Tornadoes For Sighs

-Chapter 16-
In Kindness

CHAOS SURROUNDED THEM BUT TATSUMAKI DIDN'T CARE.

Tatsumaki was annoyed with herself, Aimi and Dr. Gray. Why did he care about Aimi? He needed quality control. Grrr! Fuck Aimi and all that she stood for.

God, Tatsumaki never got jealous! She had everything she wanted but him…

Meanwhile, screams rose to the ceiling, people scattered like mice while the world imploded. Tatsumaki stood still. None of this external chaos compared to the one toiling in her chest.

How could she deal with this monster? It was on fire. The heat wasn't unbearable but the citizens were in danger. The monster struggled against the telekinetic boundary Tatsumaki put up but she had trouble with the fire! She wasn't a firefighter. Fires never happened during her fights. Tatsumaki was an expert hero! S-Class! Chaos never got this extreme during her scrimmages.

Blowing out the fire would cause dust to fly everywhere, essentially creating a bomb. More oxygen would feed the flames because fire only needs oxygen to grow. There's a reason the world hasn't blown up yet, not enough oxygen in the atmosphere.

Beyond the screams, there was laughter she recognized along with the lighter fluid smell. Why did she know this sinister laughter?

What the hell? The Mysterious Being was the bitch who got away because Tatsumaki chose to save little Zenko. This monster attacked because of Tatsumaki. How did he know that Tatsumaki was here?

And Dr. Gray was probably going to save Aimi. Grrr! Whatever. She'll just save everyone and kick him to the curb because that bitch was— Dr. Gray casually strolled up to her, hands dug into his pockets.

Why wasn't he beside Aimi? Why was he beside Tatsumaki, at odds of what to do?

Flames painted yellow and red on his bald head. "Yo. Everything's on fire."

Tatsumaki tore her eyes away, blinking away her shock. "Your super sniffer told you that?"

"What are you planning—"

"Why didn't you help Aimi?" Tatsumaki blurted then winced.

Okay, okay, Tatsumaki knew it was wrong but she needed to know, even if they had to save people. It'll clear her mind and she'll focus.

"She's helping civilians escape."

"Oh. Cute. And you want to bother me instead?" Tatsumaki stood taller, feeling marginally better. "I'm trying to help people here."

"If I punch, there won't be a studio anymore. 'S not a good option."

True. If he killed the monster then this studio and half the block will be wiped. She didn't want to see his face right now. Something cold and achy built in her chest and looking at him didn't help very much.

"Go watch Aimi and the people," Tatsumaki pranced past him, turning to look at him. "You need to worry about Aimi—"

Heat zoomed by her side, scorching on half and freezing the other side cold. When the dizziness subsided, Dr. Gray held her arms to steady her.

The Mysterious Being threw a flaming ball of studio infrastructure in Tatsumaki's direction… from behind her. She didn't even see it. He's stressing Tatsumaki out because he saved her again.

Tatsumaki held her battering heart. She's gonna die, being this startled will kill her. He interposed himself between Tatsumaki and the danger.

"Hey, you're fine," he said, trying to reassure her.

"I'm fine?"

"Uh, when aren't you?" he joked.

Tatsumaki stuck her tongue out instead of thanking him. "Grab me like that and you're gonna feel really bad when I get a heart attack."

She was fine. Thanks to Dr. Gray. She hated that. She didn't need people saving her.

Tatsumaki shoved him away, his fingerprints were starting to burn. "Whatever."

"Watch out for yourself for me, 'kay?"

"Yeah whatever," she said flatly. "It's getting hot."

"Don't sweat it—"

"I glow. Fuck off," She glared and ran off. He had a way of drawing her in and making her stay. It was pathetic and weak.

Destroying the Mysterious Being was the only thing she wanted to do. Executing that plan was harder than she thought.

It was a blur, killing the Mysterious Being. There was a beautiful tornado of pain and red… but it wasn't interesting. She was more focused on people getting out without a ceiling caving in. Also, hoping Aimi didn't save too many people compared to her.

Going all out was fun but not appropriate here. She wanted to go all out for once…

Later on, the fires were out. Everyone survived. People had minor injuries but were more concerned about items left behind in the studio. The staff and the host were upset over the expensive tech equipment that was a pile of hot plastic.

Zombieman and Amai Mask were gone. The monster teamed up and a partner attacked another part of the city. They were taking care of it.

Outside, people gripped over the damages the Mysterious Being left behind. Reporters, ambulances with security blankets and fire trucks crawled in the streets, weaving around crowds and cameras.

Tatsumaki had to write a report and Dr. Gray stood beside her for no reason. He looked… completely numb and she was afraid she had the same dull expression.

This wasn't dangerous. She felt like shit, belittling all of these people who were so, so scared. She had years of nonchalance under her belt. Tatsumaki felt no immediate danger, ever.

Maybe a shrink visit will help. Sort of. Not that she'd trust them with her trauma. They would run to the media for a quick buck. It happened to Superalloy Darkshine. Poor dude.

"You sensitive about your eternal hair loss?" she asked Dr. Gray. "Sensitive enough to cry?"

"Sensitive?" he repeated. "What brought this up?"

"People are willing to cry over the weirdest stuff." Tatsumaki pointed at the crowd that they watched.

People called their loved ones. People slobbered over the microphones pushed into their faces to retell the daunting experience.

Outside, show-goers stood away from the soggy studio, floundering to hold each other. That's what was on her mind, not the praises… just how strangers were comforting each other. It just flustered her sometimes.

She felt nothing about it but they didn't. She shouldn't give people more to worry about… She preyed on insecurities. People could get attacked for no reason. Tatsumaki shouldn't take her life for granted. She couldn't take people for granted.

Do I have pachinko balls for eyes? People are all we've got as humans, Tatsumaki told herself.

Tatsumaki cleared her throat. "We're never in danger but we're… human. We should be… kind and feel get sensitive, right?"

"You asking me if I'm human?" he asked sardonically.

Tatsumaki crossed her arms. He's such a thud yet Tatsumaki didn't want to hurt… him or make him more sensitive. No more mean names… like baldy. It was a pretty horrible insult to hang on someone with a bald head. His name was… Saitama, not egghead, not Dr. Gray— just Saitama. She could disappear one day without saying that name out loud. Saitama is always safe.

"No…" Tatsumaki said. "They don't know each other. At all. And they're all helping each other. And touching each other."

"Y'know Zuzu, sometimes… people just want to be held," Saitama said ambiently.

Something warm twists in her stomach and she watched him, entranced.

"What… What else do you think… people want… me to know?" Tatsumaki's voice was barely a breath.

