Tornadoes For Sighs
-Chapter 18-
Moonstruck
TATSUMAKI'S PLANS NEVER WENT SMOOTHLY.
The mediocre sale was boring. Tatsumaki bought treats: sakura mochi, plum daifuku and a bamboo shoot rice platter of sweets. Tatsumaki liked the spring-themed foods. She wanted to get back to Badd and Zenko, too.
Tatsumaki, Genos and Saitama went to his apartment, amazed how his place was in good shape. Whoever fixed the wall did it quickly and nicely. However, they messed up all the furniture. His quirky space lost a little bit of its charm due to the disarray.
Saitama didn't really question his apartment being fine in a matter of hours. Tatsumaki did. She was already antsy; she knew it was going to rain. The Altocumulus clouds were scattered in the sky all day. The flowers smelled better and birds flew closer to the ground.
Genos bought a notebook and a pen to track his master's actions and "teachings". Ew. Tatsumaki acknowledged Saitama was interesting yet she wouldn't write down what he did. Saitama tried hard to be sensei-like but he had the least amount of sensible thoughts to share.
Tatsumaki couldn't handle them discussing their stupidity. She had a date with her bunny slippers and a mouthful of sakura mochi. Then it started pouring buckets. It was already dark, humid and gross and it RAINS to make things worse.
Genos the genius already melted her umbrella, baby hairs and sunglasses into a hot pile of plastic. It was near midnight and the last trains had stopped. She didn't want to fly with that thunder and lightning.
Her eyes were watery and hooded. She saw the world in slits and she felt sluggish. Her legs stung and she wasn't trembling anymore. She needed to sleep.
Tatsumaki said, "So, I'm going to rent out my favourite hotel. I'm leaving."
"That's preferable." Genos nodded.
"I know," Tatsumaki glared, looking ready to cut Genos up into a million pieces and ship them across the world. "I wish I had an umbrella," she said flatly.
"Water moisturizes the skin. Your skin will gleam." Genos stated factually but he was being a little shit.
The thunder crackled as Tatsumaki curled her fist. God. Saitama picked up on the tension and clambered up to his feet.
"Eh, Zuzu… Hold up. Can you check on your powers? I think it's leaking out. Things keep on jumping out of place. Maybe you should rest and maybe they'll pop back—"
Tatsumaki's eyes twitched. "That's all you want me to stay for?"
He seemed confused. "What… else is there?"
"Other things." Tatsumaki shouldered her bag. "No reason? You are an idiot. An idiot amongst idiots! I hate this city and the people and the rain that's trapping me in the city with you people! God!" She stomped her (non-hurting) foot in exasperation.
"Hey, calm down."
"I'm calm, just stating facts. I think you're being outrageous. I'm leaving and now you want me to organize your stuff after explicit instructions—"
"Quit yelling." He put down the manga he'd been so engrossed in. "Something's been off about you all day—"
Her chest tightened. "Nothing's off. I'm always fine!"
"That's a problem. No one's always fine."
"You haven't met everyone. You met me. I'm fine. You're always asking the wrong questions." Tatsumaki rolled her eyes, folding her arms.
Saitama sighed. "Well, what do you want me to ask? Did something bad happen on the mission today?"
"No," Tatsumaki stiffened, a barrier rising between her thoughts and expressions.
"Really?"
"Yes!"
"Yes? Something bad did happen?"
What the hell was that trap? She bristled. Can't he just get all the way off of her back?! In anger, she emitted a pulse of energy.
Previously immobile objects slid and moved like they had legs. Saitama caught a plate before it fell and shattered. He set it back on the stooping table.
Tatsumaki sighed at the furniture that had been swallowed by her powers. They were trembling because of her overflowing feelings. Damn it. Using her powers would just make it harder to put things back in order.
Saitama eyed her for a couple of moments then moved near the TV. It was quiet while Saitama and Tatsumaki silently put things in their original spots. She hadn't apologized but helping him was enough, right? She helped him move the manga shelf, trying to get it in a good spot. He didn't agree but she knew what was best for him!
Genos was annoyed by their arguments, fuming in the background. "Master, allow me to help you. I can scientifically discern the correct placement of the shelf." He stood.
Tatsumaki grimaced. "As if you matter in this, you have no concept of aesthetics AND Dr. Gray asked me. Not you, stupid toaster! You just got here."
"I can do this for you, Master!" Genos marched over, squeezing between the two to access the shelf.
Genos and Tatsumaki stomped around each other with rising voices. He swung around the shelf like a toy and Tatsumaki tried her best not to kill him. She got into his space and crowded him. In the tangle of pointed fingers and huffs, Genos nearly stepped on her foot. It wasn't painful. A spontaneous barrier shielded everything.
She screamed and Saitama was concerned. She realized though, that Saitama truly believed her as weak, that she wasn't tough shit. He thought her foot was broken. So maybe… immorally… she played into the act. Her foot was already red from kicking the Carnage Kabuto. Saitama ran off to the store to get medicine, gauze, a sling and some other things in the rain.
Tatsumaki sat on Saitama's futon, leg up on the table, supported by a pillow. Genos had been ordered to apologize then leave. He was a little shit so he wouldn't apologize. She just watched the TV, a stupid late-night talk and ignored him. Then she couldn't take Genos's pensive staring anymore.
"God! I don't like you. So just go. I don't need apologies." she disclosed.
Genos sat unceremoniously, looking more serious than ever. "I don't care for minor things that distract me from my goal of eliminating the Insane Cyborg but I do have an inquiry," he stated.
"Don't ask. Anything."
"Will you frequent this apartment often? Are you attracted to Master?" he pressed.
"You're asking questions."
"Your voice lowers when speaking to him. You mirror his actions and front your torso and feet. You use prolonged eye contact. You also signal connection, remove obstacles to be closer to him. Your pupils dilate and your self-grooming is blatant. Those are scientific signs that you are attracted to someone. You are faking your injury to stay here for lodging. It worked. Master is fooled."
She was that obvious? Tatsumaki blinked a couple of times. "Toaster— I refuse to subject myself to these, these—"
"I can hear your heartbeat when you lie."
Oh. She pursed her lips. So there goes bullshitting out of this situation. "What does it even matter to you?" Tatsumaki narrowed her eyes.
"It doesn't. As Master's disciple, I must protect him. You cannot—"
"You don't know me or him or what I can do. I'm protecting him, I'm with him! Loyal to a fault! I can keep up with him." Tatsumaki barked. "I'm in control during my fights. You're brash, eager and short-fused."
"I am not." Genos stiffened. "I was saying you cannot distract Master's heart. You must know that I need a master at full attention when training me. I would not appreciate a brokenhearted sensei tending to my powers while your behaviour distracts him."
That's why Genos was angry? He didn't know who held all the cards in this relationship…
Tatsumaki slumped like a bag of rice. "Whatever. I'll talk to myself since that is way more intellectually fulfilling than hearing your breathing. But… I won't hurt him or your pathetic emotions."
