Tornadoes For Sighs
-Chapter 12-
Houses
SATURDAY. IT WAS FINALLY HERO APPRECIATION DAY. Tatsumaki wasn't particularly happy or sad. Just confused.
Tatsumaki wasn't sure if she was going to pick Dr. Gray up. What to wear. Who to ask about what to wear. Whether she should pay for everything. Should she sign autographs as Tornado of Terror or wear a disguise to be normal?
All she knew was that she was too eager to meet up with him.
Tatsumaki learned about Dr. Gray and got too interested. That feeling bubbled out and sprung forward, captivating her heart; she wanted to know him.
Well, she appreciated him more when they shared karaage and chuhai. She familiarized herself with the mild-mannered, blunt-natured man with the eyes of a former dreamer. He wrote things out. His handwriting was pretty; all clean, organic and powerful. His form, technique and presence were powerful when they beat up other monsters.
Tatsumaki just wanted to show the world, yes, a man could speak to her for more than ten seconds.
This morning, before heading over to bother Dr. Gray, Tatsumaki had been called into HQ because Amai Mask found out Tatsumaki's location in City A. The two needed to "talk". Tatsumaki didn't invade HQ for the talk, she needed a disguise for Dr. Gray that wouldn't break when the fans came at him or if a monster attacked.
The infiltration plan was simple. Yes, a real in and out. She'd find out where Amai Mask hid then steal one of the masks from the custom section.
Tatsumaki jogged at high speed, wondering what outfits she should wear. Something sexy— no, did it matter to impress Dr. Gray?
Tatsumaki reached the second floor, where costumes were designed for newbie heroes. Tatsumaki personally hadn't let anyone put spandex or nothing on her. She chose the outfits she wore during saving others. Visiting the second floor was a new thing.
When she zipped through the hallway leading up to the main room, she felt a cold wash of water on her face and body. Someone spilled water on her.
Tatsumaki darted her glare upwards. A bodyguard stared back. "So, you do have breasts—" the booger said with a glass of water— that was empty.
Tatsumaki's face flared up. "Hell yeah, I do. I reckon this shouldn't be a damned question!" Tatsumaki telekinetically peeled off all the water, gathered it into a sphere then splashed the bodyguard.
"Arghh! I hope you catch a cold." the bodyguard muttered. But she heard. Oh yes, she did.
"I think you'll catch death instead. FUCK YOU! Don't you ever spill water on me again." Tatsumaki spat venomously.
"Calm down, it was a mistake, Princess. Your hair still looks beautiful." The shining Amai Mask purred.
Lucifer finally showed up in a building full of devils. Amai Mask.
Tatsumaki scowled at him. Imagine if Amai Mask's outfit got ruined. He'd kill everyone ever and cry bloody murder. Whatever. Tatsumak will probably have to wear a new outfit at this rate. Goddamnit.
Amai Mask's golden eyes glowed. He looked flawless with his white blazer and black trousers. A national accident just happened and he acted so cool, so glamourous. VOMIT! Never awkward, Amai Mask had flowers on his back.
He scanned his cuticles. "Besides, you bumped into him. Grow up. Act your age, not your shoe size."
"Grow your own dick first," she groused.
With an exaggerated grumble, she turned away.
"No-uh, princess. Not so fast," Amai Mask called out, much to her eternal chagrin.
Tatsumaki swung a finger to point at his hair. "Wanna see how fast I can—"
Amai Mask held up his hand. "I want you to be there during the Hero Association Exams. You will inspire more people to show up," he explained, his noble features unexpectedly gentle.
The Hero Appreciation Day event was a strategic way to get sorry fools to join the association. Tatsumaki checked out the new blood, the gathering of hot-blooded fools and taught them. Then she held seminars and demonstrations so those fools would be discouraged enough to go home. It was great fun but she got really busy, causing people misery.
This time, her face will be everywhere (posters, TV shows, billboards) but nowhere in Dr. Gray's house. She'd rather mistreat Dr. Gray than random nobodies she didn't care for. Not that she cared for Dr. Gray.
Tatsumaki wanted to find a disciple/student since Dr. Gray refused, Car Parts rejected her and well, Fubuki… was Fubuki. Tatsumaki will get a disciple. She's great, after all.
"No. I don't care if there are more heroes. It's so rare that I ever end up working with them." Tatsumaki folded her arms. "So why don't you piss off?"
Amai Mask sighed, expression light and playful. "Your lack of empathy is staggering. I don't care about the others but I somewhat admire you—"
"Thank you—"
"For making it this far." Amai Mask's unwavering eyes anchored on her under lush eyelashes. "Have dinner with me."
"What? No. You're too flashy, you're blinding."
"Thank you—"
"That wasn't a compliment."
She hated the day she laid eyes on Amai Mask and his abhorrent personality. She was not good with Amai Mask. Then again, she was not good with animals. Yet Amai Mask carded his hand through his hair, beautiful. It hurt.
Anyway, he said, "My company had never gotten such an upsurge in female support and engagement. My male heroes lose an audience when finding a girlfriend. They work less, show up in public less often or hide their partner outright."
Well, they can't hide what doesn't exist. Ha! HA! Most of those S-Class and A-Class idiots can't ever find someone. Tatsumaki included.
"People want a brother to rely on, a boyfriend to imagine, a celebrity crush to date. When engaged, us male heroes lose that title and thus lose influence." Amai Mask sighed as if he were so burdened by this fact.
"You are all weak, undesirable, fame-chasing loser nobodies who will die alone," Tatsumaki said in a matter of fact voice.
"You have so much rage contained in such a tiny, tiny body. Are you just angry all the time because I don't flirt with you?"
"You're not my type." Tatsumaki deadpanned. "Die."
"So harsh. I'm everyone's type," he flipped his hair. "Well, Princess, what's your type?"
"I have someone who is completely, head to toe, opposite of you. Take classes on charisma or shut up and die."
"Ha, ha," Amai leaned forward, eyes losing their iridescence. "However, you, the one person I'd expected to die alone with 15 cats got engaged. And the world lost its mind at the announcement of your beloved…"
Tatsumaki's vision cut into the thinnest of slits. "What do you mean? My reputation's never been worse."
"And you're the only one who's the most clueless to the effects of your wedding." he sighed, all defeated. "The princess is getting married. Now the world rejoices." he clapped his hand. "Congratulations. You're the top celebrity of the century. Behind me." he added nonchalantly.