Saitama met her eyes. She expects a violent verbal beat down, something intense because she's intense about everything. That never comes.

"Protect others because they're important, not because they're weak," he said with a small chuckle and she actually understood.

Yeah… Yeah. Tatsumaki felt something give. How was it that the thoughtless Saitama made her think more? She… was glad she found him even if they couldn't hold hands.

"Woah. You're pretty… noble…" Her voice wobbled. "S-Sait—"

"You just said something that wasn't a self-compliment, an insult or just mean. Congrats." he clapped heartily.

Tatsumaki had a sour look. He just interrupted her… saying his name? "Do not talk when I'm talking. I'll extend you the same courtesy," she snapped. He just inadvertently saved her.

"You would?" asked Saitama dubiously.

Tatsumaki thought about it and a laugh bubbled out of her. "No. I really wouldn't, dweeb."

"You're hopeless—"

"I know!" she laughed again.

He seemed slightly amused. Their shoulders brush and it was so hot on her face, they're standing so close and the heat won't stop. Her dress was all airy and rippled like flower petals. Why did she have to heat up?

Tatsumaki knows what the true feeling dwelling inside has been. It's close to pleasant. She liked feeling pleasant. She didn't want him to go and see Cyborg. Saitama probably forgot, too. She didn't want him to remember. Stay, here, with Tatsumaki.

Tatsumaki wanted to eat ice cream, in a dimly lit restaurant, watching his eyes sparkle in the dappled light. She knew a place with neon lights that burned with nostalgia and comfortable chairs with torn velvet. He'd like it.

"I want a Garigari popsicle. You owe me one." Tatsumaki grabbed his sweater sleeve and tugged. Hard. "Let's go."

"Zuzu, I won't do that— Stop tugging. You'll kill my sweater," he warned, trying to shake her off.

"It needs a good resurrection." she shrugged. "If you take me out to ice cream, today's transgressions will all be forgotten. You were a dick. Short and simple. I need retribution."

Saitama's expression softened. "Yeah. Yeah."

Tatsumaki smiled. "You are back in my good graces." she cheered.

"I was in the first place?" He winced.

"Of course." Tatsumaki stared at him for a little, doubt on her mind but blankness on her face. "You know… you can't forget about me because of her…" she told him.

I don't think I can deal with that sort of pain, Tatsumaki sighed. I don't want to feel that on the way home today.

"Oh?" His slender brows raised, eyes searching hers.

"Positive. I'm leaving your name in the annals of history and… I believe in it… loyalty." Tatsumaki couldn't make an excuse. "Just don't. We'll be fine."

Saitama swallowed, the bold request hanging like notes in the air around them. She knows she shouldn't have asked or cared but she just wanted that. She never liked holding back when she wanted something.

"Sure," he said at last. "It's hot."

"Of course, you'd come alone! It's a deal." Tatsumaki brightened, ease uncurling her organs. "Let's get the ice cream, you owe me—"

"Hey! Sai, I was trying to find you. I looked everywhere. Thank god I caught you! You're safe!" A mellifluous voice of the lovely Aimi said.

Aimi crowded them and all but threw herself at Saitama. She looked less than perfect. She was dirty, streaks of charcoal on her face. She looked like she helped someone.

Tatsumaki's clothes were pristine. Not a smudge anywhere. It's not like she could saddle up to Saitama and grab both of his arms and hug him. Aimi was checking if he was alright, not committing bodily assault.

It still felt the same.

"I thought something happened to you! I don't know why you were so close to the danger scene. I get Tornado of Terror but you could get hurt. What were you thinking?" demanded Aimi.

Aimi hugged him again. Tatsumaki struggled to not whack Aimi over the head and dump the contents of Aimi's bag on the floor.

Strange enough, the joy on Saitama's face dimmed as Aimi ranted about how unsafe he'd be. Something bitter and longstanding morphed onto his affable expression. He… looked offended. The only reason she knew this was because she offended him plenty.

This time, it wasn't Tatsumaki's fault. Aimi was the aggressor.

"Kindly halt." Tatsumaki rolled her eyes. "Hey, hey, he doesn't need a physical checkup. You shouldn't be so worried. He's totally defenceless," Tatsumaki drawled sarcastically.

Aimi patted his shoulder, eyes big and concerned. "Yeah."

Saitama wasn't… a thing Aimi could rub upon. He wasn't a dildo. He wasn't her dildo… unless they've slept together and— God. Stop thinking of that, Tatsumaki! She kept her angry thoughts away from her face.

"Right. He likes to play "hero". It's cute but dangerous," Aimi rushed out. "I mean, he's even marrying a hero. Silly guy. It's not like this back home."

"Yeah, you remember, we're engaged," Tatsumaki said harshly, pulling Saitama to her side forcefully.

Surprisingly, he went behind Tatsumaki, using her as a shield. Tatsumaki was petite, not small, but he kinda slouched behind her.

"I don't know. I really like you heroes keeping non-heroes safe." Aimi smiled graciously. "Besides Saitama," she added.

"You don't think he's a hero?" Tatsumaki asked incredulously.

"No way, he's not. As far as I know, he bounces between Beanos or his mom's restaurant."

Indignantly, Tatsumaki stared at Aimi. So was Aimi a total bonehead or was Tatsumaki missing something?

Aimi acted like Saitama wasn't strong… like Saitama wasn't a hero. If Aimi didn't know he was a struggling, poor hero and freaking indestructible… what else did he hide from Aimi?

A sharp triumph built in her chest. Tatsumaki knew. Aimi didn't.

Tatsumaki: one

Aimi: zero

"Interesting." Tatsumaki swung her gaze to Saitama. "Very interesting."

He shook his head, pleading with his eyes. Aimi genuinely knew nothing. Saitama wanted it like that.

She was about to sing praises but he didn't tell his family or whatever Aimi was. Tatsumaki thought he grew up in a normal house where they had a movie night and most of the familial arguments were over movie selections. Guess not. He had his problems too.

Tatsumaki was a whole different story. Everyone and their mother knew she was a hero; she lived in the news and magazines.

Why didn't he just tell his family? People loved to brag about taking the hero exams. It was a badge of honour to attempt. Did his family not agree—

"Sai-kun— hey, can you help me move some of the water bottle boxes? It's a lot of lifting. People still want to meet you and your help would be phenomenal. I know you like helping people after monster attacks." Aimi beamed.

He was silent for a few moments, a pensive expression on his face. "Zuzu could help." he turned to Tatsumaki. "Right?"

Wrong. What's this delegating stunt he's pulling? But his eyes insisted.

Aimi smiled, clapping her hands together, minding the bag that hung at her side. "Great! It's so nice to talk to a celebrity outside of the television box. We'll stick close, learn a bit more about each other! You'll be a part of the family, we'll be like sisters."