Genos nodded, pleased. "I have no need for emotions. You should attempt to control your own or better, eliminate them. Heroes have no use for love."
"You're human but you choose to become a cyborg. You're being an idiot."
"I cannot see why."
Tatsumaki hummed. "Well, idiot, there isn't any fun. You don't bleed, don't feel anything. Justice is the only thing you live off of. The people flash their eyes at you and you're rich after all that wasted time. You wide-eyed idiot."
Genos was confused. "I do not need fun. I need to kill Insane Cyborg."
"Work isn't fun or fulfilling in the long run. What will heroes have when we get home alone and eat alone and watch TV alone?" Tatsumaki grimaced.
His gaze hardened. "I have better things to do than entertain myself. I need a master. I will avenge my family's death."
"Cutting yourself open and cutting the world up isn't going to help ease the pain. Just give up." she hissed. "You don't want all of this power and sway."
Genos shook his head slowly. "My body is prime for an attack to serve justice. I deserve justice. Being a child is a waste of time!"
"You don't know how important it is! I wouldn't put my trust in doctors and surgeons who only want to eat your money." Tatsumaki slammed her hand on the table. "Why would you WANT alterations and have tests that take you apart?!"
Genos jumped to his feet, hands at the ready. "You do not know what benefits it reaps—"
"I know the fucking consequences. You'll die or it'll take everything from you. You'll fall apart. Soon. I was imprisoned, worked on by jerks like Dr. Kuseno. The public will see us as nothing but an experiment. Worthless."
She didn't even care that his eyes glowed and he was inches away from blowing her up. His face was no longer impassive, but the kind of angry you could split trees with. He was a minefield and she didn't care if she stepped on one because she was right.
"Do not insult Dr. Kuseno! You do not know him." Genos whispered. "Apologize."
"You know I'm right." Tatsumaki defended.
"Apologize!" he thundered.
"No!" she threw back. "You could make all these upgrades for justice and revenge but it doesn't take a genius to know technology doesn't grow like muscles do. Work on something else. Get a friend! Stay away from this industry or you'll stay weak and you'll fall apart and you'll be alone! Like me!"
Instead of blowing her to hell, he glared at her hard. Something creased and crumpled about his anger and Genos was gone in a flash.
She sagged in her seat. She felt like she was talking to her past self. He'll become a killing machine and he doesn't see how dark this road is with those explosives lighting up his future.
The door opened. With a greeting, Saitama put his bags in the kitchen. She watched him shuffle around until he settled near his desk, acting casual.
"He didn't apologize," Saitama guessed.
Tatsumaki snorted. "No, no, no. He flew me to City Q in a ferry boat and sang. Tch. You pick up the weirdest folk."
"I know. You're here, aren't ya?"
She balked at his stale accusation.
"Shut up!" She threw his pillow at him. Saitama caught it. "Car Parts sucks. I don't like him! We don't get along. End of story."
He cleared his throat. "I heard your argument."
Tatsumaki turned away, careful not to position her body towards him, keeping her voice high and eyes focused on the TV. She really didn't want to give everything away. And if he knows that she knows she can't have him, she'll be crushed. So, she evaded the problem entirely.
"Jerks like "Dr. Kozue"... Scientists. Doctors. You hate them." Saitama sat down, across from her on the pillow. "I'd been stuck on this when we got sandwiches. You also attacked those innocent scientists," he recalled.
"What, are you going to threaten me again?"
"No," he said slowly. "Why do you want to hurt them? Are you still in a golden cage?"
Tatsumaki looked at him sharply. "You heard that?! That was private. You had no right."
He raised his arms in surrender. "Not on purpose. I wanted to know if you'd finish off that gorilla and break my apartment building. You told what's his name… Soldierly Lemur things then acted unstably."
Tatsumaki pointedly ignored him in favour of a poorly done joke. She turned up the volume. It was tense for half an hour. He moved beside her so they faced the TV. Tension clenched her fists and she couldn't laugh the same way at these lame hosts with even lamer celebrity guests. He seemed relaxed. Easygoing. She couldn't take it.
"You wanna know?" she said suddenly.
He nodded.
She winced. "It'll be long, SO long."
She could scare him out of listening. He should treat Tatsumaki just like Genos. He'll give up. She pushes too hard. But he said, "It has to be."
"You don't mind—"
"I don't. You wanna tell me or not?" he interrupted gently. "No pressure, though."
She looked down at her manicured fingers. Black fake nails, this time. Her nails were usually bitten raw before she became a celebrity and people suddenly cared about her appearance.
There was a weird sincerity in his jawline. So she believed him.
"My biological Esper "parents" were hopeless. The last thing I heard them laughing about was "We're rich. The best money's made when you don't have kids". At first, they ignored me like I didn't exist. When they did pay attention it went to shit. Then came the yelling, name-calling and them being naked, drunk outside. There would always be used gift cards from relatives on the ground. They'd steal. Get sober. Relapse. Say stuff like "I hate you" with eyes full of alcohol. It was fine and stable when Fubuki could finally walk up the stairs properly, eyes bigger than ever. When they got desperate, they got offered money by clinical and cold Lab Coats.
"We never had any money and they went crazy, saying we'd move to City A, where it was all sunny and pure. I thought we were all going together. Fubuki cried and I was a kid taking care of a kid so I didn't know how to make it stop. We got separated and I was locked into a cell. Then came the monster outbreaks. The sensation of being watched. The thin clothes. The whiteness. I was so angry at my parents I never used my powers because I didn't want to be like them. It'd leaked out in tantrums but they could never prove it was me.
"The other demons eventually left me alone except for Dr. Raegan. He saw through my act. He wasn't in it for scientific knowledge, he wanted to make a super army of indestructible beings to support him as the monsters took over. "Monsters vs Monsters, Tatsumaki-chan, it evens out the fight. You are my best monster." So then I was tested and poked at like a pin cushion. I wanted Fubuki and my parents. I was tired of headaches and eating bad medicine. I was so angry at how quiet it was.
"A monster escaped. The scientists said to leave me. After minutes of grief, out of the clear blue, someone saved me. Blast had spiked hair and muscles the size of my head. He killed the monster and saved me. He criticized me, said I shouldn't rely on others to save me when the time comes. I found my creed, the hero I'd follow and escaped. Fubuki was alive. We were only found by the media who got tipped off that Blast could be at that location. They didn't know of the tragedy that awaited. I got picked up by my foster mother Tsumugi and her big and buff husband Atlas. He looked like Blast so I liked him.
"Atlas took me to an apple farm after I told him all apples I'd ever eaten were rotten or small. He got me a fresh apple the size of a basketball. Atlas and Tsumugi were good foster parents but bad at being husband and wife. A smart scientist named Kizashi turned down working with the Alis Association, where I was caged. She approached Atlas and thanked him for keeping Fubuki and I safe. She wondered how he coped financially. Then bam Atlas cheated on Tsumugi with Kizashi. Tsumugi left and cut off all contact with us.