Tatsumaki grimaced. "Do you think I want your congratulations? Why don't you clap your hands when you stick them up your ass. Bye, bye." Tatsumaki weaved around him. "I have somewhere to be. We're both going to Hero Appreciation Day. I hate people who are late. Your fans will, too."
"It doesn't work like that, Princess." Amai Mask mused.
He snapped and his bodyguard fished out a bag of velvet from the lining of his suit. The pouch sat on the bodyguard's barrel-sized palm. The sound of metal clinking alarmed her.
"Open it." Amai Mask said, referring to the pouch the bodyguard displayed like a ruby jewel.
Tatsumaki giggled, eyes fluttering romantically. "Oh, Amai Mask. Let's just peel off one layer of that idiocy. Don't you get tired of being pretty and dumb? Tell me the truth, I wanna laugh." Tatsumaki snickered. "I won't ever accept ANYTHING from you!" she shouted, pouring lava.
Rather dramatically, Amai Mask untied the bag. "Just, these aren't from me."
All the contents rained down.
A stream of diamonds and bright lights fell out with looping gold and silver. Rings. Engagement rings. At heart, she didn't care for shiny rings but to see this many beautiful, precious gems fall in front of her like this… It was heart-stopping. Engagement rings never appealed to her but… wow. All the different cuts, lines, shapes and gleams— god, no wonder women wanted pretty engagement rings.
No wonder people gave them to the ones they loved.
Tatsumaki felt nauseous, for some reason. She looked at the rings anyway, like someone going on the rollercoaster again even though she felt sick. The strange, sudden urge left her sad.
Why, though? This never bothered her before. Some second voice tried to crawl out and tell her. She silenced it.
"This is probably any woman's dream; to have this many engagement rings from one dreamy, sweet man." Amai Mask cut into her diagnoses and internal protests.
Wait— why did he have all these rings and what's with this scenario? Was he proposing?! Her internal organs shrivelled up as she gagged.
"HELL NO, YOU DUMB PARASITE. I'm not marrying you." Tatsumaki recoiled.
"I'm not proposing to you," he huffed in annoyance then it ironed out into odd regret. "Though… I would have if it meant having this attention."
Tatsumaki gestured the pile of misplaced luxury, face grave and murderous. "Explain. Now."
"Jewellery stores want to sponsor you. Just one picture and their exposure and sales would skyrocket. The news outlets have practically planned your wedding. Whispered rumours of your supposed pregnancy impress others and repulse some. Violence is bad for the baby but you get your job done, they say." he rolled his eyes. "Cancelling your missions was appeasement to those who called in, bashing Agoni and I for letting you work."
No way! Tatsumaki covered her stomach. The public thought something's growing in there? Pregnant women could do their job just as well as men could. She didn't need to be benched. Ever.
"That is not your responsibility," she grumbled.
"It is and you don't answer my phone calls. We could have been adults about this but you run away. So, these rumours are true," he said like it was out of his control. "Everyone wants to believe it's true, so it is. In essence, anything that has to do with your wedding brings you and the Hero Association to the front page. So, it is."
Wow. He just sold Tatsumaki out and fed her to the dogs. The public didn't deserve anything! Those intrusive bastards.
Amai Mask looked irked, gracefully scanning the rings. Normally, Tatsumaki would be overjoyed to have severely inconvenienced the idol but both of them were suffering.
"To avoid future headaches, next time, answer me. Immediately." he intoned.
"Hmmph." Tatsumaki folded her arms. "I'll do so only because I want to."
"Mixes of companies send rings but fans as well. They pool money to support you in your new stage of life, to cohabitation then possible children. The jewel was the size of your iris," Amai Mask looked at her, all steely. "You've gotten everyone on their knees, Princess."
She didn't want to crack the system. She wanted to be left alone. Yeah, the respect was nice but everything else was just overboard. She couldn't take it.
"You are on top and it's come to the point where people come up to me to ask about you," he sneered.
Ah. So that's what it was. This "talk" was never about her, huh, only his popularity dilemma.
Tatsumaki pinched the bridge of her nose. "Everything you have ever, ever said is useless."
"It's true," he maintained.
"So, that's what's gotten you pressed? That you're not on top. So what? I couldn't care less about it. You're just damned lonely."
"I'm never lonely. Not at all. I belong to everyone. You do too," he smiled brilliantly. "I know for a fact that you aren't really engaged. The wedding of the century remains a stupid lie."
Tatsumaki's eye twitched. "I've been proposed to! I just don't care about appearances or you or them." she glowered at the rings.
"I think you do, you just like looking down on others in any way you can. You are neurotic, nonchalant and arrogant. I suppose you are the 46th most boring person on the north side of the world. You are not conducive to dealing with others. No one wants you enough to propose." he said quietly. "If I knew that, I would have dated you sooner. So, go to dinner with me—"
"Fuck you! I'm not marrying you, you narcissistic asshole. Go pick on someone who cares." Tatsumaki bellowed.
His eyes got dark and moody. The familiar blood filling his golden eye unnerved Tatsumaki enough to get defensive. It was intimidating.
"Princess, that wasn't a question—"
The spine-tingling sound of metal scraping against the floor reached Tatsumaki's ears.
Oh no.
And the hot-headed, pompadour-wearing teen delinquent Metal Bat materialized out of nowhere. He was in his signature black school uniform with a red sleeved shirt that was surprisingly clean of bloodstains. His raging expression didn't falter and his hands were in a perpetual fist, even around his shining, metal bat.
A narcissistic asshole and a juvenile annoyance were speaking to her. Oh, joy.
"The lady said she didn't wanna marry you. Get outta her face before I beat you to a pulp. The conversation is damned finished." Metal Bat spat, waving his indestructible weapon. "Get or you'll kiss a mouthful of teeth."
"Pillbug head," Tatsumaki glared at Metal Bat, "as if that iron straw will help anyone or me. Who told you I needed your help through words?"
Metal Bat ground his teeth. "You—"
Tatsumaki cut her gaze to Amai Mask. "Go back and enjoy the Hero Appreciation Day festival. Go enjoy the fresh air. Stop taking up mine. And you, pillbug head…" Tatsumaki just sighed. "Never mind."
