Tornadoes For Sighs
-Chapter 9-
Pools
DR. GRAY HAD A GENUINE DISTASTE FOR TATSUMAKI'S… EVERYTHING AND IT BOTHERED HER FOR SOME REASON!
It wasn't like Dr. Gray was anything good and Tatsumaki was interested in him. Why should she run to the knife that cuts when it hurts? Tatsumaki was successful and didn't need a man. Tatsumaki had walls to separate her from everyone. Tatsumaki loved that no one to save her. Tatsumaki needed nobody.
Okay, now she felt worse. Her entire mood dove like a pelican. Why did him not liking her… feel like an elephant sat on her chest? For being a wizard, Tatsumaki had no magic in her life. That was depressing. Okay, no more thinking.
A cool breeze made her focus on the heady nighttime weather, stars blinking at her. Ah, night was bleeding into night, no more reds and azures and fuchsias from the sunset stung her eyes.
It was 9:00 p.m. A natural day went by without Tatsumaki being harassed by Atlas's calls. Atlas always snuck in positive encouragements into voicemails she'd delete. But not today.
Did… he hate her, too? Tatsumaki's mouth went dry. Tatsumaki wanted to hear his voice— she hasn't yelled at Atlas today. That's all.
Tatsumaki dialled a number, leaning against a church door. "Atlas, why haven't you called me today?" Tatsumaki asked.
Her emotions got the best of her! Stupid. Stupid. STUPID. Tatsumaki hung up in disgust. Since when did she want to talk to Atlas casually? AND NOW HE WAS CALLING BACK— It'd be weird if she didn't answer. Tatsumaki did seek out Atlas's telephonic invasion.
"You know, Atlas, I don't have time for this… Please don't call—"
"MAKI-TAN?" a cute, exuberant child screamed.
The only people who call her Maki-tan were Azusa, Tsubasa and Sizuhiro, the three babies of the Aihara bunch. The biological children of Aihara Kizashi. People naturally assumed Tatsumaki was terrible with kids. That she didn't play nice with children despite looking like one. Tatsumaki grew up with six of Atlas's kids. She avoided them but she knew how to treat them well.
There was a battle for Tatsumaki's attention over the speaker. Fans constantly did this —biting, shoving, hair pulling just to get an autograph— but the attention from Kizashi's kids… felt better for some reason. Tender.
"Hi, hi, who is speaking, sweet munchkins?" Tatsumaki asked. "Slow down, slow down little ones. I'm here, no need to talk all at once."
"Me, me— Azu-tan!" Azusa exclaimed.
"Nos, nos, nos s'me, Tsubasa! Ya know dat, Maki-tan!" Tsubasa said.
"NO! Lemme talk tuh Ma-tan, Tsu-tan! We no seen her." Azusa shot back. "We love Maki-tan! Lub you!"
Tatsumaki's heart smiled; the kids were wild about her. That was nice but… she's left them alone. The guilt made her stomach coil with… something odd.
Atlas probably wasn't there but Kizashi answered. Tatsumaki mined phone numbers from hell, isn't it? Kizashi's from hell.
Kizashi was a harsh woman of french descent with glinting glasses and green locks pulled into a neat, secretary-like bun. She was always the smartest one in the building, the intellect of the Aihara family. One of Atlas' house walls was converted into a bookshelf. She puts on her glasses the way a queen dons a crown.
Kizashi was a scientist, too. She worked on theories about monsters; why monsters existed, one of the best in her field, chasing logic. She was a tall woman, which Tatsumaki detested. Kizashi was always right, which made arguing with her as a teen mighty infuriating. Still does. Kizashi doesn't surrender and gave Tatsumaki her love of apples.
She could be nice to the world but only to everyone else but Tatsumaki. She did raise—
Tatsumaki needed a mental list.
The Aihara Kids List
1. Aihara Tatsumaki (age 28)
2. Aihara Fubuki (age 23)
3. Aihara Daruma (age 16) *his birthday is coming up in a week!
4. Aihara Sae (age 14)
5. Aihara Sizuhiro (age 4)
6. Aihara Tsubasa (age 3)
7. Aihara Azusa (age 3)
Atlas adopted Tatsumaki when she was 5 and Fubuki was a baby. Kizashi raised the others so they had a better bond. She's their "mother". Tatsumaki was smart, she didn't trust Kizashi, who was in the same profession as some who traumatized her in the first place. This led to their strained relationship.
Tatsumaki was sure that she wasn't on speakerphone. She couldn't hear the hyperactive twins.
"Hello, Tatsumaki-san." Kizashi greeted kindly.
"Kizashi. You steal Atlas during his first marriage then steal his phone. Tch. Thought you'd learn by now." she snarked.
Atlas cheated on Tatsumaki's first foster parent with Kizashi. Kizashi just seemed untrustworthy from the get-go! The foster parent left Tatsumaki and Fubuki with Atlas, the cheater. Another reason why Tatsumaki didn't care for romantic love; it didn't last and everyone got betrayed.
"Such a pleasure to talk to my most… colourful daughter. Refrain from saying that in front of your siblings, they hadn't spoken to you in a while."
"They're not my—"
"Do not say that. I won't allow you to." Kizashi snapped.
"I'm done with you. Tell the little ones… I'll… see them." Tatsumaki said, clearing her throat.
"Maki-tan, when you come home? I miss you! We're going to uncle Ito's pool!" Asuza demanded. "We're gonna have Kakigōri and taiyaki!"
Tatsumaki stilled. How could a child's single inflection level her heart? Maybe… Maybe she should see how they've changed, how they grew, if their feet were still soft. If they're still so innocent. She's got nothing but time… and that might be magic.
"I didn't want to disappoint— but… I might… stop by. I don't have a bathing suit. Not a pretty one." she tried smiling and it was easy.
"Ah! But you're so pretty, Ma-tan!" Tsubasa chirped.
Kizashi clicked her tongue. "Do not ruin this pool, Tatsumaki-san. Do not add to the first time you uprooted a neighbour's pool—"
"Oh god! That was one time—"
"And it cost us thousands. You make bad decisions when emotional. Please, do not have any burdens and draw them to this pool day. Alright?" The phone jostled and Kizashi's voice got sweet. "Sweetie, Sae, watch the twins until I come back to this room, okay?"
A sullen Sae grunted in response. Such a teenager now. When Kizashi was safe from the kids, Tatsumaki was now sure to get ruder.
"I was a kid!" Tatsumaki protested.
"You were 18! And that's okay but don't destroy property when you feel angry. Fubuki tells me that you took out the block's electrical power when playing a round of Eggs of Ostrich." she laughed a bit.
"Fubuki told you that? What the hell? Why?"