"I'd never forgiven Tsumugi or Atlas. And Kizashi didn't want me using my Esper powers because I'd go overboard and terrorize the neighbourhood children. Y'know, at least Raegan was proud of my destruction but it got worse without anyone's guidance. My powers were uncontrollable, Fubuki's wasn't. Guess who was rewarded?" Tatsumaki sighed. "Maybe I'm small because of those tests. She got the looks. Damn nature. Damn everything. I'm still really hot, though. My face is prettier than most people's lives. I got green eyes, so take that brown-eyed-folks— and I…" she laughed which made her nonchalance seem strange. "I don't know why I'm still fucked up—"
"Hey…" he interrupted.
She jumped, forgetting that Saitama was in the room. She was astonished he wasn't sleeping. That was way more than 10 words. He never liked long stories. There was no knee thumping against the floor.
He should run away and call her weird. Like everyone else. Steer clear. She wanted to seem confident about her decision to become a hero, even when it was hard, even when the people around her struggled but she was still a freak.
"Don't talk like that. You're not." he chided softly.
"Aren't what?"
"Fucked up," he repeated. "Or a monster."
Tatsumaki was moonstruck.
She was unsure if she was in love or just happy she wasn't the problem. Either way, her heart swelled up. And the feeling, that urge takes a name and it screams from the void. Yearning. She wants the look on his face, to know what he's thinking, forgetting, how he feels. She wants it and she's terrified.
Tatsumaki looked away with a deep breath. Liquid invaded her eyelids. "You think so?" Tatsumaki hated how small her voice sounded. She didn't know her voice could do that.
"Yeah. I'll punch anyone who says you are."
Instead of feeling rejected, she felt a boost of energy. Like she could peel the atmosphere. Like she uses lethal injections as steroids. Like she could depend on him. She suddenly didn't want to follow the rules of her heart; no friends. Blast was so wrong and so right at the same time… Maybe she shouldn't expect others to come and save her during the fight but she could have someone to sit with after the disaster and help her slap on bandages.
Anything that she can't say, he'll say. Anything he can't do, she'll do. The troublesome people who bother him. The troubles he can't talk about. The cashier who doesn't take his valid coupon because she's a bitch, she'll punch them too.
Tatsumaki nodded. "Can't you be my friend now? You can't tell anyone these things or I'll sue you." she semi-ordered with lowered eyes.
Saitama stared at her. "You'll sue me?"
"Killing you would be a waste. I'll take all your money. I'll punch anyone who says you're a monster," Tatsumaki promised.
He eyed her for a couple of seconds then nodded. "I guess."
"Besides… you're the only person I told this about," she admitted hoarsely. "Atlas and I start arguing about Tsumugi. Fubuki doesn't remember. She doesn't train seriously. Sometimes I think I'm delusional for being worried. Because I'm me, precious and strong as hell. Maybe I'm just making life hard. For no reason."
"Y'know, life isn't hard because of you. It's hard because it's hard." He nudged her shoulder. "You weren't born to drown. Chin up, things look up too."
She glared at him. "Things aren't okay. I'm hurt—" she cut herself off. "I'm nothing. Nothing."
"Just relax and I'll get pain meds from you. I got you the apple flavour." Saitama said proudly.
"I'll have to get outta here! And walk. Some monster will see my weakness." she countered.
"I'll walk you to City A. It doesn't take long to get there, right? As for the other hurt… " he faltered. After a couple of seconds of humming thoughtfully, Saitama snapped his fingers. "I'll get Redman for you."
"No you won't," she said, her voice nothing but a firm command, "and it's Raegan, you bozo."
"Raegan," Saitama said loudly. "I'll find him."
"Nice try, boy scout. I couldn't find him. He's a ghost. Leave it alone. I won't waste your time."
"I have time." Saitama shrugged.
"Dr. Gray," Tatsumaki warned.
"Tatsumaki. I promise," he whispered, his tone just as severe.
"A promise like this doesn't solve my problems."
There was something in his eyes. A little heat. A little vengeance. "I promise. He's a rotten jerk who needs to pay. You're amazing, y'know? You could've turned into a villain but you're on the straight and narrow. We'll find him."
"It's not worth it," she murmured. "All that, for me. I don't wanna chase Dr. Raegan right now. Not when I just got back on my feet. I have people I can't leave."
Saitama slowly, gently tapped her on the arm with a fist. "We'll find him. No more running. We'll catch this bastard and you can stomp all over him. Alright?"
"Hypocrite. What are you running from, too? It's only fair you say. Tell me about the email. The one your parents sent."
Saitama and Tatsumaki stared at each other in a silent battle of wills. He'll have to cut open his chest and show his sagging veins and arteries because she's done the same and told him everything.
His face finally untightened and he sighed in defeat. "My mom runs a restaurant. My dad's a therapist. They don't like heroes." he stated concisely like he wasn't emotionally destroyed.
Tatsumaki's jaw dropped. Saitama's parents, along with the whole world, knew Saitama and Tatsumaki were engaged. She fucked up his home life. No wonder he was so resistant.
Ignoring her gasp, Saitama scratched the back of his neck. "Why? My aunt was killed in a monster attack. They've despised heroes ever since," he said quietly.
"What do they think of you? Wait! What do they think of you and me?"
He winced. "The usual. You're a small, sassy, woman," Saitama teased without the usual fondness.
"Dude! This is serious!"
She smacked his shoulder then felt bad. He probably didn't feel it but his aunt died and she hit him. She rubbed his arm as an apology. He didn't tell her to stop so she didn't.
He hissed out a breath. "They know that we can't get married. City W is known as "All Quiet" so when monsters attack, they expect everything to go back to normal or for heroes to help. That time one monster got the best of the city and no one came to help. The heroes in other cities were scared. They hid and ran."
She crossed her arms. "Cowards."
"Maybe," Saitama said distantly and leaned back. He closed his eyes, back slumped on the wall. "The ones who stayed wanted money and we couldn't pay the outrageous sum. "Doing good things comes at a cost but those who did them are cheap," my mom said. They hate heroes."
"And you've gone and become a hero. Under their noses." she hesitated. "How… angry are they?"
"Haven't spoken to them in a while. So I don't know."
"Does Aimi know you're a hero?"
"Nope." Saitama sighed. "After their sacrifices, I was unfit for society as I failed to become better than my pops and mom. My mom owns a Franchise, you know Getsu Gaaden."
"Yeah. They're everywhere." she scoffed, remembering how Zenko begged her to take her to the joint.
"My mom owns the franchise and is CEO. She used to be a successful lawyer then slowed down when she had me. My dad owns a group practice, is a celebrity therapist and a renowned author. They're worth a lot of money. At my age, they were married, on their way to becoming superstars in their fields. Aimi became a lawyer to fine heroes for their unfair practices. She went to a top school and I was still unfit for society."
He opened to his eyes her scowl. "Does it matter if you're fit for society? You've done good things…" she spat.
"To them, it matters. Aimi and I were raised the same. I wanted to be a hero, not a damn businessman. They threw me out. They think I'm gutter trash for even wanting to be a hero."