Offended, Metal Bat studied both Tatsumaki and Metal Bat. "You shitty top heroes. Destroying you will be even worthier."
"Metal Bat, you're weaker than both of us, who are the current heads of our A and S classes." Amai Mask chuckled softly.
"Wanna prove it, dirtbag?" Metal Bat hissed.
"Eh, he just did. Number 15." Tatsumaki coughed.
"Shut the fuck up or I'll crack your ugly mug. Let me knock you about then maybe you'll cut it out!" Metal Bat got in Amai Mask's face, eyes burning with fury. "My sister looks up to a damn goofy asshole. I'll beat manners into you."
"You're suddenly tolerable! Yay!" Tatsumaki cheered, feeling the thrill of the moment. "Break. His. Face! Now before he gets on stage—"
Metal Bat blinked, standing up straight— his deadly aura simmering. "As soon as the festival is over, I'll look for you both and kill you. Fuck off," he promised, backing away. "I have shit to do."
Amai Mask laughed sweetly, realizing that he was within an inch of his life.
"You're no coward! Finish what you started!" Tatsumaki protested. "Now you wanna leave us alone? You just got a bit cool then you ruined it. You still have your iron pipe too," she face-palmed.
Metal Bat's spoke through his gritted teeth. "Don't talk shit! I can fight with my hands! I only need my willpower. And I'm being considerate, try it sometime!"
Tatsumaki's devil horns came out as she pointed at Amai Mask. "He's an A-Class asshole and you wanna enable him? What the fuck?!"
"Shut your trap! I'll get his ass later on! Stop yelling." he shouted.
"Be considerate now," Tatsumaki yelled even louder. "If he's injured or god forbid unpresentable, the festival would be called off and I could go home. I would have bought you a car if he had a bruise on his much too perfect face. Oooh! It grinds my gears!"
Metal Bat's expression bristled as the temperature hit zero degrees. With the way Amai Mask looked amused and Metal Bat stiffened, she got the feeling she said something wrong. She triggered something old and not at all forgotten.
The silence got cold.
"I don't drive." Metal Bat finally said.
Tatsumaki pursed her lips. Was she that old? "Huh? Isn't that all you kids care about? Getting your licence, graduating with decent marks, losing your v-card and playing a sport? Do you even play baseball? It'd be freaky if you didn't. Have kids long stopped—"
"Why are you talking like you're not a kid? I thought you were in High School." Metal Bat scratched his forehead.
"Do you have a cinderbrain? I'm 28," Tatsumaki smacked Metal Bat's arm. "Now you're definitely not smart enough to drive if you don't notice the simplest things. I should even enroll you in extra lessons. Do you even go to school? You must go to school, if you don't want your pompadour to be filled with nothingness!"
Metal Bat leaned back, grimacing deeply. "What the fuck! You got the nerve to— to lecture me—"
"Well yeah! I'm your senior, buster. Go to school. I'll kill ALL the monsters since I know you can't manage. If you pass anything, I bet I could get you a Lamborgini then trash it because you can't keep anything nice." Tatsumaki sighed.
Metal Bat's face was the picture of misery.
"If I am not mistaken, Metal Bat's parents got into a car crash. Actually, a monster crashed into their vehicle." Amai Mask said with an airy, scolding voice. "He has to redo a grade due to him failing junior year. He cannot have a car, ever. If only he were stronger."
Metal Bat's aura of hatred and fierce rage nearly baked the atmosphere. Tatsumaki's eyes widened into saucers. This delinquent was parent-less? No wonder he was such a troubling brat. And he failed grade 11?
And Amai Mask aired his dirty laundry? Amai Mask can't bully an orphan. She won't stand here and take it! He's young. Amai Mask should leave him be and not say those things. Metal Bat's infinite rage was pointed at Amai Mask but she felt the ire and resentment.
Tatsumaki caught Amai Mask's eyes. "You're evil." Tatsumaki spat.
Amai Mask's eyes glowed prettily. "No need to praise me."
"Say that again, I'll upheave your entire block then send you to mars. You'll be moondust. I'll tear this building down." Tatsumaki announced, her powers fired up. It swirled all around her. Lifting her curls and the flaps of her dress. "I promise."
"Stay outta this, shorty. He's my problem." Metal Bat called out, his eyes never leaving Amai Mask.
"He's both of ours." Tatsumaki declared. "Shut up and let me handle it."
Metal Bat glowered at her now. "Tornado of Terror, what do you know? You've got a perfect life and you're getting married. You're a nail or two away from the white picket fence life. Stay outta this!"
"I have many, many inconveniences." Tatsumaki gave a mean eye to Amai Mask. "One big one— I was an orphan, too, then I got foster parents."
Metal Bat started at her, eyes bigger than the moon. Amai Mask whistled lowly. "That explains a lot."
"You, busako, shut the fuck up," Tatsumaki shouted. "If you ever say anything like that again, I will never, ever communicate with this company ever again. I'll quit today. Right now and kill monsters by myself."
The statement hung in the air like a guillotine's blade. She didn't care that it started a fire nor that it would shock Amai Mask.
Amai Mask dismissed it, of course. "That's impossible. Your bank accounts will dry up. Your social status will crash as your fans abandon you." Amai Mask laughed.
You think I do it for the money or popularity. Fuck off, Tatsumaki shouted internally.
"Say one more word like that to him and I will never do another commercial, take another photo or show up in ANYTHING that has to do with your company or ego," Tatsumaki said in an off-handed, dull voice. "I'll be a damned ghost. Don't fuck with him. If I hear one word like that, I'll make you and this company go extinct. The next concert you have will be in the gallows."
"You're not lying." Amai Mask narrowed his eyes, studying her like an enigmatic puzzle.
"Pfft. Why would I waste my words?" Tatsumaki met his gaze with equal intensity.
After more painstaking moments of eternity and more studying, Amai Mask sighed. "You're lucky, when it comes to my employees, I'm forgiving."
"You're so full of it. The day I bow and scrape is the day you're the victim." Tatsumaki sneered.
"Understood." Amai Mask leaned down, smiling. "I came to say I will see you during the Hero Association Exams. Don't disappoint me and bail."
Tatsumaki glared. She hated those exams. All of them sucked, most of them were awful and she didn't care. "Fine. I'll be there. No one will pass." Tatsumaki huffed, folding her arms. "Hmmph."