"I want to know. Fubuki tells me everything. Even she didn't know you had a boyfriend." Kizashi asked, "Have you eaten—"
"ANYWAY, you wouldn't let me wear what I wanted at Jun Ito's pool party. The famous Fubuki got a two-piece, a string while mine covered my ankle bones."
"Fubuki skipped two grades and started attending Norogami with you. Jun Ito was a nice boy who wanted to celebrate this event but you couldn't let it be. She was insecure about her abundant chest. She got the courage to wear a swimsuit she liked."
"It barely fit her!" Tatsumaki shouted.
"Do not be fussy. That boy adored Fubuki. He adored her." Kizashi said placidly.
"I liked him first. Did that even matter? I burned a CD for him and he dared to play my playlist in front of Fubuki. He kissed her and told everyone that I couldn't swim. He said I looked horrible in my bathing suit. So yeah, if I couldn't swim or look good, then nobody of those idiots got to swim!"
"I didn't know any of that. I apologize but no telekinesis in the house. Telling you is depleting and thankless—"
Tatsumaki groaned. "Oh, my god, leave me alone I swear to fu—"
"Stop. The babies are here." Kizashi said evenly while one toddler tittered. They followed her into wherever.
"I'm not baby!" Tsubasa claimed. "Suzi-tan an' Tsu-tan need Ma-tan around."
"You know, Maki-tan is getting married! With a cool man in yellow!" Kizashi turned into this sweet, sweet mother as she cooed and laughed, smooth as silk.
Kizashi's kind mother act was a house of cards on a crooked table. Tatsumaki hated that Kizashi knew. Why would Tatsumaki tell Kizashi anything? And it was a fake engagement. It didn't concern them.
Tatsumaki growled, truly growled. "What do you know about it?"
"Why didn't you tell us?" Kizashi grimaced through her voice. "You're our first child to get married but we found out through the national news? You should have asked for my advice and everything. Despite being well-to-do in hero work, you could get ruined by an unremarkable guy." Kizashi advised.
"The security blanket you're trying to wrap around my shoulders is sopping wet." Tatsumaki hissed. "There's a reason why I ran away from home."
"The babies want to see you since it's Daruma's birthday soon. He's almost 17! Can you believe it?" she cooed.
"I'll send him—"
"No. You will be there. The family will meet him. It's time you stopped running away." Kizashi announced like it was a done deal.
"Running away? I don't do that! Why the heck would I want you to meet him? Your house is like a circus but people usually pay to see it. No way am I letting a psycho meet him."
"I'm trying to see where you're going but you're hard to follow. You wouldn't let anyone see, too. You act with the honesty of an adolescent heart. Sometimes that's phenomenal but be careful. While some fall in love, you shatter," Kizashi stated.
Tatsumaki froze. Tatsumaki shattered? Kizashi's voice was all sympathetic, not scathing. Was the wicked witch of all directions telling the truth?
"Should night fall on this fraud, I just want to be there to say I told you some—"
"Trust me, I don't need you. I won't bother or talk to you." Tatsumaki ensured lowly.
Tatsumaki hung up, hot embers still burning in her gut. Fuck.
Kizashi was as thoughtless as a neighbourhood bully. Her voice got cloudy near the end of the conversation. That crummy niceness, that slender foreign accent and kind words. Aargh. It'll fall in on itself! Tatsumaki hated that Kizashi was so kind. When Tatsumaki fell in love, she liked saying their name in her favourite bar.
Tatsumaki can't act in front of a gameshow, Atlas's family and national TV! And Dr. Gray won't do any of these appearances. Her brain pulsed. This white lie wasn't so pure anymore.
City D gave her more stress than it was worth. When Tatsumaki got home, the glitter, fuzzy towels and mist were gone. Thank god. All the furniture was back in place, too. Ha. Tatsumaki expected the place to be trashed in rage but Fubuki was classier than that.
Fubuki once again lounged in the living room, skimming through a book. Fubuki had the trashiest taste in men, books and movies. Sorry trees, Tatsumaki apologized. Buying Amai Mask's new book stroked his ego. It was masturbation for him in literary form. Everyone jerked that idiot off too much.
Tatsumaki had to spend all of next week with him, too! And he barred her from monster-killing. Sigh! Sigh! SIGH!
"You're reading Amai Mask's new book?" Tatsumaki inquired despite not anticipating an answer. "You must have lost a billion brain cells. Can you remember your childhood? I think you should be ashamed to face trees."
Fubuki let out a frustrated sigh. "Tatsumaki-san, can you even read headlines that aren't about yourself?"
"Yeah. You're missing out because you don't have any. When are you going to level up, I'm waiting?" Tatsumaki asked, teasing.
Fubuki rolled her eyes, burrowing her face into the book, mumbling something else. Usually, Tatsumaki would snap at the mumbler and say, "Say it with your chest!" but Fubuki was different. Tatsumaki didn't care about these outlandishly rude people but Fubuki got a free pass.
But Tatsumaki's things were slowly going missing. A book there, a towel here. Her stuff was missing in action. Tatsumaki groped around. Tatsumaki looked at the table right next to the entrance. The bowl she put her keys in disappeared.
Tatsumaki sighed. "Where the fuck is the key bowl?" she asked
"You're never here, why do you need it?"
"I work, not wasting tax-dollars by reading Amai Mask's books. Anyway, I do pay for everything. Can you get my key bowl, since you know where it is?"
"Get it yourself. You're the stronger Esper, aren't you?" Fubuki queried mockingly.
"You put back all the furniture. I think you're especially capable."
Fubuki gritted her teeth and didn't respond.
The next few minutes were awkward as Tatsumaki waited for Fubuki to start any conversation. Fubuki never did. She never got interested in Tatsumaki, which was pretty sad. Tatsumaki lingered around the kitchen, near the stove. She could still view Fubuki reading.
Tatsumaki was troubled by Dr. Gray and wanted some advice. She'd never really asked for help. Fubuki knew something about men. She could ask Fubuki, right? Here goes nothing.
"Fubuki… I've just realized something. Some people don't like me." Tatsumaki said with a slight flush. "It's this one—" guy.
"You've just realized that now? I don't think you should have this lack of awareness in the classroom."
Tatsumaki was offended. "You know, I carry lots on my shoulders. I'd carry knowledge too when I enter your classroom. It's the best choice for you to say yes to my teaching."
"It's not a choice if you can't say no," Fubuki countered, returning to her book. "I spoke to Mom and she wonders why you want to force me into something I'm not ready for. I think she's right."
"Running to that woman when you have a problem, huh?" Tatsumaki glared. "And you tell her shit about me. Buki, what the heck?"
