Tatsumaki entered the ramen shop looking around for a red-orange pony-tail. The patrons were still staring at her; which she had grown accustomed to no matter the circumstance or reason. She found her target sitting drenching wet with a towel on her. She floated over and telepathically pulled a chair next to her. The old lady now had an arched brow on her. Her hospitality know clearly diminished due to Tatsumaki's earlier stunt. Her name must be Paullette.
"Four sakes on me." Paullette didn't respond as she turned to get the order.
Tatsumaki stared at Mizuki. She had turned to look at her for a moment before returning to her now cold bowl of ramen. Tatsumaki felt words rise and die in her throat as she tried to start a conversation, but nothing really could come out. Tatsumaki always tested people. It was necessary not only in her line of work, but also in her own personal life. She did occasionally take it too far, and right now she was in one of those situations, which were the worse situations. Those occasions were few and far between, and usually Tatsumaki didn't particularly care how the other person felt. Not that she particularly cared more than usual now of course, but she did have a hint of remorse building inside her.
There was more silence as Paullette brought the four sakis. Tatsumaki muttered a thank you before popping one open. She took a sip while keeping her eyes straight ahead and then quickly stealing glances at Mizuki. She had her jaw set tight, which made her look far more intimidating than usual, but there was still a very strong beauty to her none the less. Not only that Tatsumaki noticed the small concaves of her arms, her muscles resting and forming a beautiful physique that Tatsumaki definitely appreciated. Not to mention her reddish orange hair that rested on the back of her shoulders. Tatsumaki was noticing the droplets of rain still scattered on her biceps, which were half the size of her head, and wondered why she hadn't fully dried. Better yet maybe she could just dry her off herself. Tatsumaki's fingers twitched as she impulsively opened her hand, but she then closed her fist. What was she thinking trying to touch her that way? It was rude and she had nearly killed her just moments prior because she startled her doing the same thing. She's definitely faster than she expected. Probably due to her long legs and…
"Are you going to just stare at me all night?" Mizuki asked codly.
Tatsumaki face turned a deep shade of pink and red as she realized her quick glanced turned into a multi minute stare. She hadn't even realized Paullette had dropped a bowl of ramen in front of the two. Tatsumaki cleared her throat.
"You are still soaking wet." Tatsumaki whispered out.
"What an acute observation. I wonder why."
Tatsumaki frowned. Usually she would react with anger or sarcasm, but all she felt was guilt. She sucked in a breath.
"Hold still."
"Wait hold on a minute…" Mizuki stood up before Tatsumaki eyes began to glow.
Mizuki thought she was controlling her again and she slammed her fist on the table by accident. Tatsumaki was startled losing her focus, and both turned to the giant hole in the table.
"ACK! Sorry. Sorry! I didn't mean to. I thought she was controlling me again." Mizuki scrambled to apologize to Paullette. Saying she would pay for it immediately, and Paullette simply smiling and saying it was okay. Palores on the other hand mumbled cause Mizuki used to always break things back when she didn't know her strength, and didn't have the hero paycheck to always pay them back.
"Why would I try to control you?" Tatsumaki asked.
"Why did you control me that other time?" Mizuki shot back.
"I… You scared me. I'm not used to people touching me." Tatsumaki bit her lip.
"Well… I'm sorry." Mizuki had her eyes downcast as she whispered another apology to the S Class. Not everyone want to be touched, and she got a little to familiar with the hero.
"Here." Tatsumaki eyes began to glow. "May I dry you off?"
"Uh… Sure?" Mizuki cautiously stated with a raised brow. "But I think I can dry mysel-"
Mizuki felt the water on her skin roll off as droplets of water went up past her eyes. Tatsumaki was pooling the water directly above her head, and the patrons started clapping and taking pictures. Amazed by psychic powers in a world filled with super powered people. Tatsumaki then removed the water from her shirt, leaving it only slightly damp as it clung to Mizuki's skin. Which neither had noticed until then, and which Mizuki still did not notice. Tatsumaki however, definitely did, and was currently a deep shade of pink as she threw the remaining waiter in the nearby sink.