Learn about Aimi? Pass. Become sisters with someone other than Fubuki? Double pass. Observe "Sai-kun" getting all hot and bothered? Triple fucking pass!

Was he trying to show Aimi off to Tatsumaki? Fuck that. Why would he volunteer her? What a load of shit!

"Y'know, I just checked my schedule," Saitama sounded apologetic. "We've got some ice cream to get. Don't tell them I saw you."

Aimi waved that suggestion away. "Aw, don't be silly. Maybe I should call aunty and uncle, tell them we're here. They'll want to see you and—"

He sucked in a breath of air. "They don't."

"They want to." Aimi insisted. "If you just called then you'd know—"

"I don't have a phone."

"That's fine. Email. They read them more than the bible."

"I don't type." he shrugged. What a fucking lame excuse.

"Sai-kun," Aimi got frustrated, a little plea creeping in her tone. "We all want to see you. Not just aunty and uncle."

Unexpectedly, Tatsumaki felt bad for Aimi. Tatsumaki forgot just how obstinate and intransigent Saitama could be. He was a real ass about it. If he wanted to be a mountain, he could do so. Huh. Good to know. He could be a tool to other people as well.

Looks like Saitama would rather slice his hand open rather than see his parents. Tatsumaki's head spun with questions and jealousy. Since when did Saitama like being touched?

"Aunty and uncle?" Tatsumaki asked.

"Sai's parents." Aimi supplied easily.

"So you're related to him?"

"No, no. I'm a neighbour." Aimi laughed. "We're all really close."

"I can see that," Tatsumaki said flatly.

Aimi perked up and turned to Saitama. "Oh yeah, they knew that I was coming, so aunty sent over some of her famous okonomiyaki and omurice. I made the cabbage salad. I wasn't sure if I'd be able to give you some but it's from home and—"

"It's fresh?" he asked cautiously.

"Yes," Aimi grinned.

He leapt for the bag she held.

Damn this. They looked like a couple. His eyes lit up and he was… open. Tatsumaki wanted to bottle him up more than ever but… she couldn't.

"Hey guys," Tatsumaki piped up, waving her hands. "You guys do all the lifting. I… My knees don't have enough cartilage."

Aimi and Saitama (surprisingly) looked ready to protest. She beat them to it.

"You guys need to talk and catch up. I don't want to intervene. I'm… I'm sure people need me to do interviews and... Yeah." She ran.

Tatsumaki: one

Aimi: Infinity

###

Tatsumaki didn't like running but she also didn't like herself around Aimi or… Saitama… Tatsumaki latched on to someone and stayed there until it was impossible to hold on. But she ran away from the scene and got herself a Garigari-kun ice popsicle. These were her childhood treats. It's crunchy and a reasonable refreshment for this heat.

Tatsumaki sucked hard. The world of Tatsumaki had two speeds: melodramatic and slow. She laid down on this building ledge, in the shadier part of City A with lots of alleyways and trash.

Tatsumaki didn't get Garigari-kun ice popsicles unless she was emotional. Tatsumaki heard the sound of nostalgia today; Saitama saying Aimi's name.

Saitama confused Tatsumaki. One minute he's all distant and upset the next he's begging her to get close to Aimi. Was he in love with Aimi? Was Saitama… Aimi's dildo for life?

Does Saitama remind Aimi she was beautiful? Aimi was so tall, beautiful, genuinely caring. Beautiful people had everything. Argh.

Atlas used to say tracing the kanji for 'person' in her hand would abate any fears and her nerves will go away. She closed her eyes. Person. Person. Perso—

"Leave me alone! You can't take me! We have eyes everywhere. We'll get you and you'll never abort our work. It's too important!" A high, mousy voice insisted.

"Shut up. I'm being kind. I'm only kidnapping you." A familiar voice groused.

Tatsumaki perked up, peered over the ledge and grimaced. Seriously? It was Flashy Flash and some scientist, who shrunk into himself, snivelling and begging.

Flashy Flash's cape flapped and his silver sword glinted with lethal intent. The scientist was cornered. Why the hell is Flashy Flash targeting a random person? Tatsumaki wouldn't do that… anymore.

Flashy Flash grimaced. "Life is strung together by secrets. Eventually, they unravel. I could cut you open. I wonder, will Raegan's guts untangle the same way?"

Tatsumaki's hand opened. Why were they talking about the Alis Association? Her popsicle landed beside Flashy Flash who cursed. Startled, the scientist howled as if he were burned.

Her Garigari-kun! Damn it. She didn't mean to drop it. Shit!

Flashy Flash glared after he instantly located Tatsumaki. "Of all places, you need to come here? I tolerated your presence but you wouldn't shut up long enough."

"Aren't you interrupting me living my life? Why are you targeting randos and saying His name?" Tatsumaki hissed, freaked out that he knew she was there.

Flashy Flash's smile sharpened and his eyes brightened with mischief. "He's our enemy."

Cold grasped her heart. The mousy scientists were in the Alis Association, the organization that tortured Tatsumaki.

"Ah, he is," Tatsumaki steeled herself. "Am I invited?"

The scientist's lower lip wobbled. "I-Invited? What's wrong with you people?! You're both insane! You'll never find your partner!" The scientist shrieked and made a break for it.

Tatsumaki dragged the garbage bin in front of the guy's exit and jumped down, to her fallen popsicle. The slush pile was already melting. She could fry an egg in this alley.

Flashy Flash stepped in front of the scientist. His hand smacked across the scientist's temple. The scientist crumpled onto the hard concrete.

Flashy Flash didn't catch him. Rude. If Flashy Flash wanted a hostage, he needed a live one. Tatsumaki crouched and watched the slumbering scientist in an unflattering position. The scientist's bruise was already huge.

Tatsumaki frowned. "I can't even grieve in peace."

Flashy Flash shot her an impassive look. "Go away. Now."

"What! Shove off!" Tatsumaki growled. "You killed my popsicle! Do you know how long it took to get it? People kept on asking for signatures and pictures and one girl wanted me to sign her tits. I couldn't help but notice how I could never get a signature there! Devastation."

Flashy Flash's eyes wandered to the scientist. He rolled the unconscious fiend over with a violent kick.

"Thrilling." he hummed, completely disinterested.

"And you're in my turf, making trouble for me. What's up with you?"

"Hm." Flashy Flash drew his sword, breath even and eyes fixed on the scientist's pulse…

This was the first time he didn't have enough spitting fire to chastise Tatsumaki.

Flashy Flash didn't answer.