Fubuki waved her manicured fingers. Dismissive. "That's what normal people do with their family. When the end all be all is happening, you talk to your family."
"Yeah, you never do that with me." Tatsumaki crossed her arms.
"You know it's different with you," Fubuki stated tersely.
Tatsumaki felt dumb. Fubuki didn't care that Tatsumaki had problems. No one did. Tatsumaki didn't want to be a great spectacle of human drama or ridicule. So no more sharing. It's creepy.
"You know, family is not about blood. It's about who is willing to hold your hand when you need it most. Would you ever hold my hand?" Tatsumaki asked accusingly, despite knowing the outcome.
Fubuki froze and said nothing.
"Hmmph. That's what I thought." Tatsumaki bristled and stormed away.
Tatsumaki flicked the lights off in a petty act of aggression. Fubuki couldn't read anything anymore. Tatsumaki almost walked away, satisfied with the last word. Except, Tatsumaki wasn't satisfied.
She focused on Fubuki on the light, filling in the blanks of her emotions. Oddly, Tatsumaki wanted to say something. Not for the sake of an argument but to admit something.
She flicked the light on and lingered in front of Fubuki. "You can't blame me for being apart of the elite few in whatever I choose. You can be there with me but you still rookie-crush, breaking others down without doing anything for yourself. Imagine if you took the time you spend grooming your idiots into grooming yourself. If you don't want me to help you, at least help yourself." Tatsumaki said slowly. Wary. "Making a team to defeat me is concerning. It's not normal to partake in rookie-crushing then bring my supposed enemies to my home. It's fucked. I don't want them here."
It was quiet. "You know why people don't like you?" Fubuki mentioned casually.
Fubuki ignored all of her words. Tatsumaki shouldn't have bothered. It was like talking to a brick wall. Brick wall! And her question set Tatsumaki on a razor.
"Because you think you're better than everyone." Fubuki finished idly, turning the page.
"I am the best. I'm good. Good. And no one should treat me like this, like, like I'm a nuisance."
"You are overwhelming. You can't teach other people if you can't learn anything or change your mind. You also can't teach if you never think you're wrong."
"Bu-But… I'm right…"
"Well, you know, if you think you're right… then whatever. I don't want to deal with someone who thinks they're so perfect."
"You know, Fubuki, I'm done with your victim narrative—"
"There you go, deflecting the blame." Fubuki sighed. "Tch. This doesn't matter. You want to act like a child, go ahead. You're the one who never grew up." Fubuki seemed distraught.
"M-Me?! I'm older than you in case you forgot."
"Age does not dictate maturity." Fubuki nodded. "I wish you could change!"
Tatsumaki thought she was okay. Somewhat. Why the hell did she start talking to Fubuki? This was awful. It was just an onslaught and what was this heaviness in her chest? Her heart has been replaced by a boulder.
"People don't dislike you because you're the best. They dislike you because your personality makes you the most unlikeable. You aren't the sister a sister would like to have and you don't give forgiveness that you've been denying. You know, Mom has done so much for us."
"For you. She did it for you!" Tatsumaki hissed.
"No. She dyed her hair green for you, just so you would fit in on the first day of first grade." Fubuki argued.
"No. Atlas accompanied me on the first day of kindergarten. Kizashi didn't want questions at your expense when you went to the first day of first grade. You can't pretend that she doesn't like me nor love me." Tatsumaki groaned. "Don't lie to people or me."
"It's a true love."
"You know, true love doesn't have to hide," Tatsumaki said.
"You don't rookie-crush because it's not necessary for you. You bring everyone else down with your personality. There's a reason why everyone around you falls to strangers. They slowly wish you weren't theirs. And you never ask, you just assume you're not bothering people with your words. It's not like your love for anything is stronger than your pride, no your arrogance. That's why we don't like you." Fubuki stated. "That's why I don't like you."
Tatsumaki turned away. "I'm—"
"I won't accept verbal apologies, only changed behaviour."
"I wasn't going to apologize! Fuck." Tatsumaki glared at Fubuki, not caring that the whites of her eyes were turning red. "And you know, I love you but I guess I'll stop. I'll… stop bothering you since you don't like it— since you don't like me." Tatsumaki nodded, backing away.
Fubuki's marble coldness cracked. "Tatsumaki…"
"No. I'll leave you alone. That's what you wanted. Uh. Yeah," Tatsumaki's eyes were on fire and her voice wavered. Fuck. "I'll go."
Tatsumaki went upstairs and She didn't know what to say. If she should show her face, if she crossed a line, if Fubuki felt like apologizing. If Tatsumaki felt like apologizing, too. She didn't know she hurt everyone.
The residual bitterness from childhood bubbled up. Tatsumaki has never gone to sea nor has she never learned to swim because of that pool party. Fubuki and Jun Ito dated for three years after that pool party despite how Tatsumaki liked Jun Ito since she was ten.
Since Fubuki skipped two grades, Jun Ito ridiculed Tatsumaki for being stupid.
When Fubuki attended Norogami High School, it was like a goddess stepped into the halls and breathed life into the student body. Tatsumaki mattered less than she already didn't.
Young Tatsumaki was a small problem child, ignored, teased and made fun of while Fubuki was the perfect child. Young Tatsumaki was anything but. At this time, she had gotten a mouth on her. Senior year was when she started crushing people half dead (she got suspended so many times and detention was a daily occurrence).
Yeah. Tatsumaki was a delinquent.
Fubuki had never gotten detention. Fubuki was the school's goodness, kind, beautiful and sexy. Her hands were like ballerinas and she spoke confessional poetry. Fubuki also looked like a slender coca-cola bottle, a tall glass of grace compared to young Tatsumaki's short stack, rioting yells.
Young Tatsumaki was forbidden from using telekinesis because Tatsumaki was "violent". Yeah, maybe she was but those parasites deserved more blood on their gakuran. Fubuki was the golden child until Tatsumaki was good at something. That, to everyone, was a bad thing.
God, fate and miracles didn't allow Tatsumaki to have one moment of peace. Everyone prepared for the day her heart stopped. Maybe Tatsumaki did stuff. Fubuki's spent her whole life with Tatsumaki and didn't like her at all. Fubuki was Fubuki, great and good and honest and kind… She probably was right.
Tatsumaki didn't cry or anything. It wasn't that deep, right? Her heart got broken, she needed the training. She got her heart broken because she needed the practice.
She didn't know how… to be someone people liked. A casually shitty greeting and a shitty nickname and shitty insults were all she got from him.
Practice. Her heart needed the practice. By this time, she already flew out the window, got some takeout and ate. She avoided watching TV since they all praised her for beating the giant. Tatsumaki got a call and she mindlessly answered. Atlas was the only one willing to speak to her. Period.