"Uh… Are you okay?"
"Yeah. Just uh.. Tired."
Mizuki nodded as she sat down. Tatsumaki on the other hand refused to make eye contact. She finally grew an appetite with the emotional roller coaster she had been on, and her special was looking delicious. She took a scoop of meet she realized Tatsumaki didn't have a bowl. Wait. TATASUMAKI DID NOT HAVE A BOWL! She choked on her food causing both the green haired tornado and the elderly woman to glance at her with concern. The former ready to dislodge whatever may have been in her throat.
"Are you okay?"
"Shit I am so sorry. I didn't order you anything. I was so upset and I didn't think you were coming. Back. Back I mean. Shit. What do you want to order? The shrimp ramen is good." Mizuki spattered out.
"You apologize a lot. What is this, your third?" Tatsumaki teased before instantly regretting. Mizuki face flashed with rage before her face filled with solemn guilt.
"Yeah… I have." She said before slumping down again. Tatsumaki really needed to stop, and she knew it.
"Yeah you have, and I haven't enough. I am sorry… For having you chase me in the rain, and acting the way I did. I- I didn't mean to upset you. I was just uh… Feeling you out I guess." Tatsumaki took a sip of Sake. She could go for a nice cold Soju with how much her head was spinning.
Mizuki turned to Tatsumaki. She almost asked what she said. Tatsumaki has never apologized to anyone. Well, maybe that was an exaggeration, but it was so rare she couldn't remember a time she did. Mizuki realized for her to do that, maybe Tastsumaki didn't find her as much as a hindrance as Mizuki thought. Which of course, caused Mizuki to beam much to Tatsumaki annoyance.
"Don't sweat it! I mean you did get me real worked up which is really a first for me." Tatsumaki raised a brow and Mizuki then rambled faster. "Anyway I don't mind at all. You are here now so lets make the most of it. How's the sake? I mean its sake he he he… Uh… Ramen?" She instinctively gestured toward her bowl, and then realized how weird it was to split food with someone you barely knew.
"Heh. Sorry. You probably don't want to eat after me."
"Actually I was just thinking of eating some of what you have." Tatsumaki corrected her. Her face a bit pink from the Sake.
Mizuki turned to Paullette with saucers as Paullette chuckled to herself. She gestured toward Tatsumaki basically saying "you heard the girl" before walking off. Smiling to herself. Mizuki cleared her throat. "So uh let me get you another pair of chopsticks."
Mizuki reached over the counter to grab some, and when she turned back Tatsumaki had been eating using hers. Mizuki said okay to herself as Tatsumaki took a nibble off her lamb chop. Clearly judging the quality of the food.
"Its a bit rougher than I like." Mizuki bit her lip cause it was her special and the food here was amazing… The owners knew how to cook. She opened her mouth before Tatsumaki cut her off.
"It is seasoned perfectly. Honestly chefs kiss, and I have to admit this is a bit more than I usually eat. Yet I find myself wanting the whole bowl." Tatsumaki said with a half grin. That's the first time Mizuki ever seen her smile, and even if it was for a moment, her mouth dried up while her heart audibly pounded in her ears. Mizuki started coughing, and a tipsy Tatsumaki took notice.
"Hey you didn't even drink the Sake I paid for. I am almost on my second bottle. Hurry Up." Tatsumaki stated.
Mizuki nodded before popping the cap to a strawberry sake. She took a small sip. Not sure of her tolerance since she hadn't go out drinking in a while, and even when she did she never really went overboard. Tatsumaki gave her a frown before tipping the bottle up. Causing Mizuki to choke.
"No. no. no. Has no one taking you out drinking before? Here, let me show you."
Tatsumaki raised her peach Sake to her lips and visibly took two full swigs for Mizuki to see. Mizuki nodded before following up with one, and then Tatsumaki pushed her peach sake to Mizuki's lips.
"Maybe you will like the taste of this one better. Only little bit left."