Tatsumaki knew that look. She had it when encountering her next kill. Despite only feeling alive when she spills monster guts, she didn't like killing people. Too many people were killed in captivity. She had fierce albeit hidden respect for preserving human life. Tatsumaki wasn't a monster.

Tatsumaki slid in front of the scientist, threats on the tip of her tongue. "You can't kill him. He's human and human trash but human. Let the police or our association deal with him. Don't kill him. Snap out of it. Now."

"Don't trust the Hero Association this much. They're much more involved with our enemy than you think," Flashy Flash told her.

Tatsumaki's green glow flared. "Don't kill him. He needs to talk."

"What makes you think he'll talk?" Flashy Flash scoffed.

"Yeah it would've been difficult, but you knocked him out like a genius and his face is swollen. Now he's probably swallowing his teeth and you thought he'd answer you?! You just kidnapped him, after that gross misconduct, young fucking —"

"I get it! Stop rambling, I understand." he droned.

"Unprofessional fuck! You could make enemies talk, I make them sing. Without death." Tatsumaki repeated. "I don't want to fight you on this but I will. We're not God. We don't decide who dies."

Flashy Flash grimaced but stepped back and the electricity in the air fell away. Tatsumaki cleared her throat and looked away. She can't believe she stood up for this garbage bag's life. She shook her head. She did the right thing… Right?

Flashy Flash's arms were wires, he breathed rapidly and his body was tense.

"This idiot doesn't seem to be the first one who's been body checked. What are you up to?" Tatsumaki asked. "I wouldn't believe you if you said this wasn't personal. What the hell was this idiot saying about you finding someone?"

Flashy Flash stiffened. "You wouldn't understand," he said dismissively.

"Tell that crap to someone who'd eat it. You said Fubuki's school wasn't safe. What do you know, this scientist was a freaking kilometre away from her Academy. Spill." she growled.

Flashy Flash's eyes darkened and his guard lowered. "Someone important to me…" he started, "is missing. The Alis Association had her once and now they won't return her to me."

Tatsumaki hesitated. "I know what it's like to look for a lost person and be… cooped up. It sucks."

He tsked. "It does. I'm not going to allow more people to get taken off the streets. We'll notice. Children with peculiarities are being stalked or kidnapped by Alis. It's been happening forever but they stole the wrong person. There's a problem."

Tatsumaki couldn't help but imagine Zenko's face, terrified because some bastard grabbing at the kid. Badd and Zenko shouldn't have to worry about being special. They should embrace it, not hide it. That's one of the reasons Tatsumaki and Fubuki made the academy. She didn't want kids to be… unsafe like she was.

Tatsumaki doesn't want anything to do with her nightmares but… Alis Association is still a problem, 20 years after she got captured. There is a problem and she wants to be a part of the solution.

Fuck Sitch for benching her for two weeks. If they won't give her work, she'll make up her own missions.

"I'll help you," Tatsumaki declared.

"What?"

"What, your ears plugged? I'll help you. I can't have people going missing in my city and they're creeping on my sister's academy. I don't want someone to go through what happened to me. Let's get this son of a bitch." she clapped her hands together. "Complaining isn't enough in heroism."

Flashy Flash was surprised. "Tornado of Terror—"

"Buy me a Garigari-kun popsicle at the nearest convenience store, sparkie," Tatsumaki smirked, a warmth spreading in her chest.

He growled at her. "Don't call me that!"

Twenty minutes later, Flashy Flash returned with two popsicles. One for him and her. She stayed with the scientist, who woke up after Flashy Flash left. She suspected that the scientist was awake for the entire conversation. Flashy Flash tied him up when he returned with rope.

Anyhow, Tatsumaki laughed into the popsicle wrapper. She never expected to devour a treat with Flashy Flash glaring at her.

"Your ever-so highly regarded husband should do this for you." Flashy Flash glared, gesturing to their popsicles.

"He's busy." Tatsumaki smacked her lips. "My popsicle dropped on the floor because of you." she laughed. "Pay up, boy."

His mouth formed a line. "You are a fucking demanding child."

"You're just mad you can't meet my demands." Tatsumaki blew a playful kiss. "Get over it."

"Are you sure you compensate for your height with aggression yet regress with your child-like personality and whims?" he suggested.

Tatsumaki shoved his arm. "I will beat the shit out of you and your city and cut your hair."

"I'm right."

The silence went on as the unhappy scientist watched them snacking. Tatsumaki wondered if she could take Zenko and Badd to a popular sakura-viewing place. They could have a lot of fun. Saitama doesn't have to be there. She would like it… but she doesn't like what he does to her chest.

What would his chest feel like? He's built— like even more than TankTop Master. She didn't think anyone could beat him. She just wanted to watch him do push-ups and carry stuff.

Why doesn't he wear tank tops?

"I'm shocked that Zombieman's face isn't splashed across the magazines. You're his dream girl." Flashy Flash said, drawing her out of her thoughts.

"The hell?" she scowled, nearly deepthroating her popsicle from shock.

Flashy Flash clicked his tongue. "He doesn't say that… however, we all assumed it would be him."

"Think more," Tatsumaki shrugged, wondering who the 'we' was in this setting. "You ever getting married? Lecturing me about my marriage and my life, you should have some premise to torture me."

Flashy Flash stood taller, puffing his chest. "I'm married but we are at odds."

"You? Married," Tatsumaki's eyes widened. "What are they like?"

"We try to kill each other. Actively."

"Totally domestic, huh." Tatsumaki snorted. "And you're still married?"

He nodded stiffly, unforthcoming with the info. Tatsumaki didn't want to hear it and he didn't offer to. The sweetness dripping off her tongue was so cool it burned her tongue.

She held up her popsicle higher, waving it. "My husband is supposed to be getting me popsicles too but look who isn't here."

"Ah," he said.

Flashy Flash understood that both of them had problems with their significant others. Tatsumaki wouldn't shame him on that because she knows how shitty it is. Chasing sparks and being denied.

Tatsumaki pulled her phone from her bra and suspended the popsicle in the air.

Tatsumaki held her hand out. "Give me your phone."

He recoiled. "Why?"

"I need to send reports to you. Give me your phone so I could put my number in it. Do you think we're going to take this association down by not communicating? You and I have to exchange numbers. Now." she decreed. "Give it."

Flashy Flash was bewildered. "You work alone. I work alone. We do not have to converse very often. I contact you."

"Hold on, Bobby Pins, no one tells me how to work my job. Give in." Tatsumaki tapped away on her phone, seeing where her schedule opened to give him space.

"Well?" Tatsumaki asked.

"My phone doesn't go with my outfit." Flashy Flash said, completely convinced.