"Don't be spiteful." Amai Mask chided. He flicked his gaze to Metal Bat. "Ah. Metal Bat, no one's defending City C at the moment. Watch over it all day. We need good patrolling."
"But my sister's looking forward to—" Metal Bat exploded, pointing his bat at Amai Mask's face.
"It's your responsibility to protect civilians. You're new to S-Class. Maybe you haven't adjusted properly," Amai Mask sneered impassively. "Besides, you need practice. You haven't been very active lately."
"I ain't the way you found me. Someone else could handle those problems—"
"Me. I will help Metal Bat," Tatsumaki interjected, her cold stare levelling with Amai Mask's. "It's your job to defend society, Metal Bat. But it's also a fellow senior hero to aid. I will willingly offer myself up just so he'll learn something new."
Metal Bat shook his head after a series of indignant noises. Amai Mask's stare had drilled into her temple for long enough. She snapped, "Can I help you with something?!"
"You're different. Acting differently. I don't know how but you are." Amai Mask announced.
"Mind your business," Tatsumaki growled.
"Lovely Princess, did you swallow explosives?"
Tatsumaki glared.
"Hmm. Maybe you are the explosives." Amai Mask's lips pushed into a smile. "Change is attractive. Plum flowers blossom after especially hard winters." he winked. "You're trying, yes. There are no ugly women in the world, just lazy ones."
"I hate plums!" Tatsumaki whirled away, spiritually kicking her head.
The two heroes were shocked to hear her proposal or sacrifice. And then Amai Mask had to insinuate she was being kind. Different, he said.
I am desperate to kill monsters, too, you know? And I don't like the idea of bosses bullying little kids, Tatsumaki told herself. I'm not different. That's why I offered. First, I embodied the natural law of the world then I make people go extinct. I'm not going soft. I'm great. I'm not a fucking fat-ass plum! Bitch Amai Mask.
Why was she justifying defending Metal Bat? Wait— why'd she even do it in the first place?
"Alright, alright," Amai Mask hummed dismissively before setting off. "As an apology, you can have those rings, Metal Bat. Sell them well."
Metal Bat glared at the floor. "I don't take handouts." he looked at her accusingly like she did. She didn't.
Amai Mask stopped turns before looking over his shoulder and saying, "I expect a sizeable amount of evil being distinguished. Justice will prevail despite denied hospitalities. Godspeed, Princess." he chuckled. "I have a concert."
Amai Mask's bodyguard shuffled after his boss.
Tatsumaki sighed. She will miss out on the Hero Appreciation Day event. Well, it's not like Dr. Gray wanted to accompany her anyway. So, she didn't need to call. He wouldn't answer.
Sigh. A lot of pain went into not being a host, convincing Dr. Gray and slowly learning that everyone kind of hated her. And now she gave it up for Metal Bat, someone she so-called hated back. Tatsumaki sighed, knowing she would take the kid's place in a thousand different points of her life or universes.
However, Metal Bat was shouting, throwing insults and accusations— just blase, blase, blah, blah.
Metal Bat's fists were balled, face a furious red as he yelled. "You just ruined my day, you won't let me enjoy my party. Now I can't give what my sister wants because you can't keep your trap shut for two seconds. I had to come here to defend your crummy chops just so you could avoid getting lumps from Amai Mask! You're the worst ever!" he barked with a grimaced.
"Oh shut up! Don't get cheeky. Amai Mask's the one who screwed us over." Tatsumaki sighed. "I'll comb over City C. You go enjoy the festival."
Metal Bat halted, surprise clear on his face. "You meant that?"
"Yeah. He ruined your special day and he's a manipulative, asshole who happens to be our boss." Tatsumaki grumbled. "If you're still annoying, I'll even get you… what is it that kids like— curry! I'll get your curry so you stop crying about it." she snapped.
"I'm not crying! Quit yer whining." he barked.
Because Tatsumaki was the one who overreacted. Tatsumaki rolled her eyes. "You don't have to come—" please don't, in fact.
Metal Bat surprised her. "I'm hungry. I won't be able to fight if I'm hungry."
Now she was obligated. "Whatever."
###
Tatsumaki found a nice restaurant. Very homey. The cushions were comfy beside the low traditional tables. Metal Bat had three cups of tea and tossed his wet towel beside her tall glass of water. Rude. Like a twitchy kid —that he was— he played with the chopsticks and menu with large illustrations.
Tatsumaki asked for the chef's choice meal. It was adventurous and not at all cheap. It tasted good. The server expected them to share their meal but Metal Bat said Tatsumaki could go choke on her expensive foods. And so, Metal Bat ordered and blamed her for his order.
"This is no curry, you blind two-faced bitch." Metal Bat growled.
Tatsumaki hissed at him. "Metal Bat, you shouldn't complain. I gave you a good set. It's near 4500 yen, aren't you satisfied? Why didn't you choose the Chicken Tatsuta meal with the katsu curry? It was an option."
"I like Renkon Hasamiage. Hikkoshi soba. They dance," Metal Bat said angrily. "Where the fuck is that waiter with my taiyaki?!"
Tatsumaki glared at him. "Don't be rude to waiters! They're giving you the food. Plus, your food might be a little thick since someone might spit in them!"
Clambering to his feet, Metal Bat pointed his chopsticks at her. "Listen here—"
"Don't point your damned chopsticks. It's rude! Has no one taught you manners?" Tatsumaki growled. "Sit down. You're drawing attention to us."
He got quiet, looking at her owlishly. "Why the fuck would I show my manners to you? You barely got 'em."
"I do. You're just too hot-headed to be kind to." Tatsumaki fired back.
The kid ordered self-moving buckwheat noodles with hot mentsuyu, a soy sauce-based broth with long onions and a raw egg. He got fish cakes and deep-fried lotus root. He already had fries and a hamburger on the way here. She paid.
It's strange that he was so hungry. Had he not been eating? Well, teenage boys have their hormones and such. He ate like a mad dog, inhaling his meal. His commoner ass won't fly well at this ritzy place.
Tatsumaki was used to Fubuki's extravagant meal choices when eating out. Metal Bat was different. Strange. Why didn't Metal Bat spoil himself more? Indulge himself.
And his choice of food was strange. Hikkoshi soba was usually given by neighbours as a gift, for a long and pleasant relationship, like the noodles. Tatsumaki can't remember the taste.