Mizuki felt a tightness in her chest. Tatsumaki breath smelled of sake, and she was so close. Her lips moist with the liquid and were only a few inches from her cheek. Mizuki took the bottle, and started drinking the last of it. Tatsumaki began yelling chug before realizing she barely left any to chug. So she opened another bottle and yelled race ya before Mizuki could even agree.
"No fair! You're cheating." Tatsumaki gave her the finger as she kept chugging. Mizuki was not one to lose a competition so she got to work on her bottle, easily catching up to Tatsumaki and eventually beating her. Drinking the liquid so fast left a trail of fire down her throat, but as an athlete she was used to chugging large quantities of water. This wasn't much different she told herself to keep her composure.
"HUH? No fair! You cheated."
"How?"
"Cause I cheated and you won." Tatsumaki pouted.
"Well maybe I just am better at swallowing." Mizuki burped out feeling a buzz catching on. The affects were probably not going to be that bad she thought.
"Definitely. Or you just used your big mouth."
"I don't have a big mouth."
"Bigger mouth than mine!" Tatsumaki teased before poking at Mizuki lips.
If Tatsumaki was embarrassed she didn't show it before she started chowing down on Mizuki's ramen. A fourth of it was gone, and Mizuki had no time to be embarrassed about her c-co worker touching her lips. She started chowing down just as much. Forgetting the gentle touch of Tatsumaki's pointer finger. As the two ate their ramen, they occasionally the two would playfully fight over a piece of meat and tell a joke here or there. Eventually with 3/4ths of the bowl finished Mizuki took the opportunity to ask for more. Tatsumaki stared at her in bewilderment.
"Jeez how many bowls are you gonna eat?"
Mizuki chuckled. "I eat at least 3 bowls whenever I come here."
"HAHA! Fat ass." Tatsumaki poked her on the cheek before lifting Mizuki's left arm.
"It probably goes straight to these strong muscles!"
Tatsumaki played with Mizuki's arm much to both of their amusement. It started tickling Mizuki a bit as she suppressed a laugh; Tatsumaki caught wind of this and started playing with her arm even more. Slightly tickling the poor girl as she struggled to contain her laughter. The two were making quite the ruckus as they were both more tipsy than they had originally anticipated. Luckily most of the patrons were older and actually found it quite amusing to see such a young couple enjoying themselves.
"S-S-S hehe Speaking of your muscles, how did you even get them?"
"Well when we are born Tatsumaki we have these things called DNA and-"
"Oh har har." Tatsumaki stated with an eye roll. Mizuki laughed to her annoyance.
"Seriously. I am asking about your life."
"Well if it wasn't obvious I used to do track and field. I actually was champion you know?" Mizuki grinned as she bent her left elbow and flexed her biceps to make a muscle. Tatsumaki rolled her eyes before clapping and going ooo. Mizuku grinned from ear to ear making Tatsumaki smirk to herself. Mizuki was just one big goofball with a big grin. Paulette brought Mizuki her 2nd special, and Mizuki thanked her. As she stared into the liquid Mizuki slowly went back into her thoughts.
"Honestly, I loved it. The competition, the sport itself, the wind. Oh God I can remember how it felt the first time I seriously pushed myself on a 100 yard dash. How my coaches and team members cheered me on. 'YOU CAN DO IT MIZUKIIII!' I'll never forget it. It's one of my greatest passions. Running I mean."
Mizuki stole a quick glance at Tatsumaki to see if she was still paying attention. To her surprise, Tatsumaki had her head propped up onto her hand, and dutifuly paying attention to every word coming out of the orange haired woman's mouth.
"So yeah I just grew strong from that, but then I saw the heroes. You, Atomic Samurai, and Superalloy Darkshine. How whenever there was trouble you guys flew in and saved the day. How everyone appreciated you and cheered you on."
"Ah so you became a hero for the attention." Tatsumaki nodded to herself.
"NO! That's no it at all." Mizuki fully turned to Tatsumaki and opened her mouth in shock. Only for her to blush at how gullible she was to Tatsumaki's obvious bait.
"Even if that was the reason I wouldn't fully blame you. Plenty of people become heroes for the attention. Especially since it's a full time job with descent enough pay."