"Atlas— your wife is—"
"This isn't… Atlas. It's "Bearded Worker" as you call me. You should stop avoiding my calls."
Tatsumaki was lightly disappointed. Tatsumaki had a tear-stained position within the world… Atlas probably gave up…
"Tornado of Terror-sama, are you attending Hero Appreciation Day?" he asked Tatsumaki, all grave.
"Bearded Worker, you're bothering me about this today?"
"It would be good press and everyone knows they could count on you." he reasoned.
"I win every single year."
"And then you dedicate the trophy to Blast, who isn't even there." Bearded Worker sighed. "I don't understand just how you have so much respect for him, someone who you barely interact with at all rather than those who talk to you frequently."
"Why would any of you small fries deserve praise from me? You all have nothing but time and you all don't improve."
"Eh. Why'd I even ask?" Bearded Worker sighed again. "We still need you to prepare. We brought over the itinerary, it's sent to your home desktop. There's also a script to memorize."
Tatsumaki clicked her tongue. "Bearded Worker, I'm not going. I have something to do. I don't care about money or fame or people who adore me."
Bearded Worker coughed. "S-Seriously?"
"Go talk about this to other idiots who fall for these tricks."
Bearded Worker's voice got low and considerate. "You do know the importance of the day? They want to see the saviour of City D. It's been a fast-paced week, you have to pause and enjoy the world itself."
Hero Appreciation Day was invented by Agoni, the chairman of the Hero Association. It became a national holiday amongst all the cities. That's how omnipotent Agoni had become after grouping all the failures Tatsumaki knew in S-Class.
The multi-millionaire had established the National Hero Registry and got multiple characters to sign with the association (that honestly seemed like a scam when Tatsumaki applied). Yet Agoni's grandson, the one who Agoni founded his association for, wasn't satisfied.
Agoni's grandson wanted to know the heroes personally. The split-chinned kid had never been up close to a hero and never got a signature.
The split-chinned kid knew but one particular hero who saved him from a monster crab man… thing? Urban legends decree that hero was responsible for turning heroics into a corporation, the mastermind behind the Hero Association.
A while ago, heroes were often shown as violent, unapproachable warriors without any charismatic presence. They battled it out with perils. They wiped the scum off the earth but were untouchable. Most citizens asked, "Why should we trust you assholes from the streets?". Heroes weren't called onto disaster sites and most were disrespected in the Hero Association.
It didn't stop at citizens not supporting Agoni's company, patrons and big businesses didn't either. Indubitably, Agoni only cared about funding, rather than getting people to trust the heroes. He genuinely wanted to show businessmen that his company was worth investing in. Agoni wanted cash instead of appeasing his grandson's wishes of "humanizing" heroes.
Agoni created an event where heroes could show their capacities in a good light where people could observe how competent heroes were. Agoni brought the media to glorify his employees while normalizing their societal presence. Heroes were elevated from weirdos in speedos to celebrities and idols in less clothing.
Tatsumaki liked Hero Appreciation Day before the event got ruined. She had a front seat in watching its inevitable decline.
The Hero Appreciation Day events went from a stunning, stunning show of the distinct power and expertise of these up and coming heroes to a long, long bragging commercial. The unbearable popularity contest had bland companies and cheating heroes competing for more attention and status.
A glazed convivial feeling permeated the party atmosphere. New stadiums were built around a fair and amusement park rides. The heroes competed in mock Olympic sports with highly choreographed competitions in between fifty million advertisements.
Rookie heroes were introduced, old favourites are lauded with much heartfelt nostalgia and everyone sucks Agoni's face balls. Newly upgraded S-class membres like Metal Bat got a speech or award. The day finished off a loud, high-energy concert that had Amai Mask or any popular group at the time. Mostly Amai or his band performs.
If you weren't a hero in the designated stadium, documentaries filled with Agoni-themed propaganda played everywhere with the highlight of the most neighbourly, generous and sincere deeds the heroes have done.
The same bullshit heroes were televised and everyone talked about them in interviews.
Tatsumaki didn't like going but she was a pillar of the Hero Association. She often judged the competitions and/or hosted the events. She mostly despised following the careful script and the idiots she had to praise.
This year, Tatsumaki didn't feel like going. She completely forgot about Hero Appreciation Day. Tatsumaki avoided the calls about the event and purposely ignored anyone asking about it. Some S-Class heroes opt-out of it like King and Watchdog Man.
They weren't interested though they were famous, especially King. Noble guy.
With the entire population outside, loud and happy, there were many monster attacks. Many heroes patrol and those filmed rescues also help glamorize heroes. It was a problem she dealt with. And people usually dressed up like her so she had to wear this elaborate outfit to not be confused with the cosplayers.
Tatsumaki sat up from her bed. "Why are we having this conversation now? HAD is next month. In May." Tatsumaki realized.
"Agoni has a trip with his wife that he had been planning since you were a baby." Bearded Worker sounded exhausted and dismayed. "I haven't slept in three days. It's happening next Saturday."
"Three days? That's not healthy. Have you put in apple slices in your coffee? It helps. You really should." she encouraged.
Bearded Worker clicked his tongue. "I get mystified by your bad habits. Don't put apples in your coffee. Normal people don't have coffee with apples. They have a bagel or a donut."
"I know you like being sleep deprived but you shouldn't not take my advice. But seriously, you haven't slept, I hadn't recovered from last year and Agoni still wants this to happen? You think Agoni should inconvenience everyone else because of his silly little trip?"
"He can do anything in the world and we'd have to let him since he is our boss."
"You are such a pansy. Need any knee pads because we're all sucking him off? This isn't acceptable and I don't indeed want to be there." Tatsumaki protested.
"Tornado of Terror…" he whispered.
"Amai Mask makes music to bleed out to. Physically. He kissed me on the cheek after finishing a love song. EVERYONE thought we'd date. Pig God never stops eating. He near picked me up and ate me. I know I'm a snack but it was late and dark and he had the convenient delusion of thinking I was some apple! Superalloy Darkshine constantly flashes me with his damned mirrors. He and Tank-Top Master takes off their shirts. I reject all their testosterone. They all fight, too. Gross!" Tatsumaki shuddered. "I can't take it anymore!"
Tatsumaki hated hosting with all those idiots who did shit to piss her off. With the cameras on her at all times so she has to laugh it off and plan their demise at home.
"And now you want me to reschedule my burning of sage and my damn massages and anger management classes just because Agoni sucks his wife's face off a month early? Ugh!" Tatsumaki groaned, tumbling onto her bed.