Tatsumaki watched him carefully. That's the most idiotic thing she's heard. She knew that pain, too. He's done good things. He's anything but gutter trash. He's golden.
"Golden?" he said, confused.
Her head snapped up. She said that out loud. Oh god. She was mortified.
She was too proud to get the words out. She couldn't handle him looking so broken and disappointed. He really didn't look like it or sound it but she knew he was in pain.
"If the city burns, I know you'll be there," Tatsumaki said loudly. "Duh. I'd call you to fight behind me. You're… not. Bad. You're good… You've saved millions of people. You're not a bad hero nor unfit for society. You took care of them. In fact. My two munchkins credit you for changing—"
"Things are still quite the same as when I started. My parents say that heroes do nothing for society."
"Tch. I'll throw a party with everyone you've saved and— and I'll invite them and there will be banana beer and I'll make them feel like cornballs." Tatsumaki was convinced of this. She tugged on his sleeve. "We're kneeling to them. Now we stand."
Saitama shook his head. "You hate large crowds of people. Don't push yourself."
"I hate being around people I don't care about." Tatsumaki hissed. "Everyone's luck adds up to you. If you and I didn't exist, imagine how many more people would be dead. I'd rather have you with me than someone with a constitution and affidavits. They're frauds."
He stared at her for a couple of moments then his face broke out like the sun. "You really thought about this, huh?"
His breath fanned her face. "I don't THINK of you!" she squawked. "Anyway! You volunteered yourself to help. You're all in so get comfortable with being a hero. You're my partner in this one, you doofus."
"Partners," he repeated.
His breath fanned her face and that smile hadn't faded. She couldn't help but chuckle. She watched him and he did the same. It was a weird tension, a promise, an insistence and the feeling she wasn't doing what she wanted to. Greed ran to her chest and she thinks he stopped breathing, just like her because why else would they both be… His lips look so fucking soft and he looked curious. She was sitting close enough for it to be romantic. He's so close and she tightened her grip on his sleeve, holding on, holding on—
"Let's eat," he said abruptly, pulling back and hopping to his feet with super speed. "I'm hungry. You're hungry. Let's eat."
Tatsumaki felt like she was pulled out of a dream and snapped back into reality. She wasn't going to think of how they almost kissed because friends don't do that. No way. He put distance between them and looked down at her as if she were an alien.
Tatsumaki cleared her throat several times. "I can pay—"
He clicked his tongue. "Friends don't take a friend's money. Most of the time."
Tatsumaki looked up. She forced him into nonsense and his family is mad at him. She got him into this scheme and insulted him for weeks.
"After all that happened, you wanna?" Tatsumaki spluttered.
"Yeah. Do you want dressing in your sub?" he asked like condiments were of more importance than their acknowledged friendship.
Instead of setting off he stood there and she was unsure of his thoughts. "Dr. Gray—" she tried.
But he shuttled off and was done in thirty minutes.
She glared at her foot. If she hadn't pretended to be weak, then she'd never know about any of this. Being "weak" has gotten her a deep conversation late at night. Remarkable. She's craving everything she looks down upon. If she didn't act so strong, maybe she would've gotten help for the things she couldn't handle. Shit.
And why did she feel that pull to kiss him? Did he feel that way?
She chewed on her vegetarian sub, upset and frowned around the cucumber slices. "It's hard to sleep. Remembering it all," she mumbled.
"Um," Saitama paused and choked on his meatball sandwich. "Zuzu— I'm not like that." he coughed.
Tatsumaki was horrified. "Don't be gross! You wish! I'm not like that either! You idiot! Dummy! Bird brain! I'm not going to sleep. I'll get nightmares."
He nodded and the air was more platonic as he breathed normally. "There's television. What do you usually watch aside from the Disaster Channel?" he fiddled with the remote.
A smirk curled Tatsumaki's lips and she finished the rest of her sandwich. "Animal documentaries. Have you watched a goat fall down a mountain? Hilarious." Tatsumaki cackled. "It's the funniest thing!"
He frowned and opened his umeboshi snack. "That's just mean."
"I promise, it'll change your life."
Tatsumaki snatched the remote and tried to find the channel she liked. After a couple of minutes of silence, she eyed him. "Did you really lose your hair when training? Because male pattern baldness can affect men in their twenties."
He stiffened. "How do you know that?"
Tatsumaki clicked on the animal channel and ducks appeared, fluttering about in a meadow. "I needed comedy material." Tatsumaki sneered.
Truthfully, Tatsumaki desperately wanted to know whether he had cancer. Did Saitama need to know that? Nope. She spoke to a doctor about it and got spooked. If he was busy paying for chemo, it made sense why he would live in such a shitty, remote house on the edge of the city.
Tatsumaki grinned and poked his strong ass bicep. "Besides, losing your hair because of difficult training is hilarious. You can't make that stuff up. So, mister cue ball, is it true? Tell me."
"Let it go." He pointedly focused on the screen. "Look at those ducks. They're waterproof, chilling. They put away their wings like they're holstering guns—"
Tatsumaki jabbed him harshly. "No way! You're trying to change the subject."
"Try and stop me." he challenged.
Bold of him to think she would stop. After intense staring, poking and Tatsumaki's stubbornness to know fact from fiction, he broke.
"Okay, okay! But don't laugh this time." he exploded. "It's true. Will you leave it alone?"
She couldn't stop laughing and it was a choking hazard. She liked laughing. He ate a lot of umeboshi like a degenerate. She couldn't help but try it— it was bad. She made the night better with vanilla ice cream.
Despite promising to stay awake, they dozed off anyway. Tatsumaki slept on the black chair and Saitama laid on his futon. The medicine and emotional rush gave her strange dreams. It didn't really matter because Saitama was there when she woke up.
###
zzz.
zZZ.
ZZZZZ.
Tatsumaki's phone rang. It was annoying. The sun shone in her eyes. It was warm and light bounced off of her pale skin. It was usually cold in her huge room and the curtains blocked the sun.
WAIT— HER PHONE WAS RINGING. IT'S AN EMERGENCY.
She located the noise and flipped the phone open. "Where do you want me?"
She was met by yelling. She pulled her phone away from her ear, suddenly awake. Even at this distance, she could still hear everything bright and clear.
"Tatsumaki-san! Why didn't you answer?! We thought something bad happened to you!" Zenko shrieked.
Not. An. Emergency. Okay. Plus, Zenko was wilding out. Tatsumaki yawned but tried to slap it out of her cheeks.
"Zenko, baby, calm down. The hag is fine. She's not dead." Badd's gruff voice called out. "If she was, do you think anyone would answer? Knowing her, she's obsessed with her phone. She'd pick up, even as a ghost."
Zenko gasped. "Why would you say that?"
The phone jostled. "Hey, don't push me. We don't shove."
"You're tryna scare me!"
"I wasn't, I promise. She's not going anywhere. She's real annoyin' like that."