"Yeah, but that's not the best reason for it. I mean no judgment, but that just feels hollow. That can't be the only reason to become a hero. Sure I love the attention, but the reason I became a hero was the sense of helping others in a way not many could. I knew I was strong, fast, and I had worked on many teams before. It took a team to make me champion. I took a team when I did those relay races. It takes a team to save the world, and I wanted to be a part of that team. To be fair it was a little disappointing to see that the hero association was so divided, and the S class rarely work together. Not that I am criticizing you…"
"Mhm." Tatsumaki gave her a sideways glance while taking another sip.
"Actually…" Mizuki played with her hair. "I am criticizing the association and the heroes a bit. When's the last time you guys worked together ignoring that giant alien threat? So much more can be achieved, and that is part of the reason I want to become S-Class. My goal is to help as many people as possible, and I know that together we can do it."
Mizuki nodded to herself before looking at Tatsumaki for her thoughts; simultaneously grabbing a large lamb chop for her to shove in her mouth. Tatsumaki pondered Mizuki's statements to herself, but really she couldn't think like that. There are many reasons she operates best solo. Mizuki did make her yearn a little bit for her dream, but that's not reality. God this woman really does know how to bring the optimism out of someone.
"So is that why you also help those kids?" Tatsumaki took a sip before realizing she was out. She put up two fingers to Ms. Paulette, which would have been seen as rude if she wasnt an S-Class and didn't instantly put the money down for it. She then looked at Mizuki and instead put up four fingers and some more cash. She thanked Ms. Paulette when she put them down within seconds, and gave her a big ol grin.
"Um... I mean yeah, but I really just found the charity organization. They reached out to me to do some charity work cause I used to do them back when I was a track star. I also just so happen to be in the local neighborhood a lot, and got to know the kids pretty well. I know a bunch of kids from across several cities, and a lot of them need some help in some way, shape or form."
Tatsumaki nodded. She was thinking about stuff she was not necessarily thrilled to think about. Her childhood being the primary one. Mizuki sensed this, but wasn't sure how to proceed. So she decided to change the subject a little bit.
"What about you? What made you want to be a hero?" Mizuki asked as cooly as possible. Taking a sip of sake trying to hide her own excitement.
"Lots of things." Tatsumaki brought the bowl to her lips and drank the broth.
"C'mon a bit deeper than that. I feel like I just explained my entire life story to you."
"Who told you to do that?"
"Tatsumakii!" Mizuki pouted with a strong blush. Honestly she reminded Tatsumaki of a child; more specifically the way she whined it reminded her of her little sister. Yet those purple eyes seem to bore into her soul just like Fubuki, and the way she pouted. Damn it all! She growled to herself as she couldn't say no to that cute face.
"Fine. There really were a lot of reasons. Partly due to my… upbringing, but in large part it was due to my desire to protect my sister. This world is cruel, and there are a lot of sick people that prey on the weak and suffering. I just want to make sure my sister doesn't have to live in a world like that, and if that can not happen, then she needs to be strong enough to face it." Tatsumaki decided to finish her bowl of soup.
Fubuki, the Blizzard of Hell, Mizuki remembered. A bit shorter than her and she ran her own little group. Honestly you would think being in the same class as her the two would interact more but they honestly rarely ever do. A testament to what Mizuki was saying earlier. She gave off this intensity that mimicked her older sister, but honestly it lacked something. Like she was doing it out of necessity to live up to some ideal or something. It didn't seem genuine. Tatsumaki did seem to genuinely be cold however and she was… mostly wrong about her so she could be wrong about Fubuki. She would have to find out some other time.
"I.. I can respect that. Your sister definitely admires you from what I have seen."
"Maybe. Don't really care if she does or doesn't. I just need to be the best to make sure she can be her best. Whether it is being a hero, or just being her. I just want to protect her."
Tatsumaki paused. Observing the atmosphere. It was getting kinda late. She noticed most but not all the patrons had left. She guess it was getting about that time. She truly enjoyed herself. Mizuki wasn't bad company. Speaking of, she looked over at her companion. She just finished her bowl, and was currently cleaning up her area. Honestly it has been a long time since Tatsumaki intimately spoke with someone like this. She wanted more, but she just didn't know how to ask. Unbeknownst to herself, she made a decision to try something anyway.