"How…?" Tatsumaki's mouth fell open. "God, you are so fucking dumb. You're a hero! Take your phone EVERYWHERE," Tatsumaki barked. "You're on call, why wouldn't you have your telephone? SO unprofessional! Do you even care about being a hero?"

"I care more about retrieving what's mine," he told her coldly. "Being a hero is a vehicle to advance my goals. Who cares for the others? I don't… They speak of being in captivity. That's none of our business. We don't need to exchange phone numbers."

Tatsumaki pursed her lips. "I mean, one of these days— I'm going to kill Raegan but I'm more into this to free all the people than— than whatever the hell you're doing!"

"Do they matter?" Flashy Flash chuckled lightly. "You waste time joking."

She wasn't joking. What was he high on, lithium?!

Tatsumaki peered at Bearded Worker. "Why was Flashy Flashy allowed to be a hero?" she asked, a sick feeling in her stomach.

"What made you become a hero," he answered mysteriously.

So this was why Flashy Flash got a 5 out of 10 on the justice scale. He seriously didn't care what happened to the people he's supposed to save. Self-important dicks shouldn't be heroes if they… are selfish. Tatsumaki boiled. Tatsumaki might be a bitch but she was a bitch who cared. A lot. Too much.

"M-MaTTER? What do you mean "do they matter?". Hairpin, they matter. What made you become a hero?"

"Revenge." he acted as if Tatsumaki should've known this.

"Being a hero is not about revenge! You don't quit this city, you don't quit the people and you don't quit helping them. You don't let them fall. That's what bonds you because you sure as hell didn't let them get HURT!"

"Heroism is revenge. They're the same things. You've changed," he said accusingly.

"I'm not different! Why do people keep on saying that?"

"You've gotten worse. I'm just working the same way you used to." Flashy Flash glared, his chinned tipped up as he scoffed. "Bye, Tornado of Terror. I'll contact you, maybe."

Flashy Flash, her popsicle and the scientist were gone. He was fast enough to whip her hair across her face.

"MotherfuckER! YOU'LL PAY!" Tatsumaki screamed, spitting out green strands.

She fucked up. Who knows what he'll do next?! Fuck.

She came home with a box of Garigari-kun popsicles. She bought it in bulk, looking crazy. First Aimi, then the Alis Association and now she's all mad. She snarled at the poor cashier for no reason.

Tatsumaki sighed as she noticed all the shoes laying around. They never put them on the rack, just piled them in front of the door like animals. Tatsumaki only had a couple of hundred pairs because modelling and Fubuki tended to hoard. Tatsumaki liked matching with Fubuki too. It all accumulated shit to trip on.

"Fuji! I brought Garigari-kun treats. Get one before they melt!" Tatsumaki called into the house.

Zenko didn't run up to hug her. Hm. Tatsumaki felt empty. She entered the kitchen, with the fridge door open. Zenko hid behind the door when an unassuming Tatsumaki would pop in for a snack. Then she'd scare the living shit out of Tatsumaki.

My, look at how the tables turn. She was about to scare Zenko but decided to be more adult about it and let it go.

"Someone needs to help me sort out the Garigari-kun. Fuuuji," Tatsumaki sang, "Wanna sort them by colour or…" she closed the fridge door using psychokinesis, revealing Badd.

His arms were full of food (chips, soda, celery, garlic bread, chicken strips in bags and candy). He didn't have his pompadour. He was angry, with a certain hardness in his eyes. She hadn't seen him in days.

Tatsumaki nearly dropped the box but recovered. "Is that Badd? Or am I dreaming standing up? The teenager resurfaces for food and air and oooh, what's this?" Tatsumaki heard applause, a sports reporter and baseball lingo from the TV. "A baseball game is playing."

"I thought you'd be out all day. I guessed wrong," he grumbled.

"You're eating all that… grease?" Tatsumaki smirked. "It'll seep into your pores and you'll never hold a baseball properly with all that fat leaking out."

"I'll risk it," He walked past her, making a b-line for the couch.

"You should eat veggies, y'know, green things that the dinosaurs liked. Also, it's not healthy to watch so much television—"

"Yeah, yeah," Badd collapsed on the couch.

Badd actually came outside of his room! He was a withdrawn, momentarily engaged teen who came downstairs!

Tatsumaki could talk to him. Ask him about going to a sport's store, or to talk to the baseball stars he sees on TV (she knows all of them, they're horrible at flirting) or, or she could even watch an old horror film.

She didn't want to miss this.

With her immature problem-solving skills, she dumped all her stuff on the island counter and hastened to the couch.

Tatsumaki opened her mouth and he pointedly turned up the volume but she could get louder. Much louder.

"Oh shit, don't rub it. That was a bad hop," he said to the TV.

Tatsumaki's tongue felt rotten in her mouth. She scrambled for safe topics that wouldn't lead to an argument. The TV was ten times more interesting than her but Tatsumaki won't back down. Never.

"Hey, Mutsu!" Tatsumaki hollered, "Where's your sister?"

"Upstairs," Badd said simply. "ZENKO, THE WITCH NEEDS YOU!"

Witch? Her eye twitched and he chuckled at her expression.

Zenko clamoured down the many stairs. Zenko tripped clumsily but Badd moved quickly and caught her. He picked her up, seating her on his shoulder.

"Angel, I'm gonna get you a walker if you keep twisting your ankles. Be careful." he groused lightly.

She giggled.

Badd set her onto the couch softly and shoved celery in her face despite chewing on the garbage.

Badd put down the volume as Zenko trilled on about what teams were duking it out. Even the 9-year-old knew and Tatsumaki didn't.

Tatsumaki will print off sports team names and learn all the stats and facts. She'll make flashcards. Yeah. That'll work. And Zenko would gladly help decorate them with sequins and glitter. Flashy Flash was an idiot because he didn't want to protect kids like Zenko.

Zenko laughed. "Stop looking at me like that, Tats! I'm fine."

"It's scary to watch a graceful little princess tumble," Tatsumaki shrugged.

"Wait! You're here!" Zenko stands on the couch, her tutu bouncing. "You're okay! I watched the live show of you and Mr. Tornado of Terror and— and the same Mysterious Being came to hurt you because you let him go and I just… I didn't think he'd do that." Zenko lowered her gaze.

"Neither. The monster lost his chops." Tatsumaki smiled brightly. "He's gone. It's over. I'm sorry you had to worry, kid, but I'm me. S-Class, rank 2, I'm always okay and well protected. It's not your fault."

Zenko nodded, obviously bothered. "I know. Just… Be careful."

Me? I don't need anything. Ha! Tatsumaki snorted but said, "Yes. Always. I'll be safe." Tatsumaki said with a straight face.