"Ah. I see what you mean." Bearded Worker made a thoughtful noise. "If you are there, you could encourage more females to join the Association. It is a man's world but you are the best in the company. You are a very big inspiration. We know that Blast, the number one S-Class hero, does not partake in the Hero Association. There might be so much untapped potential amongst the millions living in all the cities." he chuckled.
"What are you talking about?"
"There are people who must be stronger than all of us combined and think it's too troublesome to save others. Or they simply do not know about the Hero Association. I know you've been complaining about how weak the S-Class is. Have you scouted out some new talent?"
Dr. Gray's face popped up. He was untapped potential who probably did know about the hero association but didn't want to join or didn't know how to. And she didn't want to work with him. If she said anything Bearded Worker would pounce on it.
"Pfft. No." she gulped. "No one I like… has come up. At the event, I just want to be alone—" Tatsumaki paused. "It's just that… I planned to be there with someone."
To hang out with Fubuki at the Hero Appreciation Day would be a blessing. To walk around like a normal person and have a good conversation… It would be nice. Oh yeah, Fubuki didn't like her at all. Nevermind.
"Oh yeah. Your fiance. The baldy." Bearded Worker concluded.
Tatsumaki hated Dr. Gray. She didn't WANT to see his face at all. Does everyone expect them to be at Hero Appreciation Day together?
"I don't want there to be any romantic devastation. You could make your big announcement as a couple on live TV. That would make it very stately. Oh yeah, I forgot to congratulate you on getting engaged." he added bashfully.
"Congratulations? I thought you'd hate anything that had to do with love."
Bearded Worker chuckled. "You shouldn't force your views onto others. Congratulations are necessary when someone gets engaged. It's natural human nature and… decency."
Tatsumaki smirked. "I thought you were a virgin college student with an awkward wrist. That's why you can't shave."
"You're mean." he whimpered. "Weddings are the greatest."
"I think heroes are the most impressive thing in the universe." Tatsumaki hummed.
Bearded Worker mulled over it. "In my opinion, I'm impressed by falling asleep, cheering after fireworks, voicemails from the important people I forget and how I'd look like as a grandparent. I do guided meditation for that."
"That's weird. Even yoga is a personality defect along with guided meditation."
"It's fun and reminds you… you'll have someone." he paused. "Heroes… are superhuman with the day to day strength to save cities and move oceans with titan-like strength. You're on the path of unbridled magnificence. However, it's nothing compared to humankind's ability to give affection."
"Affection impresses you more than me pulling a meteor from the sky?" Tatsumaki squawked in disbelief.
"Ah. Affection could pull the whole universe into your chest with just one look. The right one could. Sure you could do all these crazy feats, have the force of a typhoon and all the strength you're capable of but… love is well, it's all we have as humans. It's the greatest thing we're capable of."
Tatsumaki breathed for a moment, wondering how someone could say such sweet things about love. She's been around for 28 years, just killing time but she's never had that feeling. The universe in her chest, huh. Nothing that divine has come her way.
"You been in love? Even when you're tired and haven't slept at all. Mornings must be hell because of that. You still in love?" she questioned.
"Yeah. Mornings of gentle with her, the human form of the joy of puppies and chocolate."
Tatsumaki blinked. Watchdog Man was the human form of a dog and Pig God ate too much chocolate.
"Strength reminds me of puppies and chocolate. Getting strength and being strong… is my life." Tatsumaki nodded resolutely.
"Ah. I guess I've dedicated my life and soul to my partner and love's given me life in return." Bearded Worker laughed, getting her out of this spell. "It's cheesy but I'm serious. Has strength fulfilled you… does it give you life?"
Tatsumaki reflexively would agree but she had nothing. Blast hadn't taken her seriously the fleeting times they've met. She didn't know the brevity of his arms or watch him do paperwork and breathe quietly.
Strength and the hero style disappointed her. Fights were easy and the public expected too much. Mornings weren't gentle because of strength. She wasn't happy. She was bored. Strength didn't give her life.
"I don't think doing interviews is my life." Tatsumaki avoided the question easily.
"You have to give in the report of how you defeated the Colossal Giant." Bearded Worker ordered. "I'll tell the crew that you're taking a back seat, cursory role to the event. Your fiance will be there. I'll make sure that you guys have a lot of screen time. That will boost our numbers."
"Bearded Worker," Tatsumaki paused. "Give me a lot of screen time. I want everyone to know just who my fiance is."
Dr. Gray did damage without thinking it was damage. Tatsumaki felt less than, irritated, shut down by Dr. Gray's attitude. The things he said didn't sit right with her, this close to midnight. Lady Shibabawa was too old to be lying! Both of them gave her stress.
Tatsumaki worked with that inveterate slob Dr. Gray because it made sense geographically. There were so many monsters in City Z and he killed a lot of those monsters. And he lived there, too. No other heroes touched the place. Except for Mumen Rider.
Tatsumaki could publicly denounce him at HAD! He could never be a pro hero with the association and he'd be exposed as an asshole for life! Everyone will hate him. Tatsumaki was an assassin who had her mark. She knew what she needed to kill—
"Hey, you still there, Tornado of Terror-sama?" Bearded Worker asked, breaking out through the silence.
"Yeah!" Tatsumaki sat up, snapped out of her thoughts. "Bye."
"Wait— I have to speak to you about—"
Tatsumaki hung up then felt bad, staring at the plastic box of death (her phone). Tatsumaki wanted to know that someone enjoyed her, if they didn't even like her. That she could be enjoyed, not loved.
Tatsumaki started, "I just… I just wanted to know something—"
"All your questions about the event can be given in point form in an extensive email. It's late and I would rather not be hung up on again."
"Yeah. Whatever. Do you like me?"
An audible gulp could be heard from here. "Ergh, I don't feel romantic love towards you. If, if that's what you imply. I don't think my concerns could ever reach you."
Pause. Tatsumaki bit her lip, talking deftly. "But do you like me, as a person?"
The silence was long and especially powerful. She knew everything about the silence before the 'no'. He didn't even have to respond because the endless silence was so telling.
"Goodnight," he said before hanging up on her.
Tatsumaki couldn't hear any remorse or hesitation. Nothing great.
Tatsumaki knew that getting her heart broken was good practice. It hurt but she wondered why she cared so much. Just a month ago, she didn't care. Tatsumaki now knew that no one cared about her.
She looked up at her poster, CARING IS CREEPY. It didn't feel scary or creepy. She got the jumbo marker and crossed out the 'creepy' part. She didn't know how to finish it. She didn't know what caring was anymore.
CARING IS…
Tatsumaki stared at the poster until she got called in to do a morning radio show. The marker went dry. The morning glow helped nothing, too. She couldn't sleep.