"Those kids… I didn't want them to be sad. So that is why I got them the toys. I figured they would want something to play with. When they didn't seem satisfied I got them blankets instead. Most of them appreciated that more, but one or two of them simply liked the toys. Especially this one boy that liked a pink car."
Mizuki softly laughed. She was beautiful.
"I am just impressed by your dedication and kindness." Tatsumaki admitted.
"Stop, don't make me blush." Mizuki stated despite being very much tipsy and very red in the face.
"I guess its time to go. From the look of things."
"Yeah." Mizuki waved over Ms. Paullette whom rushed over.
"Was everything to you two's liking?"
"Of Course! Why would you ask such a thing!" Mizuki blurted out to receive a scolding look from the owner.
"Of course you would say that dear. I am asking Tatsumaki-san."
Tatsumaki was pondering for a moment. Resisting the impulse to tease.
"It was delicious. Of course my friend here ordered too much food, but I greatly appreciate your hospitality." Tatsumaki got up and pushed her seat in.
"I'll make sure to come back, and maybe bring my sister and her friends."
Ms. Paullette nearly fainted as Tatsumaki began flying towards the exit. She stood by it waiting for Mizuki to say farewell to the woman. Mizuki paid her dues, and before she could hop off Ms. Paulette grabbed her by the arm.
"Make sure not to have too much fun." Mizuki blushed and hushed the woman before following Tatsumaki outside. It was no longer raining as the pair stood outside the ramen shop. The full moon was out, and Mizuki watched as the esper hair seemed to faintly glow in the moonlight. The short terror stretched with a full belly, and smiled back at Mizuki.
"That was admittedly fun."
"Yeah." Mizuki didn't know what to say, or do. She didn't really want the night to end, but it was probably rude to keep Tatsumaki out all night.
"So I guess I'll see you at work. Maybe we can hang out again sometime?!" Mizuki cheerily asked.
"Hmm. Well. I mean sure. Why not?" Tatsumaki said trying to hide her disappointment.
"Well Uh See you around!" Mizuki stuck out her hand. Tatsumaki raised a brow before taking it. After an awkward handshake Mizuki impulsively reached out for a hug which Tatsumaki didn't return. Instead trying not to freak out as the larger woman's bust pressed against her face. Tatsumaki squirmed so Mizuki would let go.
"It was great seeing you! Bye. I would love to continue but I mean y-you probably got work and stuff. BYE!" Tatsumaki brain fried before she nervously began flying off. Mizuki sighed before turning around. She saw Ms. Paulette and Mr. Palores staring at her in bewilderment. Before they both shook their hands in the air in a frantic motion. Mizuki realized that she didn't have to end the night there, and she was making a huge mistake. She nodded to both of them as she turned to start sprinting toward the briskly flying esper.
"TATSUMAKI!" Mizuki called out. The woman was far out, but she apparently heard her. Having spun around and angrily yelling at her to be quiet. The neighborhood was sleeping for the most part, and hearing the two loudly bicker did not help anyone trying to sleep. An old man stuck his head out to yell, but quickly turned around to go to sleep once he realized who was yelling. Mizuki skipped quickly to Tatsumaki who was three blocks down.
"Why are you yelling?" Tatsumaki stated flying down to be only a few feet higher than Mizuki.
"I just. I uh…" Mizuki lost her nerve, but staring at Tatsumaki she realized she only had one shot. Why not now with a fully belly of Sake to rile her up? She never backed down from a challenge.
"Tatsumaki I really had an amazing night. I don't know if you want to end it like that, but I don't. So I was wondering if you wanted to come home with me tonight?"
Mizuki asked staring Tatsumaki in the eyes. Purple matching green. Tatsumaki blushed at the blunt question, but she devilishly smiled. Looks like little Miss Track Star was bolder than she gave her credit for.
"Okay hotshot. Let's see what you got."
