wanna go home and this conversation is useless."
"I…" Tatsumaki faltered. "I know that."
She betrayed her motto. She tried to find somebody to work with and tried to form a duo that wasn't from work or former out of jealousy. A clean slate and she's already… spoilt that.
Tatsumaki didn't need him on her team. No way. She'll clean up City Z without him. Why'd she even bother with him? He ignored her constantly and he kept on pulling her close... Tatsumaki didn't care.
"I don't want to deal with this. Excuse me for taking time out of my precious evenings just to confront you. I'm too great and too strong to be dealing with this." she said, turning away.
She didn't care anymore. She just wanted to go home, eat an apple and laugh at cat videos and down cold wine to fall asleep. Maybe it'll chase away the growing disappointment she didn't want to acknowledge.
Maybe she'll chew out Lady Shibabawa for lying to her. Of course, she'd never get along with Dr. Gray. Of course, he'd be a thorn in her side. Of course, any time she spoke to someone they got sick of her. Lately… She's kinda sick of herself.
"And you do that a lot," he said before she took off.
Hell no was he getting the last word. She centred herself and snapped, "Do what?"
"Compliment yourself. You do that lots," he told her.
"I am the flower that talent lands on. As gracefully as a butterfly."
"Sure," he said like a proper sarcastic.
"I am a fucking flower, a fucking flower—"
"No, you aren't. There ya go again with self-compliments."
"When you got a status like mine and powers that are unique to me, the compliments sing themselves." she rolled her eyes.
Dr. Gray sighed. "If you've got all these compliments for yourself, can't you give 'em to others? Be, I dunno, kinder to people?" he asked like she should have known that.
I was being nice to you! Way nicer than I should be, Tatsumaki sighed. Maybe I'm difficult, yeah but he's so hard to talk to and he doesn't ever listen! Maybe… I should have taken a hint.
"My life isn't enveloped in the smell of flowers. People get compliments when they deserve it. Why the hell should I be nice?!" she scoffed.
"Kindness is apart of being strong, ya know? And you're a hero. Shouldn't you want to be kinder?"
"Being a hero is just a hobby for you, what do you know?" Tatsumaki hissed.
"Would you be a hero if there weren't an audience waiting?" he shot back.
"YES!" Tatsumaki yelled.
"Yes?" he flinched like a startled child.
"Yes! My goodness. You all think the same!" she groaned.
Tatsumaki will have an aneurysm. First, it's Zombieman with his bitch-ass existence and Dr. Gray with his bitch-ass comments. Her brain will explode if she hears one more awful thing from another awful person.
Dr. Gray just had the same dumb expression then pointed to himself. "Me?"
"Yeah, you. Do you think I would be a hero if I didn't like helping people? God, why does everyone assume I'm in it for the fame? Fame sucks! It super sucks and idiots like you think it's like this great rainbow well, it's not. Life is languid, so nothing special happens! It's boring and the fights are boring and the heroes are boring and you know, life is pretty boring! People talk and there's nothing to say, there's nothing to do and everyone sucks because they think I'm shallow. I'm not shallow! Is it wrong that I'm not shallow?"
"Not shallow, yeah, but you got a bad attitude while berating everyone." he winced. "Not cool. You take out your misfortunes on other people."
"Who wouldn't have a bad attitude if everyone constantly disappointed them?" she spat. "Think a little! Fuck!"
"Disappointed? All this smack because you're disappointed?"
"I love being S-Class but all you other parasites suck! You ALL dare to try to take my place when I've worked hard. Hard. I do what everyone wants and I can give what no one can provide! Why the heck can't I celebrate or be proud? Why am I not allowed to have one good thing? Is it because lame-ass losers are jealous or self-important? You jealous?" she shouted, unhashing years of complaints. "Blast is waiting—"
There was a moment when their eyes met, something softened in his small eyes and it looked like pity. She clapped a hand over her mouth. Wh-Why did she tell him all that? It's clear that she didn't want to tell him this but it poured out.
This wasn't a benign, healing, conversation in a safe place free from judgement or anger. She didn't like communicating her true feelings. These walls were up for a reason. Walls. Walls. Walls.
She got rigid, her shoulder squaring. "You didn't hear any of that," she said, voice a hushed whisper. "You didn't. I deny it."
"Zuzu… I guess I deny your denial."
"Not now! None of it. Are you jealous, though, too?" she changed the subject, almost desperately.
"Nah," he sighed. "But now I know your attitude doesn't come naturally. It's still shrill, though."
She gasped. Sh-Shrill? She reached up to her throat. Did… Was her voice annoying? Did everyone? Was it that bad? But she's so great?
"Oh, if my voice is that shrill, then fuck this. I'm not talking to you anymore or at all."
"C'mon, Zuzu—"
"Fuck off!"
Tatsumaki paced around. Everyone thought of her as some dumb hysterical bitch without reason to brag. She was the most efficient S-Class hero and she was so powerful. She had so many reasons to brag!
In high school, she was so far away from the confident, great, awesome person she was now. She wasn't allowed to use her psychic abilities and everyone, everyone ignored her since she was small and didn't have big boobs like Fubuki, who skipped two grades since she was hardworking and smart.
Not to mention people bullied her all the time and she wasn't allowed to say a word since bitch Kizashi —Fubuki's foster mother— always complained and Atlas nodded along like a dumb idiot.
She never got compliments from others about the right things. So what's wrong with giving herself compliments?
Tatsumaki felt stupid and angry. She couldn't cower or at all! It made her cavalier heart crack. She fought off those sleepless nights. She came home covered in blood at times. She took care of her sister. A tough woman was what she had to be. She didn't like being soft, pretty, less awake, weak.
Blast said not to expect someone to save her and not to lie. She didn't like relying on people. This was why. This fucking day was why. She's sick of everyone, too.
###
-End Chapter-