###
Tatsumaki kind of hated herself for it but she was good at marketing for the wrong things. During the rain that has been in City A for the past few days, hiding under her red umbrella was much more unsatisfying.
The next days were consumed by interviews while she advertised Hero Appreciation Day while "chatting" with other heroes. She shot long commercials random TV show cameos after hosting a podcast about Hero Culture and its greatness. At parties, she hopped between groups, making intros and being hilarious while everyone circled her as the host. They talked her ear off. She barely ate during shootings. She was too busy and people had such good stories to tell.
Now it was the modelling portion.
Standing in compromising positions in varying outfits under the hot, flashing lights made Tatsumaki want to die. People yelled suggestions, fixing her appearance and serving her drinks. The stylist was nice about her unwomanly body but complimented her legs. Constantly. Was Zombieman's comment weirder than she thought?
Tatsumaki despised the sitting still whilst being poked nicely because she was touched all the time. They even straightened her hair. Tatsumaki's hair naturally fell straight but she religiously went to bed with hair curlers. She didn't like having straight hair like Fubuki, Kizashi and every other woman in the Aihara house.
"Tornado of Terror-sama, it's always so great to work with you," Matsuri, a professional photographer, complimented Tatsumaki. "We'll re-return in 10."
Tatsumaki waved to everyone as she danced back to her little corner. Finally, she sighed, alone.
Then peace unravelled. Oh, barf. It was Flashy Flash with his slicked-back hair, tight pants and shirts that accentuated his muscles. She had to deal with him ALL morning then cuddle up to him in photos.
"For someone who shames Amai Mask for being a celebrity puppet for the association, you do it better than him." His silky, contentious voice ruined her serendipity.
So what if she's good at her job? In previous years, there were complaints, catfights and thrown set pieces. She was well-behaved.
"Oh shut up, Flashy Flash. You're just jealous your bobby pins are more famous than you. Besides, why are you even here?" Tatsumaki rolled her eyes. "Go back to your barn house."
"You and I will be in close proximity for the upcoming event. Do you want to be this unpleasant on screen? Don't act like a child."
"My, my Hairpin, you're the worst. Why the hell should I hide the truth? You worried about your presence? You worried about your reputation?" Tatsumaki eyed him through the mirror she sat in front of. "You have to have a hero career for me to threaten it."
"I have a career. You cannot disrespect others like this. You'll hurt their feelings." Flashy Flash cautioned, iron in his voice.
"You hurt? Boohoo, baby," Tatsumaki yowled. "I remember when you were the new young face. You do like to slumber, don't you? For your superhero popularity, it wasn't flashy but it was gone in a flash. No wonder you're desperate to show up at HAD to not lose face."
Flashy Flash stepped forward. "Silence yourself or it's not only you that will be harmed. I heard that you're bringing your… loved one. Watch out." he threatened.
Ha. HA! Flashy Flash can't bite Tatsumaki who'll only react with giggles.
"You think my fiance is going to be weak? I don't have any taste for the weak. Only the strong stand beside me, you're always seated. Especially next to him." she rolled her eyes.
"I'm not so sure. I saw several photos. He's unimpressive. He doesn't have the face of a hero or the winner in our upcoming battle," Flashy Flash chuckled without any humour.
Tatsumaki laughed, full and deep. "My fiance will rip your hair out. He'd eat you for lunch and take you out in one punch. No, half of one." Tatsumaki corrected herself. "Then he'll treat me to matcha tea."
"You remarkably think he would defend you and your flagrant actions?" Flashy Flash grimaced. "He must be the voice of reason since you primitive brats don't have brains."
"You think I would fall for someone who I thought couldn't misbehave? I'd be appalled if he defended your hairstyle. He'd be dead in the water." Tatsumaki pointed at the ball of hairpins. "I don't care if you don't like him. It's not like you could fight him or me. So move along. You listed your hair routine and I don't care."
Irritation furrowed Flashy Flash's brows.
"And by the way, since you're not important enough to get any schedule change details, I'm not hosting this year," Tatsumaki informed him. "I'll be there. In case."
"You're skipping out because I'll be there? You wanna protect him. How pathetic." he spat.
"Has the summer heat cooked your brain? I'd rather not waste my life with people I don't like." Tatsumaki winked. "And you, you are someone who doesn't try in trying times. Now that's pathetic."
Flashy Flash's scowl was unmistakable when he stared at her for a few moments, mute and bothered.
"You don't get it?" Tatsumaki scowled.
No response.
Flashy Flash watched her impassively, cold eyes steady but she was having too much fun to let it end. Tatsumaki loved when Flashy Flash got bothered.
"String together these fragmented words. Me. You. No. Work. Together. I have two crayons in the back but would you like me to use hairpins for you to understand?"
Flashy Flash leaned closer. "Want me to spell something out, too? You. Not. Safe. Fubuki's school."
"WHAT?" Tatsumaki flinched, yanked out of her playful mood. "What do you mean? Her school is—"
"Tornado of Terror-sama! Let's start working again." Matsuri called out, invading their private discussion. "The theme is summer. We haven't seen you in a swim-suit. Isn't everyone excited?"
Everyone on the dim set cheered. Of course, those idiots would be excited. Tatsumaki sighed, internally. Tatsumaki couldn't fake enthusiasm when Matsuri's eyes met hers, on edge.
"W-Was I interrupting something? Tornado of Terror-sama, not even I could deny the chemistry between you two! Chemistry!" Matsuri stressed, sounding too guilty.
Tatsumaki glared at Flashy Flash. What did he know about Fubuki's school? His words were a warning. Not a threat. If he wanted to say something, he would. He didn't mince words. He did whatever he wanted, despite the response or consequences.
Despite her nasty expression, Flashy Flash looked like the first dawn on earth. Flashy Flash put on a charming, elegant persona when it suited him. He was as swift as a coursing river and as aloof as the dark side of the moon. Great for the cameras and his female fanbase.
"That was chemistry? You haven't seen what I feel about you?" Flashy Flash shined a devil-like smile.
"Oh, Flashy Flash, you lie," The blushing Matsuri denied him, waving her dainty hand.
"Real men don't lie," Flashy Flash supinated her hand then kissed it. "You take photos of me but I'd rather keep your lovely image."
"Ah. Flashy Flash, you flatter me. But we're going for a swim." Matsuri jutted a finger in the other direction.
These themes were too much. Now the remodelled set had sand, beach balls with an ocean view. No. The sand and the bathing suit was going to give her a yeast infection! She will don a bathing suit. A clothes company that namely made beachwear supported the "aquatics" portion of the Hero Appreciation Day event. The heroes could display their muscles or assets.