Tatsumaki has never been given those noodles in a friendly, well-meaning gesture. She wasn't sure if she'd survive in the city when she realized no one welcomed her. She survived just to spite them. Tatsumaki grinned. She spited them so hard.
Anyway, Metal Bat was quiet and mature when eating. He didn't sound like a pig at a trough. So, Tatsumaki asked a question, just to make this less strange. "You mentioned you got a sister, is she doing well in school?"
"Why does it matter to you? Don't pry personal information outta people."
"It matters 'cause I'm a good person, duh. Besides, you haven't been taking on good jobs. Zombieman mentioned you and him were in an alliance but you skipped school to fight monsters." she mentioned casually.
"Oh, that freak. He's aight. He clues me in on important stuff. Nice guy but the dingbat can't do anything right, that clod." Metal Bat downed more noodles.
"He's nice to kids because he's born on Children's Day but you can't call him unworthy because he doesn't have fightin' spirit. That's egregious." Tatsumaki scolded him.
Metal Bat aggressively ate more of his fried lotus root. "I have to pass in order to get a good job after school but it takes away time from working on the streets with monsters."
"Don't you get paid?"
Metal Bat nodded. "I can't leave my sister at home. Sometimes, those bastards attack my place. And the Association usually calls you, you freeloading adults."
So he had classes that he has to pass, a sister to care for, a job that he couldn't do because it endangers the other two priorities. Not to mention he doesn't seem to have an adult present.
"I wanted to kill Mysterious Beings and be home enough to hear my sister playing her piano. But even the world messed that up," he said regretfully.
Tatsumaki gave him a mildly concerned look. "Is she okay?"
"I was there, so hell yeah. The other day, some Tiger Level attacked my block since I put a bat to his buddy's damn skull. It was revenge. Her priceless piano was ruined. Our shit valuables too." he lamented. "I'll kill him and his family and all his friends. Everyone he's ever met."
"Enough of that homicidal shit. You're homeless?" Tatsumaki deadpanned.
"Hell no! I'm better than that! My sister won't ever be like me. She's so good at everything, cute too. You shouldn't miss her soul. Even that cold-hearted bastard Amai Mask said I could bring her to HQ for a personal tour. That's how much better she is than you are." he grinned, his teeth like knives.
Tatsumaki wondered if she bragged like this when speaking about Fubuki. It was obnoxious, uptight and filled with pride. Maybe Metal Bat wasn't a little piece of shit. They both loved their younger siblings, that's where they found common ground.
"Don't tell anyone I gave you food. The other losers will come a-running. But Puri-Puri Prisoner is in jail. So not everyone." Tatsumaki shuddered, thinking of his idiotic nude ass.
"You're social?" Metal Bat peered at her expectantly. "Are you going to that drinking party next Wednesday?"
Tatsumaki dropped her chopstick. There was a drinking party next Wednesday? She wasn't even invited. Wow. She wouldn't go but she would've liked the privilege of saying 'no'.
"Your S-Class idiots will only be drinking. I can't go because I have standards." Metal Bat said, despite Tatsumaki's mounting rage. "It's weekly, so I wanna know what you assholes do. D'you get into fights?
"You're too young to hear the secrets about bars, little boy." Tatsumaki declared with a touch of finality, so he would shut up.
The conversation slowed down while Tatsumaki glared at the table. Metal Bat looked out the window, seeing cars pass by, people holding their kids and dress up like the S-Class heroes. It was cute. A wake-up call. Tatsumaki despised everyone the public adored but she wasn't fickle enough to ignore her co-worker's successes.
Metal Bat swirled the last of his noodles, staring into the broth as if it held the secrets of life. "Don't you have to be at the Hero Appreciation Day festival? You got fans, people you can't disappoint."
"Eh. My fiance needed a mask, so I tried to find one at HQ. He'll look dumb." Tatsumaki laughed.
"Oh. Yeah. You're getting hitched. All the more reason to leave me out to dry though it was your fault." Metal Bat glared.
Tatsumaki's laugh died off. She smacked the table. "Oh don't pout. Saving someone is more important than my reputation. I'd rather look for a fight than sit through vomit commercials I've filmed. If something picks a fight, I bite hard."
And Dr. Gray wasn't waiting, Tatsumaki added in her mind.
Tatsumaki sat taller. "Besides, even if it's a little bit, I'll grant you happiness. Amai Mask was being unfair. I hate parasites who are unfair. Little bastard."
"You almost got fired because of me." Metal Bat said.
"I knew Amai Mask was an asshole since like a hundred thousand years ago." Tatsumaki shrugged. "You think this is the first time he's threatened to kick his princess out of her castle?"
"Why does he call you Princess?"
"Desperation." Tatsumaki waved away his concerned. "I get "fired" almost every day. I'm the princess of Agoni's association. Like they could screw over humanity by firing me or save their ego." Tatsumaki tittered, all smug at her well-led life. "I'm the only one the Association needs."
"Oi! Us S-Class aren't helpless." Metal Bat fussed.
"Yeah, but you're not me." Tatsumaki transferred her leftover dumplings onto his plate. "Your taiyaki is coming. Just chew on those for a little."
Metal Bat looked back at his bowl and at the dumplings. "I thought if you didn't do everything by yourself, you weren't satisfied. You don't trust people. Even if you're being considerate. Your "I hate you" aura is in full throttle. We all have a low evaluation of you at work. You're two-faced."
Tatsumaki grimaced. "I'm not two-faced. I treat weaklings like weaklings and the worthy ones get respect."
"How do you get to judge that?" he quirked an eyebrow.
"I don't. I'm not doin' it anymore. It's not like I like talking to annoying, thundering twits. You're not so innocent, yourself, you problem child." Tatsumaki hissed.
"People annoy me! End of story."
"Grow out of it or your world will be small and narrow and no one will like you. Change your ways when you're young," Tatsumaki snapped.
He opened his mouth then closed it, averting her eyes.
"You're just an annoying brat who escapes from the second floor when grounded. You remind me of me when I was young." she hissed.
He scanned her appearance, jaw set with dissatisfaction. "And this is how you turned out?" he grimaced.
"Sucessful, gorgeous and strong?"
"No. You're rude. I thought you had a sense of superiority when looking out for the dull ones. I thought you were a shallow, poker-faced meanie." he sighed. "But then you drop near 5,000 yen on my damned food and patrol City C with no complaints."