Zenko let out a huge sigh of relief and slumped against Badd, who immediately made space for her in his fortress. They were definitely siblings, Zenko only ate things that Badd ate and played with his fingers.

Tatsumaki cleared her throat. "You two watch the Disaster Channel, right?" asked Tatsumaki conversationally.

"Yeah, it's gross but Badd needs to keep on top of the monster attacks," Zenko grimaced.

"Oh?" Tatsumaki gulped nervously. "Did you see him? My fiance?"

Tatsumaki asked lightly without a pinch of interest. There was a lot of weight in the question for some reason. If these brats didn't like Saitama, she would probably drown herself in the bathtub.

Zenko nodded a hundred times. "Yup! He's kinda plain but he means well!" Zenko's face glittered with interest, she leaned in, vying for details. "Do you love him?"

Uh, no. That's terrifying. "We're good… He doesn't have hair and I don't mind. Is that good enough?" she joked.

"Yup! I could never." Zenko sniggered. "I didn't think he'd be so… bald. I thought you'd marry Amai Mask! Or someone like him! All my friends used to say you would make a great drama together. Your commercials are good! And Nii-chan's too but you have talent."

"Amai Mask will never, ever be allowed in my house. We used to make short films together and then he became annoying. I don't like annoying people."

"But Amai Mask has hair! And you have pretty hair! It'd be a perfect movie."

That wasn't how adult dating worked.

"Fuji, there is no perfect movie," Tatsumaki grimaced and leaned closer, dropping her voice to a conspiratorial whisper. "Lemme tell you this, he always bites the top of his script before a rehearsal for good luck."

Zenko gasped. "Really!"

"Yep. It's crazy. It's like he eats paper for lunch, munch, munch, munch," Tatsumaki shrugged. "But my guy, even though his hair fell out prematurely, he's honestly still handsome." Tatsumaki gushed. "You should see him helping people. He cares about that! A lot!"

Zenko looked around. "Why don't you guys live together? You have a loooot of space. Sometimes I get lost."

"He lives in City Z and he protects everyone. I think it's his dream."

Zenko's brows pulled together and she hummed thoughtfully. "If he's nice to you, then he could come here. Mr. Tornado of Terror is also familiar!"

Tatsumaki rolled her eyes. "Pfft, yeah, you've seen him on TV. You guys are kids. I'm not bringing anyone over. Oh yeah, his name is Saitama— he's really strong."

Both Zenko and Badd exchanged glances. "What?" Badd demanded, sitting up like a jack in the box.

"Is that a common name? What's the deal? You look like you've seen a ghost!" she scanned the room. "There aren't any, right? Right?!"

Badd grumbled, "Stop being lame, ghosts don't exist."

"They so do, I'll take you to the museum of supernatural artifacts. They have pictures."

"I know how to use photoshop too," Badd muttered. "Get a life."

"Rude." Tatsumaki huffed hair out of her face. "I want to know why you guys got all weird about Saitama. He's not any lesser because he's bald."

"None of us thought that." Zenko giggled.

Oh. Tatsumaki laughed.

"You said Mr. Tornado of Terror was really strong?" Zenko squeaked.

"I don't like to hang around weak ones. He can protect this city, the world if he just stopped talking to a litany of idiots." Tatsumaki crossed her arms violently, seething. Idiots Like Aimi.

Badd and Zenko were awestruck. They were both hungry for information they way fans were when seeking facts about their favourite hero.

Zenko jumped to her feet, bouncing on her toes and Badd shut the TV off. "How strong would you say he is?" Zenko urged.

"Y'know… strong."

"Is he… stronger than the S-Class top ten combined? Even you?" Badd speculated. Zenko clasped her hands together, ready for her response.

She lifted a brow. "Why?"

"Saitama's strong, right, strong enough to decimate nasty Mysterious Being with one punch?"

They knew him. They wanted to meet him again. Saitama probably helped and touched way more people's lives than she did.

Badd smirked sharply. "He's got true fighting spirit. Not more than me but he's a hero."

Badd turned to Tatsumaki. "Do you remember when animal experimentation was a big thing in the summer, last year, year and a half? Maybe more? The animals hurt every city, even mine."

"The Hero Association was dealing with it," Tatsumaki said nonchalantly.

"Che, not as good as Saitama. He's worth a hundred of our institution."

Tatsumaki stiffened. "Yeah. I know. Tell me about it."

Badd started slow and wistful. "I didn't have a clue about how to be a hero until I met him. It was a normal day, I was broke, my grandma thought belts worked and I snuck out, sun everywhere. I finished filling the pen with idiots who picked on middle schoolers. I picked Zenko up from school and walked her home.

"I can't leave my little angel to fend for herself around these small-time prowling criminals. They couldn't hold a candle to me with my bat. They ran away from nothing. I respect that but I beat them and tossed them in piles. They were all knocked on, bruises and exhaustion on their ugly mugs. They couldn't move. At all. They were reminded having kneecaps was a privilege, not a right.

"Anyway, Zenko had just won a medal. I'm all proud. I notice nothing except for this guy in a pathetic tracksuit, all yellow, with groceries. He muttered about getting potatoes to make fries at home. Dude had dark hair and the cash he counted. Forgettable, ridiculous, a real bonehead who looked useless. He walked towards the massacre of idiots and I'm going in the other direction.

"Then comes the loud thumping noises and screams of horror. 99% of the idiots I've defeated are running for their lives like cowards. They even tell me and Zenko to get outta there. Nobody screaming "Run," doesn't have horrible things happening right behind them. They're gone but the noises get louder.

"I turn around and Saitama's standing still, a fire in his eyes, Zenko's begging us to go but I shove her in one of the neighbours' houses. I couldn't hide with her because I'm a hero. I needed to get the bonehead away from the danger."

"You didn't!" Tatsumaki gasped. "Be careful!"

"Oh cmon, what else was I s'posed to do? I thought he choked when he saw these hippo-sized rats with whiskers as long as my arms and eyes as big as my head. They were massive. He stood in the middle of the wide street as these abominations stampede. In front of the heard was a cat, booking it for its life. The predator became the prey. Ironic shit, right?" Badd chuckled.

"Saitama tells me to get behind him but I was trying to save 'im. However, he's not afraid of the huge sewer rats and just picks up the cat, hands it to me, turns back around and falcon punches the nearest rat. It was like blowing away a snowflake the size of a car to him. He seriously wipes out the rat population, they lose their skin, bones and all that's left are their teeth stabbed into buildings like toothpicks."

Tatsumaki's jaw dropped. "That was Saitama?"