Tatsumaki has never, ever worn one at the event. She was too embarrassed to!
"Ah, but I'm still swimming in your vision. It's an odyssey," Flashy Flash said. Matsuri tittered like a cute kid when he pulled her arm towards the "ocean".
"Tornado of Terror-sama, you're weak and they're coming." he hissed like a snake.
She wasn't weak. Why would he say that?! They… Flashy Flash knew about Alis Association's threat to Fubuki's school. Flashy Flash gave one last scowl for Tatsumaki then passed by Tatsumaki like a spectre.
Tatsumaki blurred through the shoot and recuperated in her dressing room. Tatsumaki wasn't forced to wear a bikini that showed nothing — 'cause she had nothing! — she wore a bikini top with a cute black sundress.
However, this bikini top was a problem. She did acrobatics to attempt to take it off. Using her telekinesis was cheating and the mirror was no help. These little buckles of death!
She cursed when there was a knock. "I'm doing autographs later on. Fans have to wait for a little while more," Tatsumaki called out kindly.
"It's Matsuri, the main photographer. I hadn't seen you leave yet."
"I don't recall being fired," Tatsumaki bristled.
"Erh. Yeah! Y-You weren't… I was wondering, do you need any help Tornado of Terror-sama?" Matsuri asked, a bit hopefully loud.
Tatsumaki scowled, fiddling with the knot. Why was undressing so difficult? The fabric was so stretchy and the design so complicated. She was stressed out by Flashy Flash so she snapped at the stylist to give her alone time. That was a mistake.
Tatsumaki's rage burned. She's 28 and can't undress properly. Was she a failure like Dr. Gray, who only read manga and sat around on his ass?
"If… If you need someone… I could call the stylist, Darla." Matsuri offered.
"She's afraid of me." Tatsumaki sighed. She didn't mean to terrify the stylist.
"Ah. That— That's okay. It's not like all of us are… Nevermind. You still having trouble?"
"Do you know how to undo the knots?" Tatsumaki called through the door. It was weird to have a conversation like this.
"Small, delicate machinery and hero outfits… just outfits, in general, are my specialty. I also have stuff to give you."
Tatsumaki groaned and opened the door, gesticulating for Matsuri to come in. Matsuri did.
"By the way. I didn't ask for your help. I don't need someone to aid me." Tatsumaki mentioned with indignation, just to make it clear.
Matsuri nodded, timorously with bright eyes, orange curls and the awkward energy of a preteen. Without her camera, Matsuri was shy and her lithe, slender form lingering like a weird ghost. It was like she was afraid to draw attention to herself.
The photos better look good if I have to deal with this stuff," Tatsumaki grunted, gesturing to her bikini.
Matsuri gave a girlish, not so reassuring grin. "They always w-will. They better."
Despite having the control of a small boy, Matsuri's shoulders bounced excitedly while she set down bags of clothing. All of Tatsumaki's fanmail and gifts went through HQ. Could Tatsumaki even handle the potentially dangerous items? But… Matsuri seemed more likely to be knocked over by a fly than kill one.
Tatsumaki always got free stuff. Gifts. Too much stuff. During the Christmas season, Tatsumaki got 6 rice makers because she mentioned she liked having rice with broccoli. Needless to say, Tatsumaki donated a lot of the things she got.
But she couldn't give these clothes away.
Turns out, the clothes were tailored to Tatsumaki. Matsuri explained this while documenting each article of clothing. Matsuri had the gross concentration of an elephant trying to fit through the eye of a needle.
Tatsumaki was so tiny, 4'11, that the search for clothing was never-ending but she didn't want these designer handouts or cute lingerie. There were cobwebs between her legs, did she need lace there, too? Tatsumaki didn't have anyone to impress but Matsuri insisted. It was hard to say no to such a scarily helpful person. Was kindness supposed to be aggressive?
"Really?" Tatsumaki deadpanned. "I can't take all of this."
"Let me do something for you." Matsuri beamed. "I know how much you hate shopping and clothes and photoshoots. The team and I w-wanted you to have it. As a gift. You help so much. You need it."
Tatsumaki narrowed her eyes. "I didn't ask for it."
"Not really, yeah, but it'd be an honour for you to wear their brands and for us to honour our favourite hero. You look good on and off the set. That's all we wanted." she chuckled awkwardly, ducking her gaze away.
"Where's Flashy Flash?" Tatsumaki asked, ignoring the clothes.
"With the models who smoke on the roof. For some reason, only Zombieman looks alive while smoking. He's handsome." she gushed. "Especially since he has such a bad boy attitude from the posters."
These fans only know him from the posters but she had the displeasure of seeing him in real life. He was a sad sap with nothing better to do than whine and piss of those who care about him. Does that ever show in the posters? Huh?
Tatsumaki ignored the rising bile. "Eh. He's a—…" tiring, unavailing, caring, possessive son of a bitch, "co-worker. Coming home is much better."
Matsuri brightened. "Yeah, you have your fiance. You must be happy. He gets to look inside."
Tatsumaki directed Matsuri in front of a full-body mirror while Matsuri got to work, diagnosing the problem like a surgeon. She even squinted.
"Eh, Tornado of Terror-sama… Why don't you wear a ring? You deserve something shiny and nice. All of us fans are upset about that." she mumbled unhappily. "Where's the grand reveal? The price receipt? Where's the rock?"
"I'd spend him all my money. He'd marry me at all costs." Tatsumaki softened, lying. "When someone builds you up like steps, getting something nice and shiny isn't as great as their words. Paper rings or sharpie lines would do if you want to get married." Tatsumaki shrugged.
Being practical, like Matsuri wasn't, Tatsumaki knew rings came off during fights…
Matsuri blinked. "You're made up of wisdom and class! I bet you have an enormous house and you've been living on the top shelf all your life."
Tatsumaki now lived like an aristocrat in a palatial house mansion. She just didn't have any maids. However, it wasn't all apples and caramel. Fubuki and her idiots visited Tatsumaki's place. In Atlas's home, there were 10 people in the house at all times. Everyone always bothered her!
Tatsumaki shook her head. "It's a bit cramped."
"Is it true that Amai Mask helped you decorate it? That he painted a dove on your bathroom wall." Matsuri tittered, excited in the pursuit of information.
That's how bad the rumour mill has gotten! For shame. Like Tatsumaki would let that creep anywhere near her house. They weren't even friends. Besides, Amai Mask has never lifted anything in his life. He isn't worth his weight.
Tatsumaki shook her head. "He's too energetic and we see each other at work. Only. He's much too obsessed with fashion and himself." she added with a reluctant simper. "Pretty boys always are."