Tatsumaki shrugged. Metal Bat was exactly like her at his age, if not worse. Besides, she would have liked if an adult actually treated her to good food without strings attached. She probably won't interact with Metal Bat for a solid year or so. Besides, he had a good bond with his sister. One Tatsumaki was jealous of but acknowledging him as strong for having it.
He did something she wasn't capable of; having a sister who loved him. And the strong get rewarded.
Eh. He should and take her whole life if he wanted to. He's been giving up too much. Hero work. Time with his sister. His pompadour seemed less fluffy than usual.
The waitress came by with two bowls, one for Metal Bat and one for his sister.
Tatsumaki pushed the packages to Metal Bat. "Bring this to your sister. Eat with her. All the time. You wanted more. It's okay… to be honest and get spoiled. Take advantage of the sore loser who offered the gift to you," Tatsumaki advised, wishing she could tell her past self.
"I can't take two. They're expensive." he winced.
He sniffed the air. "Chicken katsu. My sister likes this flavour. I don't. She's picky because I don't give her food she doesn't like." he sighed.
"Simple." Tatsumaki blinked. "Then order two bowls of your favourite flavours. Whatever you like. I am treating you. On one condition."
He coughed out half of his meal, dry heaving for the next minute until he could settle down. "Huh? I have to pay you back?! I knew you were joking when you said this was your treat. You're really the worst."
"With such a big forehead, I thought you'd think more, Metal Bat." Tatsumaki facepalmed. "The condition is that you just focus more on your studies."
"But the monster attacks—"
"I'll defeat them. You take the credit and monetary gain. You are a hero and human lives are important but you're a kid. You should go to school, like a normal child." Tatsumaki shrugged. "The semesters go from April to the end of July, study hard. The class divides into who studies and who doesn't. You can't have the talent of avoiding all the right answers."
"Oh shut up. You're just an old hag with a shield of density where no criticism or insults gets through." he threw back.
"Order and shut up. I'll wait." Tatsumaki hissed.
Tatsumaki reminisced about Fubuki. Her funny smile, how they'd chase each other around the house. The thrill whenever she'd ask a clever question. What cool things they'd find in boutiques. Metal Bat was younger but better than her. She liked that.
Later on, Metal Bat ordered and regarded her weirdly when the waitress skittered away.
"Oi. The curry cost more than 3,000 yen. I'm waiting for a tantrum." he looked at her expectantly.
Tatsumaki cocked her head. "Whatever."
He set the menu down. "Eh. Is this why people are swept up with you? Don't you normally yell? You're stricter. You criticize them. Never praise them. You give too much feedback. You agitate them. Force 'em out of your space."
Tatsumaki nodded. "Proudly. Now I'm learning to do it less. Those idiots still need my genius." she beamed.
"Tch. You're arrogant. How do you have so many people around you? City A is packed with people."
Even if Tatsumaki was loved by a lot of people, it didn't mean anything if the one she loved avoided her. City A was packed but if she returned to City A, Tatsumaki would be alone.
Tatsumaki grunted. "My sister and I don't talk. You should spend time with your sister because you've done everything right if she loves you. You let her in. Almost as if you've forgotten how to refuse her. You should treasure her and school."
Metal Bat's gentle expression turned into one of absolute hostility. "That place isn't worth chicken-shit! They kicked me out due to the increase of monsters attacking the place."
"But that's not right. Why couldn't your guardians defend you?" she asked.
"It's hard for me to defend myself in front of those assholes."
"You don't have a guardian? Or a school?"
He chuckled. "Who else do you think was in the car in that crash? My sister and I practically have been shunned in City C since so many random attacks occur because of me." he lamented. "Our hotel's been targeted."
Despite his low rank, he got attacked a lot. "Does your sister's school get attacked?" Tatsumaki asked.
"Yesterday, when all the kiddies were outside. This was the third time. They blamed it on her." Metal Bat growled every second letter.
Tatsumaki glared then chewed on her lettuce. Crack.
Metal Bat snapped his chopstick. Splinters were everywhere. Sighing, she removed them from his soup, pants and hair. Some were dyed red. Metal Bat was just an angry, misunderstood kid with problems. And extremely strong hands.
So that's why he asked for an unbreakable, metal bat. This probably has happened to his plastic and wooden baseball bats. He's actually pretty dim.
With the look of a blood-thirsty lion, Metal Bat glared at Tatsumaki. "Shut up and don't look at me like that! I don't have any problems," he snarled.
"Or really? If you don't know you have a problem, you don't look for a solution." She fished her keys out of her pocket. "Take it."
Metal Bat caught the keys, nearly crushing them in his grasp. "What the fuck are these? Why were you getting on my case about driving if you don't know how to drive yourself?!"
Tatsumaki psychically launched three renkon slices into his mouth. To not risk choking, he furiously chewed.
"Those aren't for my car. I don't own a car. I can fly, dumbass. Think sometimes," Tatsumaki told the delinquent.
Now he looked like a red-hot demon. "I'm thinkin' of hurtin' ya, old hag."
"Try it. I'll make you go extinct." Tatsumaki cleared her throat. "Anywho, there's the Psychic Academy in City A. My house is about what, ten minutes away from HQ and the academy is a 15-minute walk away from my house. It's not a 2DLK apartment. It has three bedrooms. One for you, your sister and whatever the fuck else you want. Maybe there's more. I totally don't remember."
Tatsumaki tried picturing it. Eh. Still can't remember.
"I'm really never home. There's plenty of storage in the house and it's big. There's a sofa made for two people. Each glass has a pair. " Tatsumaki yawned. "When you get into the house, tell Fubuki, Blizzard of Hell. My sister."
"She's your sister? But she's a babe—"
Tatsumaki glared at him. "Finish that sentence, little terror." she threatened, slamming a hand down onto the table. "I dare you!"
Metal Bat shut up until asking, "What does your sister have to do with the rich kid Psychic Academy in downtown City A?"
"Fubuki owns it. I funded it but she's the headmistress. You'll have to deal with her mother hen mentality. Have fun in my home. Now, leave me be, pillbug head."
"But won't you be living in the house? I don't want to disturb you and your fiance. And my sister's piano—"
"My fiance and I don't live together. I'm pretty sure he doesn't like me," Tatsumaki deadpanned. "Anywho, your sister has piano recitals in City A?"