Mizuki beamed with glee. She spun around while grabbing Tatsumaki by the hand, and sprinted towards her place. Not too fast that it would dislocate her arm (she did that once to someone by mistake), but she couldn't wait. Tatsumaki was telling her to slow down, but she was not listening, and so Tatsumaki lifted Mizuki up. Mizuki legs were turning in the air before she slowly turned to a very agitated Tatsumaki.
"Do that again, and I am leaving."
"He. Sorry. Just a little excited."
Tatsumaki grumbled before telling Mizuki to point her in the right direction. The two flew through the air as they reached about 5-6 stories high. Mizuki had never seen the town this high up, and she couldn't help but smiling and laughing. She spread her arms and legs out like some stereotypical super hero, and felt the wind blow through her hair. She pointed out some of her favorite basketball courts, and a track she used to run on. Tatsumaki nodded as she focused on not dropping the girl in her drunken state, but also couldn't help to notice her beautiful her purple eyes were. Every time Mizuki turned to look at her, her eyes reflected the night back at her from this beautiful purple void. Similar to those galaxies you see in those space movies. Not only that her smile really did cause Tatsumaki to bite her lip, and she realized just how much she wanted her to do something else besides the talking.
Eventually the two reached Mizuki's home. Mizuki place wasn't the most luxurious place, but it was a nice spot. Tatsumaki gently set the pair down at the entrance. Mizuki fumbled with her keys before ushering Tatsumaki in. Both girls entered her living room, and Mizuki could only nervously smile. Shit. She had not cleaned (not that it was really that dirty), but she also had no idea what to do now she got the woman home.
"I uh… Got some food."
"We just ate."
"Yeah. Sorry I just… I didn't really plan this far ahead." Mizuki nervously looked around. Her newfound will power failing her.
"I just really liked hanging out with you, and you were just amazing. I seriously like the whole vibe and I uh kinda liked you – your looks." Tatsumaki raised a bow.
"I mean your outfit. I- No I mean I did like your looks. You hair really pretty, and your eyes are very sh-shurp. Shit I hate drinking it makes me stutter. I mean I just like. Fuck it I like you." Mizuki spattered out. She was tired of beating around the bush. She was never scared to admit her feelings before, so why now all of a sudden? Tatsumaki remained silent as she stood there staring back at her. Mizuki swallowed before nodding to herself, and deciding to come clean.
"Tatsumaki, I have a crush on you. I really like you and I hope you might like me. I-" Tatsumaki flew up to Mizuki and grabbed her cheeks.
"Shut up." Mizuki felt Tatsumaki's warm lips press against hers, and everything else faded away except Tatsumaki.
AN:
I am baaacckkk. First off I forgot to post Chapter 2 Last December. I posted it on Archive but not here so SORRY! Anyway Here's the rest of the message I posted on Archive: I would like to apologize for the long wait as I had to take a break. I got a horrible job and was severely overworked. I had about 1,000 words done when I posted the last chapter, and I just finished this one last night. For those of you screaming… WHERE IS THE SMUT CRAZYER? The fuck? The next chapter will have the steamy smut in it I swear. I know I usually don't go and write so long with no sex, but these two deserve their whole story to know. Beyond that I am getting a writing schedule for the first time in my like decade of writing fics on and off. A mix of burst jams and some long stories like this so if you have some requests for a short fic dm me. Also if there are any errors in spelling or grammar correct me. I reread it once just to proof read, but I am a dumbass sooo yeah. Plus I am learning 3D Modeling so hopefully I can make some steamy pictures of our favorite girls. So be on the look out for that.
Side note, do you guys know that cheer is not spelled like chear, and according to wikipedia chear is an outdated spelling of the word? SINCE WHEN? I feel stupid.
On a final note, Tatsumaki is my favorite one punch man character and Mizuki is also fun too. If you want more of the two pixelperry made an animation of them a while ago (last year around the summer I THINK). Anyway I'm going to have to see your psychos later as I gotta play some games. It took me an hour and a half to write 3k words. (I already had 1k to start off with).
-Crazyer