"She's not annoying! I'm worried! No one at your workplace knows where she is—"
Tatsumaki cut in. "Hey, hey, stop that. I'm here. Badd, don't terrorize your sister. Zenko, we don't push. I'm fine. The rain got heavy in City Z and I didn't want your desserts to get wet."
"Taachan!" Zenko said loudly, shocked out of her sadness. "You answered! You always call or say goodnight to me. I got worried. I saw that monsters attacked City W and making their way to City Z. I wanted to give you my orange half. I made a healthy breakfast."
Something about Zenko saving half of the orange made her heart swell. No one has ever done that for her.
"I forgot. I'm sorry. I thought I texted it." Tatsumaki frowned.
Tatsumaki was strict with herself about saying goodnight. Atlas did the same thing when she was a kid and she knew that both kids had nightmares. Badd was less obvious about it, coming downstairs and watching reruns of recorded baseball games and holding Tama. Tatsumaki would make him food. Zenko simply woke Tatsumaki up and talked it through.
"Not the same." Zenko sniffed. "I thought… you were. But come back and we'll have breakfast. I made a smoothie with Tumeric."
Tatsumaki winced. "Ah, sorry Fuji. I'll be back soon after dealing with a small emergency! And we could watch that pony movie you like though animals don't talk… and dragons don't have librarian skills."
"Tama speaks to me. We have intelligent conversations about mezzo notes." Zenko giggled.
"I forgot cats were good for that too." Tatsumaki hummed.
"Emergency?" Badd repeated, voice surprisingly laced with worry.
"Nothing bad. My foot kinda hurt but not because of the mission. I'm too good for that. Besides, it's not like I'm crippled. I just, you know, I'm fine."
"When are you coming back? Are you with Mr. Saitama? Can we meet him?" Zenko asked hopefully.
"Can you even walk?" Badd cut in.
"Badd! Rude." Tatsumaki gasped, mortified. "Inappropriate!"
"Because of your foot. Damn! Don't be getting those ideas!" Badd refuted, mortified.
Zenko got impatient. "When are you coming home, Tatsumaki? You said we'd go picking apples!"
"Darling, that happens in autumn. I said we could go look at the flowers at the orchards."
"Huh? Apples don't fall this time of year?"
Tatsumaki was endeared by her confusion. "They bloom from August to October. We're going to that farmer's market festival next week. I know the owner. That's why you need new cowboy boots. And rainboots for you both. I forgot that."
"I ain't wearing no damn rain boots!" Badd protested yet Zenko was enthused.
"I love rain boots!" Zenko squealed with delight. "But what about our overalls and plaid shirts? We're supposed to go shopping and have a photoshoot because it's pretty outside. Sunny." Zenko whined.
"Ah, great. Sunshine for my rays of sunshine," Tatsumaki mused, too cheesy. Zenko giggled and Badd grumbled about her being creepy. "Anyway, I'll be home by 1 o'clock—"
"Hey, Zenko can you go get your overalls? We can send a pic to the hag," Badd said, voice sombre.
Zenko was delighted and rushed upstairs. Tatsumaki heard her loud footsteps.
Badd spoke quietly. "Yo. Hag. I always make it a point to call Zenko all the time or inform her school I'm fine. She's really got bad separation anxiety at times. She tries to hide it but it's there. Came up this mornin'. I know shoulda told ya but you were here a lot. When you start being a workaholic, you might wanna check the clock. It helps her. She doesn't feel… y'know, abandoned."
"I didn't… know." Damn. She didn't think of how Zenko felt about their combined hero status.
Badd sighed. "Whatever. Do better next time. It's not all your fault. It's mostly mine. I'm also into dangerous biz. The call means some bad news and her mind jumps there first. With you in this, too, she's worried we'll both get knocked out of the game at the same time. So double the anxiety now. Hey, angel. Is that it?"
"Yup. Badd put it on facetime! She has to see the ribbon I added." Zenko chirped happily.
After chatting, Tatsumaki hung up, suddenly aware of Saitama bustling around his apartment. He was robotic and acted like sleeping in the same house, same neighbourhood, same planet wasn't a big deal. He sat and read his manga. Why was she dying over this and he was okay? Talk about unfair.
"Good morning. Kids at the train station are waiting for you, huh?" he asked conversationally.
Tatsumaki glared at him. "It's 11 o'clock. Why didn't you wake me up at 7 a.m? When respectable people wake up? Why didn't you answer my phone? Or wake me up and tell me it's ringing? Important people message me and I need to be on-call."
"I didn't want whoever was yelling at you to yell at me," Saitama said, giving her a steaming cup of coffee.
Tatsumaki scowled at the mug as the warmth rolled around her body. "They were worried. If you had a phone, y'know, I'd probably be the same."
Tatsumaki slurped her coffee, sat there feeling awkward. Oh god, she wanted to shower. He lent her a freshly washed blanket that smelled like a bakery. He didn't even mention how her hair was straight and her skinny jeans were a bit wrinkled. He made her coffee, let her sleep until 11 and hadn't kicked her out. They were friends; friends talk about shit. Why couldn't she make eye-contact with him?
Saitama sat at the low table, picking up on her fidgeting despite reading his manga. "Don't you wanna go home now?"
Nope, she felt like saying but she couldn't.
"Yeah. I watch the Disaster Channel in the mornings." Tatsumaki disclosed. "Then I know it's safe for other people to go out and not have my day interrupted by a monster sighting. Even though I'm always ready, flying around."
"No need. They're not gonna be a problem. Trust me."
He should own a security business. Lots of ex-heroes start them. He makes her feel safe. Why wouldn't other people feel this way…
They didn't really speak much on the way to the train station. She didn't bully him into a conversation, for fear he'd bring up her trauma. He wouldn't use it against her but she didn't know how to move forward… Being vulnerable was sickening.
Bullet trains were cool and fast but she wanted to spend more time with Saitama. She claimed that spending time on the train would have fewer people to stare at them.
No one paid attention because she bought a long trench coat, a cute hair scarf and sunglasses. She sat by him while the horizon changed. It was nice. She tried to not fall asleep so she brought up random subjects. They sat across from each other.
"So, I'm on suspension," Tatsumaki piped up, desperate not to seem desperate. "That's why I dropped by. It's not like I'm free or anything… for, like, no reason. Just throwing it out there. Didn't come here to meet you, just to. Complain."
She also came by not to lose any of the sweetness of their conversations. She almost said it but she beat that part down. Sitch basically banned her from entering HQ until the exams happened, which was in less than a week and— sigh. She wanted to fix stuff with Flashy Flash and Fubuki.
"Why'd you get suspended?" he asked, slightly entertained.
"Offending someone. What else?"
Saitama accepted the answer with a shrug. "It is what it is… So what do you do now, you got kids at home? You bored?"
Tatsumaki thought about it. "No," she said genuinely. "I'm really not. I wake up, shower, do everything hygienic and then I watch the Disaster Channel and take calls and give calls. Ha, ha, I usually wake other people up. At 7 a.m." she realized.
Saitama gave her a blank look. "Ah. I guess I treated you better than you treat your colleagues."
Tatsumaki ignored him and his vapid statement.