"Stop saying 'anywho'." he grimaced. "Art and music are way more important here. All the competitions are based here. Wait— how do you know that?"
"One of my siblings is a total classical music savant. Sae. A total snob." Tatsumaki rolled her eyes. "I barely go back to my apartment. It's worthless. Fubuki doesn't talk to me. Nothing fun in there. I want to move to City Z anyway."
"W-Worthless? You're moving out because your sister doesn't speak to you anymore?"
"Are you deaf? I'm giving the house to you," Tatsumaki thought about it. "The trains are nearby, so you won't drive. Move into the house, tell Fubuki the news then pass your classes. Without interacting with me again. It's safe and you get first access to monsters at your level since you'll be close to HQ. They'll reward you for your availability."
"Isn't City A dangerous?"
"No. As immoral as Amai Mask is, he is better at his job of sending out heroes," she said. "The security systems in my city are there to help little kids and troublemaker teens. Your sister should be able to enroll in the Academy, you too. You are peculiar enough and they serve seniors or juniors. I got Metal Knight to design the school and all our S-Class friends would love to protect the school should the threat arise. They're right there."
"Wait— there's no way I can pay the rent on one of those houses!" he protested.
"I bought it in cash. All the other fees, I'll pay for." Tatsumaki sighed. "It's large, spacious and Fubuki will take care of you. She's better at this babysitting stuff."
Metal Bat looked mildly shocked. "I thought all you adults were heartless creatures."
"I'm not counting myself in on the good kind but even heroes need help sometimes. Unless you're me," she snorted.
"I don't think you were invited to any of the parties. I thought it was because you denied them but I think it's because you weren't invited."
"On the battlefield." Tatsumaki's eye twitched. "Do you think I need validation from those idiot dipshits! Those kooks couldn't help fix a stubbed toe—"
"I would invite you to my parties." he grinned scarily. "You'd have to pay for everything and shut the hell up."
"Like I'd want to go somewhere you are." Tatsumaki frowned.
"You know hag, someone's going to play baseball with your head, it's that small and I won't stop 'em. In fact, I'll join in." he chuckled.
Little bastard. This brat had a loud, fog-horn laugh. It was so loud, and he didn't care. Tatsumaki frowned even harder. Little cheeky bastard.
"Oh yeah. My name's Badd," he said casually.
"Ah. It's Tatsumaki-sama." Tatsumaki announced. "Better call me that, Baddo."
"Pfft. Like I'd ever call you that." he scratched his ear with his chopstick.
Gross! "You brat! I'll never see you again after this but don't scratch your hair with your chopsticks! Gross! Never point with your chopsticks. Never suck on your chopsticks! Never take the last piece of food from your plate. Don't you know that?!"
"Oh, quit runnin' your trap!"
###
Tatsumaki was a bit upset about coming back to her neighbourhood. After being called the worst things and realizing her life was quite miserable, she wanted to come back a week later and have peace. But no, the little terror accompanied her.
Each home on her block was like a hotel the queen would lounge in. The white painted walls, the shiny windows that had intricate designs and details to exaggerate the luxury these people possess. It even had a balcony. Man. She hated her neighbours, especially those with luxury dream houses. Their lawns were bigger than her old school's parking lot. The argent designs, the beautiful layout was a miracle that they didn't host celebrities. They raked in so much money while the broke Tatsumaki stayed in shacks for a couple of years.
On her block, buildings were the same. Nothing's new. Nothing changed. Except, she had a companion; a wild seventeen-year-old who was too confident. Badd bragged, constantly. He drank Slurpees aggressively, terrified everyone (who rushed home to gossip and eat caviar at an elegant dinner party) and annoyed Tatsumaki.
"I think people build these tall-ass buildings like this. Build 'em so tall that if these rich people fall, they wouldn't even hit the ground." Badd commented absently, chewing on his straw.
Tatsumaki tsked. "Don't embarrass yourself in front of these upper socialites."
Badd made an offended sound. "I thought you didn't care about your neighbours."
"I won't be here but you will. Come winter, people get depressed during January. It's the saddest month of the year. People get petty. If you don't shovel and they see a snowflake on the sidewalk, they will call the neighbourhood patrol crew who will chew you a new ass. Don't be loud. Don't let them be seen." Tatsumaki hissed. "They ALL suck!"
Metal Bat looked at the extra-large houses with deep dissatisfaction. "Oh."
"Actually," Tatsumaki paused. "Actually, go crazy. If anyone has anything to say to you, I'll pluck their orchards clean off. If you're born with a silver spoon in your mouth, you're bound to chip a tooth. Those snooty assholes deserve to be inconvenienced."
He scowled. "It's not like I'd ask you for help." He cocked his head to the side. "Why's January the saddest month of the year?"
"Taxes."
"Oh." Metal Bat had another loud, obnoxious laugh. "Adults are sad. You have it rough."
"I'm supreme, everything's easy, kid." Tatsumaki sent him a stony glance. "My sister won't like a slouching, cursing, delinquent. Don't do this," she gestured to all of him, "ever. You need to impress her."
"Hey! Ya pointed to all of me."
"My statement still stands, bud. Don't get run out of the property because of this." Tatsumaki pointed to his head. "I hope that all that hairspray your quiff used sticks all your brain cells together."
"It's a damned pompadour! Get it right! If you know what a quiff is, you know what the hell a pompadour is."
"Eh. Details." she waved him away. He wouldn't move.
"See, you ruined it. You used to have my confused sympathy but in the end, you're the worst. How does a babe live with such a witch?"
"I'm not a witch. I'm homing you!" Tatsumaki brought up. Metal Bat glared. Tatsumaki glared back. "Don't sass me, kid. You're 100 years too young. Tch."
Badd never listened, he just went inside of the double french doors and into the foyer. He tossed put his Slurpee on the table near the door. When Tatsumaki got inside, she called out. It was still empty and stale air greeted her. Everything was the same: boring, wealthy, cold. However, he was impressed.
The foyer and the tatami floors were… eh. There were touches of Asian art, everywhere. And massage machines from the Fubuki Fools group. The walls were lined with hutches, artifacts and modern paintings. Tatsumaki didn't understand large paintings but Fubuki liked it.