Badd nodded furiously. "100% him. My eyes are outta my head. He used them for batting practice. He saved City C but all he cared about was the cat I'm holding. The cat has a broken leg and a couple of bites. The cat was innocent and a baby, like Zenko. I didn't wanna let her go so he hands me 20 000 yen, tells me to find the nearest vet. I felt bad. I heard him mutter 'bout rent and avoiding his parents. I knew that 20 000 yen was all the guy had. He gave it to me without hesitation."

"That sounds like him," Tatsumaki sighed.

It sucks that no one knew about him. And all that shit she said to him about him not being a hero. God. She facepalmed.

"He was strong. Stronger than anyone I've ever seen. I would've ashed my cigarette bud on him. But ultimately, he saved the city and I was some kid. I asked how to be like him. He said I needed some motivation to fight. I said "fighting spirit?" and he shrugged. He started makin' his way to City Z, said he had a show to watch. As if strolling from City Z from City C was a two-minute jog.

"Before he got away, Zenko snuck out and promised him she'd take care of the pet the way Saitama takes care of City C. I asked for his name. He said, "Saitama. I do it for fun,"... He was better than any of the S-Class heroes who got paid. I don't care about rank, Demon or Dragon-level— bring it on! He taught me that death is a man who is afraid to do what is right." Badd jumped to his feet. "Now, I don't need no reason to be awesome, I just needed fightin' spirit."

Saitama… was a force to be reckoned with. He was. It's a shame no one (including Tatsumaki) knew. She had… she had to reward him. He was so fucking great. Sacrificing, noble and good-natured. Regret coursed through her veins. She had to apologize. She had no idea how.

"Wait…" Tatsumaki paused. "So that's why you guys brought in the rodent Tama…"

"She's not a rodent! She's a cat. I love her!" Zenko protested.

"She chews on Fubuki's house plants and tipped over my fake plant in my room!"

Badd clicked her tongue. "Why d'you have them? Eventually, Tama's gonna have kids and you wanna ruin their lives like that?"

Tatsumaki was flabbergasted. "I-I wouldn't do that—"

"We wanna meet Saitama! I thought he'd be in your company but he's not! He should be!" Zenko pouted.

Badd squeezed her shoulder. "Aish. He's nowhere. I dunno if you have the same Saitama. They have the same face but not the same eyes. We don't get our hopes up." Badd shrugged, slumping on the couch. "I never got to thank him… but I don't think he's the type that needs it." Badd said thoughtfully.

He's one of the good people, even if he was annoying. People should know his name and the colour of his eyes. Everyone.

But Tatsumaki felt torn and vain. If the public knew him, Saitama would definitely shoot up to S-Class rank 1, replace Blast (who deserved to be number one) and basically take her crown. She didn't want to lose her job or alter the number of missions she currently had because of him. Despite how much fun she doesn't have, she still wanted to fight monsters at the frequency she normally did.

Saitama would overshadow everyone on everything because of one punch. He's too strong. Should she tell him about the Hero Association and where to sign up?

He's worked so hard and his family doesn't know. If she introduced him to the company, would people think he did it on his own or got the Princess to pass his exams? She wanted him to be recognized. The strong should get celebrated when they do awesome things.

Tatsumaki's ego and her status would affect him… God. Was it even her responsibility to help his career blossom?!

Zenko waved a small hand in her face. "Hey, Tatsumaki, can we meet him? I have to update him on Tama! He doesn't know we named her after him! Please! Oh please, can we see him again?"

Tatsumaki couldn't deny those adorable puppy dog eyes and Badd watched her intently. It's what she wanted, them asking her for stuff.

But this was Saitama! This was like asking for humiliation!

It's harder to act like a couple around kids. She didn't really want to see him at the moment because of this morning. She also had to find out what Flashy Flash did with the scientist.

Besides, they would get disappointed by today's Saitama. Saitama's eyes were ashes, cold and burnt out. There were no flames of passion. He was numb and his eyes were different. They thought of him as that strong, shining hero and he… couldn't care less.

Zenko tugged on her arm. "C'mon, let's see him, Taachan!"

Awww. That was a nickname! A nickname! For her! Awww! They were desperate for her to say 'yes' and fulfill their dreams. Badd sat taller and held his breath. He wanted this. That was progress. Something so cool, she melted.

"How about we go to a sakura viewing? Together?" Tatsumaki clapped her hands together. "Why not? It's a deal."

They rejoiced.

"It's just. You guys can't misbehave or get cheeky. He'll set the date. He's a busy man. We can't bother him." Tatsumaki rambled.

"How could we, we're awesome." Badd snapped, thrumming with excitement.

Zenko sprung into her arms, trusting Tatsumaki to catch her. Zenko said 'thank you' a million times. Zenko turned Badd discussed what she'd say and Badd planned out a speech of all his greatest accomplishments. They smiled like they ate the sun, their voices like the blue sky, full of hope.

They were happy. She couldn't intrude. Tatsumaki suddenly felt like she didn't belong. There was a squatting mini TV on the dining room table she didn't use. And they needed dinner. She felt like making donburi with yakitori dipped in tare sauce. Stadium foods for these sports fans will do.

"Why're you still standing there?" Zenko demanded. "Cmon, sit down."

Tatsumaki eyed Badd. Badd was hell-bent on keeping her away. She respected his distance. She'll poke at his shell later on. And they needed to eat.

"But dinner—"

"We could all make it together! You're missing the best parts." Zenko ordered firmly, leaving no room for argument.

Zenko pulled her down, almost dislocating her shoulder with how hard the girl tugged. The popcorn and chips crunched underneath her dress.

Badd didn't look at her but he also didn't yell, grab the bowl and stomp upstairs. He just sat there and let her be there. They almost had a conversation. She's slowly winning. Child-rearing, mundane days on the couch didn't seem so bad. She could understand Atlas, a little bit.

Tatsumaki had to call Fubuki and apologize to Saitama. Tatsumaki prepped for dinner, (Badd's favourite foods because his team lost and that sucked).

Instead of solving problems, she opted to make dinner— for days. If she did nothing, she couldn't fuck things up. She did something by doing nothing. She was way too smart for this century.

Tatsumaki was on suspension, so she watched monster attacks from home. Badd came out of his room with Tama. Tatsumaki denied spoiling Tama because Tama was — in ways — Saitama. So what if she brought tuna flakes and let Tama play with black and green olives?

Badd tolerated Tatsumaki more, eventually asking her about the Disaster Channel's attacks. She caught him slipping, being his relaxed and affectionate else. He caught himself, though, and his shell snapped back into place.

Tatsumaki purposely invited him on patrols when monsters weren't prowling. They sometimes spoke during sarcastic swipes and heated insults.

They all had dinner with Lady Shibabawa.