"Ah! You're so loyal. I'm excited about your game show. I want to know more about you and your fiance. I'm… always happy to see you on screen, printed images." Matsuri dipped her gaze to the floor, drawing into herself. "My photos don't capture your beauty or anything… er… really."
"You're sweet but don't ever say that. The Hero Association chose you. Have some confidence. You shouldn't look down, you're not going that way," Tatsumaki said sternly.
"Looking down? You're just a bit small. Amazingly, you could do all this grand work without trying hard…" Matsuri said. "I'm happy that you're everywhere."
"That's a bit—"
"You are my idol. A saviour when no one bothered to come. A month after the Hero Association was founded, everyone distrusted heroes and no hero was paid. No one took the ads with the company's number seriously nor did the heroes showed up. Everyone had the number saved on their phones as a joke. A terrible trend. Teens are mean with technology. Remember when that rude lady answered all the calls?"
Tatsumaki nodded. "Wretched Runa."
"Yeah! Her. A monster called Thousand Darkness attacked my neighbourhood when we were going to the beach. We hadn't even left the garage when it showed up from hell. Wretched Runa didn't believe the hysterical teen cry wolf. Everyone thought it was so funny to mess around and prank call the association. I wasn't crying wolf or making a joke… I was so afraid in the presence of danger and lost hope and so much blood. Wretched Runa hung up, the police shit their pants and abandoned the citizens they were sworn to protect and my neighbours… sacrificed us since it gave them more time to get away. No one had our backs. No one was coming. Everything was game over."
Matsuri's mournful lilt became lighter. "Then you came. Out of the clear blue, like some miracle. You saved us. Thousand Darkness was extinguished, you twisted him into a ball and he… He seemed like a bug, not something that murdered my friends. You came." The tears that rimmed her eyes fell freely but not sadly. "And you saved us. The media wouldn't believe us, we had no proof nor evidence. People have to take photos or else it didn't happen… I guess. No one believed us nor took pictures. For a while, only I knew how great you were. It was like a secret between you and the rest of the world. It was my knowledge. My secret." Matsuri chuckled snottily. "You know when people get selfish and want something for their own, like a band before they get famous or mainstream?"
Tatsumaki nodded stiffly.
"I didn't want that. I wanted your image everywhere. There was a perfect moment where everything was beautiful and nothing hurt. The glow was ephemeral but permanent. I catch that in photos of heroes, where they'll always live in glory. It all started with you… and now everyone believes in you. I'm so happy we meet again because I never… I never got to thank you for directing me to my life's purpose. You saved my life then gave me a way to live."
Tatsumaki blinked, the pressure of guilt and satisfaction waging a war inside of her. "I…"
"You probably don't remember. You didn't say much, you just had this way about you and I knew that it would be alright. Even now, you don't need to say anything. You're still quietly watching over me." she nodded, her whole aura lighting up. "Thank you and I'm not afraid."
Tatsumaki blinked. "How are you so… free of fear? You're… a civilian."
"I'm afraid but you're here. Life is still scary with a routine malaise. We could all die. Everyone knows. It feels better to focus on happiness." Matsuri grinned, her words true.
"How do us celebrities make you guys happy?"
"Ha. We want to learn more about you, ask if you've eaten, wear your merchandise and support you in your endeavours. Seeing you casually, healthy, just reminds me that you're saving the world but also yourself. You're getting married, Tornado of Terror-sama. It feels like all of City A is getting married." she squealed.
"Everyone's seen a marriage. Or they're in one. Why's mine a big thing?" she winced.
"We get to see a facet of your great life. I can shed tears just thinking of your wedding. We all want to hold you up to the light. Your happiness becomes our happiness." she wiped away her tears.
Tatsumaki just smiled lightly. "Saving you guys makes me happy." she paused. "My marriage does, too, I admit. I want to see him working hard, that I made a good choice." Tatsumaki admitted to herself. "I want to see him working hard," she repeated.
Matsuri gasped like she was punched in the gut. "Tornado of Terror-sama. I didn't know you could make that expression." Matsuri covered her hands. "You're so cu~te. I need a million pictures!"
Tatsumaki glanced at her with alarm, ignoring the lava and heat waves on her cheeks.
"Oh my god! Did I make this weird, again? I'm so, so, sorry," Matsuri bowed deeply, biting her lips raw.
Tatsumaki knew all of the awards, congratulations, gifts and thank you's blurred into one. She forgot how meaningful her rescues were to others. It didn't seem that big to her since they were so boring. She loved killing monsters but got astounded by how much others loved her for it.
Tatsumaki… Tatsumaki hated everyone so she stopped expecting others to like her.
Fans… loved her for everything she could do despite all that she couldn't do… Everyone's lost someone to a monster in this pretty shit, pretty dark planet and some rely on these pseudo-relationships with heroes and celebrities. They're superficial relationships but heroes have prevented some deaths, yeah? Heroes pulled others from the underworld.
It's nice to have distractions. People to trust. She hated thinking with the constraints of the people but some people need this mindless gameshow. They just saw that huge monster attack, other monsters get bigger and bigger. It's a wonder people left their houses.
Matsuri's voice was trembling, ready to pull out her hair. She looked like a downtrodden kitty and made Tatsumaki's heart clench in odd acceptance. Maybe some things have to be boring… for Tatsumaki but interesting for the public.
That made her feel very lonely. It wasn't really about her, huh.
"Yeah. You made this weird." Tatsumaki confirmed. "But that's okay. It's okay."
The relief was instantaneous. "I still need a million photos. I can't believe I'm meeting my idol! Ah!" Matsuri crooned like a broken, cute doll.
"Okay, okay, that's enough." Tatsumaki held up a hand. "Cut it out, Hinamatsuri. Stop!"
Matsuri devolved into chirpy fangirl noises and blushes. "Kya! You said my name— you never say anyone's names. And you gave me a nickname after the doll festival! I'll always remember this! YOU'RE SO GREAT—"
So weird. So damned weird. Tatsumaki smiled a bit, oddly. Oddly. She didn't think she was capable of making anyone happy. This… This was nice. Why couldn't Dr. Gray spend her all his money?
In the meantime, she was fine with her fans. She was doing something good. Something really good. She smiled at Matsuri.
###
-End Chapter-
A/N- Now we see the Tatsumaki tower collapsing. Next chapter, we see Saitama and Zuzu speaking again. Yaya. How would you guys feel about encountering someone like Tatsumaki? Would you be her friend? She's the antagonist for a while, at least to many people in the story.
Vocab
*Gakuran is a Japanese word for school uniforms.
*Hinamatsuri is a Japanese festival celebrating dolls. Tatsumaki calls Matsuri the festival due to her young, childish nature and how lively she is- like a festival.