"Zenko wakes up at 7:40 because she likes making breakfast with me. We carve apples. Badd is up at 8:30 because of his new workout regimen. He wants a home gym, so we tour gyms and steal their designs. Then I go and patrol the city until 5 p.m. while they're in the house. Badd and I pretend we ignore each other but really we're spending time together. We eat dinner then we go our separate ways. Badd does whatever and Zenko crashes about 9 p.m."
"Hold up. Where does school fit into this?" asked Saitama.
Tatsumaki groaned and explained the situation with Fubuki. Badd and Tatsumaki are S-Class heroes so Fubuki might be like "He doesn't need to be trained here. He's already better than all of these kids therefore, why should I register them?" Zenko wants to go to school and Zenko's really smart. So it's REALLY annoying. She's surprised they're happy. She isn't being a proper guardian at the moment.
Saitama was rightly concerned. "Those kids are innocent in your family feud. You've gotta fix this."
She buried her face in her hands. She knows!
When she focused on him again, Saitama's head was turned and he looked upset. This time, she understood why. They might be caught on video or in selfies. Every digital trace of them went back to his hero-hating parents. And the chances of them getting along probably minimalizes too.
Feeling bold, she sat beside him and pulled on his sleeve. "No one will recognize us. It's fine."
Saitama nodded but the odd look in his eye never faded away. "You really care about those kids." he nudged her with his elbow. "They'll be fine."
She nudged him back. "No shit." Maybe.
Their knees pressed into each other. Those twin points of significance calmed her down.
They got off at City A train station. The train station was grand and sophisticated, reflecting the city's heart. The atrium glass roof was beautiful and flooded the station in light. People bustled by and went away into their lives. No one recognized them and it was… new. Better.
Tatsumaki didn't really want them getting too close. She didn't like being around all these people after talking quietly in his apartment.
He graciously held onto the treat platter and her cute black bag while she hung onto him. The mundane spell was broken as Saitama turned to her. "Where's your place? I bet it's big and unmistakable."
"It's close."
He popped a brow. "Do you walk there?"
The fact her house was close and convenient was horrible. She didn't want him to leave. Tatsumaki plopped down on a nearby bench. The action was awkward and spastic but she didn't care. He peered at her skeptically, studying her foot.
"Don't look like that." she scolded. "I just… I just wanna sit here and admire the woodwork. Don't be lame. Park it. You're invited."
She doesn't just sit with anyone. She stared at his sharp features, contoured shoulders and pretty eyes… His lips stained with the fruit smoothies they had earlier. He wasn't that lame. Well, he was like a child. A kid.
"Your shoelace is untied. And no, I won't do it for you," she added.
"Stingy Esper," he grumbled and knelt, fixing his issue.
She picked at her nails. "You… You're my friend now. So you're allowed to take walks with me. Come… with me. I'll show you my neighbourhood and give you orange slices. You dig?" She flicked her eyes to him.
Saitama was… blank-faced. She froze, gravity increasing on her. Was that too much? She just wanted to walk around with him. They didn't need to talk. Saitama finally nodded.
Tatsumaki grinned, a summer-like warmth spreading through her. She reached over and patted his head. "Here I thought you weren't cool. I would've been mad. Good boy." she laughed giddily.
"What's your obsession with my head?" he sighed.
He gently grabbed her wrists and removed them. He settled on the bench with a tired groan, head leaning on the wall behind them. He completely relaxed, basking in the light. She sat with careful casualness and knit her hands. He wasn't normal. His touch warmed her skin long after it was gone.
"You sit like an old man and have old man tastes. I'm pretty sure your hair was gray before it all fell out," she commented.
"My hair was black." he groused. He stomped his foot lightly with his arms crossed. "Can we stop talking about my hair? If you hate bald people, just say it once and be done with it."
She rolled her eyes. "I don't hate you. You're too good to me. With hair or no hair. Shut up and deal with it."
All of the dark emotion melted off of his face.
Her body grew hot and cold at the same time in the sensitive parts. That was way, way, way too soft for Dr. Gray! Why did she say that?! Her face burned and she shoved his arm (though it did NOTHING. He's as immovable as a damn brick wall).
"I-I don't mean that. Like that WASN'T a compliment! Stop looking at me like that! I'm not trying to be nice—" Tatsumaki wagged her debit card in his face. "Here, get me a grape soda from that vending machine! Like a large one."
"What's this, you're sending me away? Do you have something to take back?"
"Yes! No, you jerk. Go away!"
Amusement curled his lips. "You don't like grapes. You're being nice to me."
"I'm NOT FLUSTERING! I DON'T HAVE KIND WORDS!"
"Flustering?"
"HUH!" she shrieked. Her face was on fire. "Th-THAT'S NOT TRUE!" she shouted.
The train station stopped, people poured out and everyone stared at her. She's going to die! He put the platter on the bench, beside her. Chuckling, Saitama took the card and walked away.
She watched him go, lips twisted up in a fussy grimace. Not that she'd let anyone see it. If she could, she'd scream into her palms right now. To her left, she heard a gruff voice with the slaps of clicking shoes on the station platform.
"Tatsumaki— Hey! You're here." Zenko's cute voice cried out.
Tatsumaki's eyes perused the sea of faces and found the kids. Zenko hustled past people, unaware that Badd made a wide berth by glaring at people. And rolling, cruising was a wheelchair. They… came for her.
Her throat got clogged with sentiment. "You guys got me a wheelchair?" she whispered, voice all weak and pathetic when they stopped in front of her bench.
"It was a bitch to get up the stairs. They should get ramps. The hell." Badd sighed, holding onto the handlebars. "You said you couldn't walk, right?"
Tatsumaki nodded, touched… Maybe this… this was why people had children.
Tatsumaki reached over to Zenko and squeezed her hand. "You're a thoughtful princess. Badd, underneath that rock-like pompadour and scowl, you've got a golden heart."
Badd coughed but she didn't miss the red on his cheeks. Zenko smiled at her softly. She adjusted the girl's crooked hairband and grinned. Tatsumaki eyed the platter she protected from the rain and Saitama's grabby hands. It still looked amazingly delectable.
"I got this for you guys because I was thinking of you two," Tatsumaki said loudly. "Let's go home and share these. We've got smoothies and a bad movie with our names on them. You're coming too, Badd."
The kid's eyes got wide. Something in Badd's expression eased as Zenko cooed at the art. "Wow, that's a real sakura leaf? I've never seen one on food." Zenko smiled at Tatsumaki.
Badd tilted his head, an unrecognizable expression. Badd eventually took out his phone and took a pic. Tatsumaki frowned. "And what are you doing?"
"This is blackmail." he whistled. "Never thought I'd see the day you're hurt."
Tatsumaki huffed. "You know, when you wish badness upon another person, a spider crawls into your mouth."
Zenko gasped, looking pasty white. "Is that true?"
"No. She's just being a bully." Badd rolled his eyes. "She thinks she's funny."