"Fuck, you aren't low on luxury. This foyer could fit a damn rhino. My sister could have a spa day." He nodded, looking around appraisingly.
Tatsumaki was ready to drop off Badd, show him the works of the apartment (like the bathroom bathtub handles and their weirdness) but also what not to break just in case Atlas visited randomly.
But as soon as she called out, the famous Fubuki was nowhere to be found. It was hard to introduce someone to a missing person. Where was she?! Fubuki wasn't upstairs and she wasn't in the living room. In fact, the house missed traces of human activity.
And Fubuki's stack of magazines and fresh flowers in the vases were missing. Even Fubuki's henchmen would take care of chores for Fubuki but a dish or two would reside in the sink.
Eh. Where was Fubuki?! Even with Tatsumaki's small panicking, she couldn't help but wonder why Bad was ecstatic. He jumped around, looking at everything like it was his.
"Your house is like a damn mansion! Not an apartment! Shit. I didn't know you lived comfortably. Why the hell d'you act so fucking bitter? I'd never be bitter if this were my humble abode!" With that declaration, he dove onto the couch. He snuggled his face into a pillow, nuzzling his face against it like clean silk sheets.
If Fubuki was here, Tatsumaki would trust the Badd siblings but no. She can't handle all of the comforts he got. What was he going to do in her house?
"Yeah no," Tatsumaki announced. "Let's get Fubuki here before you move in."
The mask of tolerance came off. Badd's cross, crinkled, and tight expression reminded Tatsumaki of aluminum foil. His arrogant eyes roamed Tatsumaki's face for a moment. Tatsumaki has never seen that look on someone else. He looked like a mad dog ready to bite someone. A silver, gleaming mad dog.
You probably have no friends at all, Tatsumaki thought determinedly. And you're airheaded. And you rely on a metal twig, which is a sign of weakness. You're completely defenceless with cursed blood. My kind's your kind.
Tatsumaki suddenly slowly accepted that maybe he wasn't the worst. Rude, upset, and aggressive. He didn't take the ring. He gave shit to Amai Mask, all resilient and mean. Not to mention, he had thick skin.
"Eh. You can't stay here until—" Fubuki comes back and makes you people good. Then you'll be my disciple, Tatsumaki decided.
"Uh. No. Fuck off. What do you mean we can't stay here?! If you're lying about everything, I'm gonna bash your head in." he growled.
The uneasiness of realizing a fight was about to break out was right. He was mad but he wasn't listening.
Tatsumaki growled back. "My sister isn't here. I can't trust you to be civilized in my humble abode. I feel like you'd use your bat to attack a small spider. Guess what that bat could do, ruin my house. You aren't staying here without parental supervision."
Badd still didn't understand. "Hell no you aren't backing out now— can't you become a parental supervisor? My sister needs this—"
"Okay, I understand but you cannot seriously think that I'll let you stay here without my sister. She's the maternal one. The one who can make you better. I don't have a calming demeanour or a soft laugh. I can't settle things cleanly and peacefully. I know you appreciate family things but I don't. I really don't." Tatsumaki admitted. "So just fucking wait for her to come here."
"You can fuck off and go where you can enjoy solitary pursuits. I'm the one who raises my sister. We both don't need you. You could oooh-ooh run."
"Whatever. I know that. I'm a bad, bad choice. I'm aware. I'm never right." Tatsumaki turned away. "Hmmph. Learn that quick."
"You search for the ones who make you right. My sister, Zenko, is the best shade of everyone. She's right. At least give a damn for a kid you can protect. Sacrifice a piece of yourself and maybe, maybe someone won't want to bust your kneecaps."
Tatsumaki was being scolded by an irate 17-year-old. Eh. She sprinted through something weirder than fiction. Maybe she shouldn't have been gracious in the first place.
"Pillbug head, what's your point?!"
"If you don't lean on someone more, both of you will fall together. Just trust me that I won't mess this up for my sister. I can't. I fucking won't."
"Your sister will have the time and toys. Whatever but Fubuki has to know you're here—" Tatsumaki sighed. "When I get back, to pick my stuff up. Get your sister here. I'll get mine here. You'll have a nice life with an adult present after she signs you up for school."
"What if Fubuki doesn't come back?"
Well, tough butterscotch. "You'll have to find another adult who cares." Tatsumaki shrugged with nonchalance.
"No one else but me fucking gives a shit. Maybe yer house and your fancy food is gold and you deserve it. But it's better to be rich with something else, you know human company. You could be so rich with good shit but you fucked it up so bad."
"What do you know?" Tatsumaki demanded.
"I know you're just too arrogant. Someone who cares about no one but yourself. I don't know why you're a damn hero." he muttered. "You don't care about anything but your damn pride. It gets on my damn nerves."
The usual childish defiance when she met a barrage of criticism wasn't there. Tatsumaki knew all this. She knew everything about all of this. Someone strange and younger. Someone normal and older. It didn't matter who told her this, she understood that no one thought she was fit to be a hero.
Tatsumaki looked away. "I'll be in City C. Call Fubuki, she'll answer. She's obviously the hero. The one who cares. In fact, she has the same view as you. You'll get along swimmingly."
Tatsumaki left, wondering why people did nice things. She didn't regret being nice.
Tatsumaki had a longing for everything to be nice and simple. She also had the despair of not being able to change anything. A wizard loner, tough delinquent like herself shouldn't go out of her way to be this different. No one will recognize her. She just wondered… if she were another person, would they accept her gestures of kindness? This was why this unnerved her, she didn't know if she'd accept them herself.
###
-End Chapter-
A/N— This was honestly all sorts of sad, to be honest. Poor Tatsumaki was trying to be nicer. But all shall be rectified in the next chapters~. She was tryna get a disciple, y'know! Metal Bat is literally a young, 50s version of Tatsumaki with a metal bat, of course. AnYWAy. Hope you don't mind me adding some backstory to him- i liked the flow sooooo. Here we are in Tatsumaki's gonna be better person. She was only 50% as mean and hostile as she was in the first chapters. Lol.
Vocab
Karaage and chuhai, fried chicken is marinated in soy sauce and sake before frying. Chuhai is an alcoholic drink originating from Japan. An abbreviation of "shōchū highball".
2DLK apartments, an apartment has two rooms in addition to a living, dining and kitchen area. A two-bedroom apartment if you will.