Zenko erupted in giggles. Tatsumaki finally floated into the wheelchair. She sat there like a queen on her throne.
Badd observed her sourly. "Huh? If you could fly, why d'you need the wheelchair?"
"Tatsumaki, since we have the wheelchair, let's go to the clinic. It's close," Zenko piped in.
Tatsumaki shook her head fiercely. Doctors all sound like they eat sandpaper instead of bread. Ridiculous to trust them. Hello, she also isn't injured. "Doctors are idiots." she insisted.
Badd scowled. "8 years of medical school doesn't make you dumber. Just buck up and get an x-ray or two."
Zenko crossed her arms, a stern expression on her face. "Hey, don't insult them! Doctors are my best friends! After all, onii-chan ends up there when the monsters rough him up. They just know it's about him when they see me." Zenko shot a disapproving glance at Badd.
Badd groaned. "Angel, don't bring that up in front of her."
"It's true!"
Badd choked on air, embarrassed and Tatsumaki couldn't help but laugh. Her laugh shrivelled off suddenly. Fubuki was in danger.
Tatsumaki had an unmistakable link to Fubuki. She didn't know how but she could always sense Fubuki when she was distressed or her location when she thought about it.
Her first thought was to get them to safety, two kids she picked up, instead of her sister. Her blood sister. She'll feel guilty later.
Tatsumaki whipped her neck to look at Zenko and Badd. "There's a monster attack. Get to safety," she said, voice hard.
Badd dismissed it. "Eh. You haven't gotten a call. And no one's reported it. Lay off and let's take you back. Zenko worked hard on breakfast. And you got those cutesy foods."
"Mutsu, honey. Don't argue with me. I'll handle this. Take the platter home."
"Did ya think about the people in this station?" Badd questioned. "You'll have to start with the 50 some people in our vicinity."
Tatsumaki squawked. "I'm saving all of you! Not just 50 people. I have work. I'll make it up to you."
Zenko's face dropped. "But— Tatsumaki, our—"
Tatsumaki zipped off, flurrying Zenko's skirt and annoyed expression. Air rippled around her. Her lips were frosty and her chest was cold. Tatsumaki tried not to feel guilty. She was damned if she goes to work and damned if she didn't.
Tatsumaki passed grey streets, burning a trail and looking for trouble.
Tatsumaki landed at the prissiest dog park in City A. She despised animals. She's only been here with Fubuki to stalk "cute" dalmatians and the deformed bull terrier.
Dust hung in the air, which made no sense in the greenery. The familiar white metal fences were gnarled. No one noticed, though. They had bigger things to deal with. There was a wave of women ripping off their heels and men with brogues running towards her. They screamed and tripped over their legs. Some dog owners zoomed by. Some with leashes and furiously barking dogs. Some didn't have their pets. Some carried their pets close to their chests.
Behind them was a warzone on the environment. The trimmed grass and neat appearance were gone, in favour of dented trees and burnt holes. With blood leaking into the soil. Fresh blood. Why were there huge, deep holes? They were pits… with huge piles of earth beside them.
Tatsumaki saw small worms wiggling around. She tasted the dirt when she wet her lips. A Mysterious Being was around.
When she followed the mounds of dirt, she saw a stupid discovery. The Fubuki Group tried to get this Mysterious Being. They intervened and the assholes got smoked. Now Tatsumaki had to deal with the terror sent in their physical connection.
Aish! These pant-suit and chiffon failures tried to save these people and it backfired. Like always but Tatsumaki was a bitch for saying it, huh.
People outside of the Fubuki Group were also hurt. These people were thrown away like way-ward… chew toys. And oh god, those were torn apart bodies.
So whatever this Mysterious Being was, it was strong, big and mostly dangerous. The huge paw prints were something to go off of. Man, Tatsumaki really really didn't want Fubuki to be hurt.
In the frenzy, Tatsumaki finally stumbled upon Fubuki.
Fubuki stood there, fingers twitching with aggravation. Her eyes were focused on the mass in the distance. It looked like a werewolf, a cursed thing— if that made sense. Growling, eyes feral and grumbles vibrating the air. It had two pairs of long prehistoric-like fangs, red and hanging like stalagmites.
It was ugly and staring at those huge eyes felt like staring into an abyss of doom. She felt nothing close to intimidated but she distantly understood why those people ran.
It swiped its paw at those who approached. Its felonious eyes tracked the movement of everyone there but it didn't move forward. There was a blizzard of dirt, rocks and branches slicing at the Mysterious Being. It wasn't enough, though. It still stood strong despite losing flesh and fur.
Fubuki mostly caged the animal in her blizzard but surely, she was faltering. There must've been another monster attack she took care of. The speed of the natural weapons slowed down and she will crash.
Tatsumaki didn't consult with Fubuki while stepping in. She didn't have to. She could deal with the backtalk later. She needed to save Fubuki's four goons trying to attack the Mysterious Being. People always said four heads were better than one. Not if they're ALL idiots.
Tatsumaki did what she did best; she won the fight. Winning was her protocol.
Anyway, Tatsumaki wielded her terrifying powers and crushed all the wayward trees, boulders, chunks of roots tangled soil and the huge dog into one dark red spinning ball of torture. With one satisfying last howl, the condensed sphere fell with a soft plop.
Cheers erupted. Tatsumaki heard thuds of people falling in relief. She turned to a fallen Fubuki, sucking in air and wiping away sweat from her brow.
Fubuki met Tatsumaki's impassive stare. "I would've handled it," Fubuki said, voice tight.
Tatsumaki crossed her arms. Sure. Fubuki's excessive confidence was annoying. She couldn't handle this whatsoever.
Rolling her eyes, Tatsumaki turned to those who were crying and clapping with a slight smile. At least they're safe. She waved and posed for the cameras whilst Fubuki's hot glare burned into the side of her face.
It was just jealousy, not hate, she reasoned, just so she wouldn't flinch. It was just jealousy that Tatsumaki had brushed off millions of times before.
By no telepathic connection, everyone could probably read Fubuki's expression. Fubuki was embarrassing herself. If these photos came out and Tatsumaki's fans saw them, Fubuki will get so much hate.
Of course, Fubuki was angry that Tatsumaki swooped in, took care of the monster and became much more famous and endearing to the people despite HER weakening the Mysterious Being first. Fubuki chose those assholes to go through trauma and they sucked. Wounds are more deadly to those who are weak. Ha! Being weak— a self-correcting problem. Look at Saitama. Fubuki was mad at her for not being an idiot?
Sometimes, she believed Fubuki would come back, thank her and apologize for all that she's said. Maybe not.
Tatsumaki didn't want to deal with it. She had to get ready for a brunch and a festival with candy apples.
Tatsumaki cleared her throat. "You know, take the credit. The official camera crew will be here soon. I have things to do. But… I need something from you." Tatsumaki asked before she could bite through her tongue to shut the hell up.
Fubuki stiffened. "Is this some sort of exchange?"
"No. I just—"
"If you want to terrorize my people, do it later. They're injured. I have things to attend to." Fubuki groaned, in pain and annoyance. "I don't have time for this. If you want my people gone, complain to the higher-ups. Maybe they'll listen."
"It's not about our bosses or me or you. It's about these kids I'm caring for. If you've seen the news—"
"I don't watch the news with you involved," Fubuki answered mildly.
Tatsumaki pressed her lips together.
Tatsumaki obsessively combed through the internet at the mention of her sister but that didn't matter, huh. Fubuki won't listen. She face-palmed. Why was she worried?! She almost got an ulcer because of this. Her poor stomach lining!
"Okay. You're pissed at me. However, those kids have nothing to do with me and they like me. I like them. They're orphans. Their mom and dad died in a monster attack. Their grandmother abused the older kid. And he's not so good with books but he is determined to pass and be a pro-hero. And the youngest girl, she's a little princess. Top grades in her class. Just wants to do girly 8-year-old stuff like go to the mall, do my nails and hair— and play the piano. They just need to go to school. It's almost the end of the month, they've got access to the world if you'd— I'm asking if they could enroll. Don't do it for me, it's not for me. Do it for them." Is what she wanted to say.
All that came out was a monotone, disgruntled three sentences; "Two kids I'm homing need your school. I can't help them unless I talk to you personally. Just let them enroll."
Fubuki looked at the debris, everything laying around them. "You're fostering kids and asking me for help? Are you the Tornado of Terror I know? You don't care about family. You don't have time. Wow." she laughed in disbelief.
Tatsumaki winced. "I care about them. I'll ask for help because they need it. Just like Kizashi dyed her hair green to make you fit in better on your first day of kindergarten. The same spirit. All I wanted was the best for the ones I care about. I do have good intentions."
"Good intentions. Is that what you tell yourself?"
"Yes. At 8 p.m. every night," Tatsumaki ground her teeth. "If I didn't explain myself in person — aside from the fact you blocked my phone number— you'd have never considered them. Isn't that right? So here I am, reluctantly seeking out your aid. As someone so magnanimous, all of us others have no choice but to be drawn to you. Doesn't that soothe your superior soul? You have a one up on me. Revel in it."
"Tatsumaki. Don't mock me."
"I'm just stating the truth." Tatsumaki grimaced at the press and the fans and the blood soaking into the air. "Where's the other monster corpse you killed? Call it in and take the rewards and maybe, if you want so or say so we can talk somewhere less private—"
"I didn't." Fubuki interrupted loudly. "I… didn't kill the other Mysterious Being. Someone beat me to it. So I thought I had a chance with this one and you thoughtlessly intervened. I was fine. Let me do this." Fubuki looked up sharply, green flaring in her eyes.
Thoughtlessly?! Tatsumaki made an offended sound. "I was at City A station, ready for a day with my little munchkins and this happened. If anything— it wasn't my mess. I did it for everyone else here! And you can't be selfish or some… such thing—…"
Tatsumaki faltered. Fubuki sighed and visibly lost interest in her words. Tatsumaki's heart fell like a boulder down a canyon. Tatsumaki has been trying so hard to understand Fubuki but when she has the chance to show it, they get aggressive and hostile and petty. She's falling into the same patterns and Fubuki won't look at her ever again.
Tatsumaki cleared her throat. "Fubuki. Okay. Look, if I mock you—"
"If? Oh my god Tatsumaki—"
"When. I mean when I do, I'll back off. I'm sure you would've handled it. I should've backed off then too. But I didn't. Now I know. I'm in over my head for this and how about… Let's look at this issue with my little ones… like together," Tatsumaki suggested slowly.
Fubuki's eyes widened. She was wary and struggled a bit with the next couple of thoughts that transparently showed on her face.
"Together?" questioned Fubuki.
Tatsumaki swallowed. "Yes."
Fubuki observed her and Tatsumaki just stared back with no open aggression. She really didn't know if Fubuki would trust Tatsumaki with this. Fubuki didn't respond for the longest of eternities.
"Or whatever, I'll deal with this another way," Tatsumaki rolled her eyes, hard. She'll figure this out another way.
"Fine," Fubuki said. "Drop them off on Monday. I'll send all their things to the house. Sign the documents. Just be quiet during the process. Bring the sheets to my secretary and she'll know what to do. Please behave yourself." Fubuki said quietly with slight annoyance.
Tatsumaki smiled. She can finally sleep at night.
There was a silence that hung in the air. Fubuki tracked the movement of her team rather than focusing on Tatsumaki, who was right in front of her. She stayed above her anger about it.
She's trying so hard to become Tatsumaki but she doesn't know how weak Tatsumaki was in some areas ASIDE from working.
Tatsumaki laughed a bit, the corner of her mouth kicked up. "I'm just being my usual unbearable self but… you'll lose something when you get successful. Family members, sanity… yourself. Sometimes, when you kill a monster, a small part of it gets left behind. Call me when it catches up. When you understand that."
She looked back for a split second. Fubuki was surprised. She set off to leave but Fubuki spoke, unprompted. "Tatsumaki." Her voice was soft with a smile or something like sympathy. Tatsumaki hoped so…
"Sometime in the future, you'll know what it feels like to be in second place. To be hopeless in the face of someone else's strength. Your soul trembles. You can't fully look them in the eye and a simple fight could leave you in skeletons… Call me. I'll leave the line open. When you understand that." Fubuki added, pleased with herself.
Tatsumaki was a boss, a beast, a saviour to humanity. She isn't second best. Not even Saitama can surpass her— not that she knows of. She likes him, so they won't fight. She… She won't lose to anyone. She can't. She'd never sleep. She doesn't care about working, it was boring, but she cared about winning.
"I guess you won't expect a call." Tatsumaki snorted.
"We'll see," Fubuki whispered smugly.
Hesitant, Tatsumaki finally left, contemplating why Fubuki was surprised at her admission. Fubuki still wanted everything Tatsumaki accomplished. Tatsumaki was confused if she wanted to be a role model or a sister. She didn't know if they made impossible promises to be an asshole or if they could genuinely understand each other.
When it all fell apart, Tatsumaki was determined to be there, on the fringes. What else was she supposed to do in the dark, deny Tatsumaki? She could at least be there for Fubuki when it all falls apart. Work made it okay, sometimes, then it made it worse.
Of course, she won't call.
No way.
###
-End Chapter-
Notes: oh so after the mantis attack, I have no indication of who fixed his apartment. Imma just assume that Genus did fix it (somehow). Also Tatsumaki is a mess and she's mean to Genos ;( which I will rectify that because he's my cinnamon bun but she's just projecting. Hard. But yeah. Saitama's falllling. Alien, Hahaa. Jealousy sucks babes.
Vocab
sakura mochi- A Japanese sweet consisting of sweet pink-coloured mochi (rice cake) with anko (red bean paste) and wrapped in pickled sakura (cherry blossom) leaf.
plum daifuku- basically sakura mochi but plum flavoured
bamboo shoot rice- basically cooked bamboo shoots in sweetened rice
umeboshi- popular Japanese snack, salted dried plums