Tatsumaki chucked the fake plants. She tried to compensate for the lack of life but it was different now. Tatsumaki had a garden to weed, pit and repot and snails to kill with eggshells. Sometimes, she felt bad about the snails.

It rained a lot.

Digging through the dirt, wearing yellow rain boots like a child somehow reminded her of Saitama. He's really special. She plotted ways to write his monster kills down and determine their threat levels. She wanted to tell the world, somehow, some way.

The days weren't all peaceful like she hoped. Flashy Flash ruined it by being an asshole. Flashy Flash didn't call. He frequented many cities and killed monsters. He left the digits of his phone number on the corpses when he figured out Tatsumaki was stalking him and his kills.

Then Tatsumaki found the body of the kidnapped scientist. By contacting Tatsumaki, he meant getting her in contact with ghosts. Now she might be haunted. She panicked and called Bearded Worker and she had to explain why there was a body with her name stapled to his chest.

A couple of hours later, Bearded Worker told her they got the time of death for the scientist Flashy Flash killed. But this felt like an interrogation on Tatsumaki. They were in his office. Tatsumaki leaned heavily against the wall and Bearded Worker paced around. He wouldn't stay still. He sat before but shot up like a fire was lit under his ass.

"If you pace anymore, you'll burn holes through your shoe soles," Tatsumaki hissed.

Bearded Worker let out a disgruntled noise. "The last thing I'm worried about is shoes. Take this seriously." He watched her skeptically. "Did you put him up to this?"

"Do I look like an idiot?" Tatsumaki pushed off the wall. "I was supposed to be at home meeting my kids but I find some dead body with a handwritten note from Flashy Flash directed at me. Why would I put him up to this stupidity?! I didn't. I didn't think he'd go this far!"

Bearded Worker was livid. "Why didn't you report this to me?"

"I didn't want to."

"Why not? You used to call me the moment things like this showed up."

"The guy's dead. I didn't kill him. What does it matter to me?"

Why should she take the fall for Hairpin and the prick who tested on Espers? They wanted a bad guy and it wasn't her.

Bearded Worker's shoulders dropped. "This guy had a family. People he loved. Maybe he even had a wife. Who knows?" Bearded Worker scrubbed a hand across his face. "Who knows…"

"This isn't my fault." Tatsumaki reemphasized. She didn't know Flashy Flash would get desperate.

"But you knew."

"Well, I know what this is about. You're not concerned about the guy, just how your ass will be fried." she spat. "Don't lie."

They held each other gazes, breathing hard and being angry. He broke it off and cursed.

"Tornado of Terror… He's…" Bearded Worker hung his head. "I know we're having difficulties. Fine, we're both difficult, stubborn people with jobs to do. Don't forget that I'm here for you. You can call me. This isn't your fault. I am concerned for you as well. Flashy Flash has his own… dealings. You shouldn't get caught in the cross-hairs."

Tatsumaki blinked. He was concerned about her? Her heart melted a bit.

"Why'd you suits keep him?" Tatsumaki scowled.

Bearded Worker sighed. "He's an asset to the company. His speed, his expertise at covert operations is valuable. We didn't anticipate his off-beat morality."

"He's a freaking liability." Tatsumaki blew the hair out of her mouth. "Fix it."

"What happened?" he tried again.

"Flashy Flash kidnapped the guy in front of me. I planned to catch them both but he ran away. I wasn't fast enough. I would've brought the scientist to the cops or maybe I would've called you. I didn't think he'd kill him. He avoided me. He fucking knew I would bust his head open if he tried this."

Tatsumaki face-palmed. Why would Flashy Flash fuck things up for both of them?

"Have you gotten in contact with him?" Tatsumaki asked. "I couldn't."

"No. He's been radio silent."

Tatsumaki scoffed. Now she's got a headache because she didn't stop Flashy Flash. Bearded Worker was stressed out, like everyone else who knew about the situation. Flashy Flash will be a pancake when she's done with him.

Maybe Bearded Worker will get fired. Her stomach rolled. She didn't want to see him pack his bag and go. No one should lose their jobs because of idiots.

Tatsumaki's been sensitive about Bearded Worker disliking her but they were partners. They needed to depend on each other so they both don't get screwed over by Flashy Flash.

"Will you get fired for this?"

"No," he said. "It looks worse for you."

"Why me?"

"It seems to be a message directed towards you." Bearded Worker sighed. "Flashy Flash has a prolific killing method he adheres to. Furthermore, Flashy Flash is intelligent about risks. He cares about his reputation. Would he do this?"

"He's a jackass." Tatsumaki snarled.

"He's an intelligent jackass. If he wanted to, he would've discarded the body with nobody's knowledge… He is trained in the art of assassination. And he has an alibi. Our people know he was killed at 10 p.m on Tuesday. Flashy Flash was at a red carpet event. The victim didn't—"

"Don't tell me." Tatsumaki sighed. "So, it's like I'm being targeted," she said jokingly. All this stupidity.

"Yeah. Watch out." Bearded Worker said seriously, sliding into his chair.

Tatsumak held her phone tightly, cursing everyone she's ever known and spoken to. God. What the fuck was her life?!

She liked her life. She will crush all her opposers. She'll make them go extinct. She had to show them she was at her peak. There might be hundreds of dudes like Saitama out there, waiting to join the Hero Association anyway. She had to show off.

She's been targeted before. This was no different. She was almost at the door but she paused. Tatsumaki sighed and swung around, "Bearded Worker."

Bearded Worker straightened, eyes wide and shocked. "Yes, Tornado of Terror?"

"I— I think. I'll call you. When I want to, if I want to when everything makes sense, I'll give you a heads up, got it?" she said harshly.

Bearded Worker's tense shoulders loosened and his smile made his face gentle. "Okay," he said. "That's good."

"Wait… Bearded Worker. I need a favour. Can you set up a photoshoot for me?" she asked when the door opened again.

"You need me? A favour?"

"What about it?!" Tatsumaki snapped.

Bearded Worker grinned. "Nothing. What can I do for you? Do you want to tell everyone how strong and healthy you are?"

"You read my mind." Tatsumaki laughed, all of her anger leaking out of her. She ran up to him. "You, my bearded worker, are the first person I'll turn to in sticky situations from now on. Your beard must've missed me! You cannot tell anyone ever about what I'll disclose in three seconds. I'm not repeating it."

"Okay, what do you need?"

Tatsumaki told him.

###

-End Chapter-

A/N- Ahahahha. Heyo. I'm sorry for not posting. Coronavirus hit. Breakups were dealt. My sister got pneumonia and my mom got fired from her job- alllll the while dealing with grade 12 classes being shifted. Awkward. My birthday passed, finally 18 yay. But yeah. Vocab

Vocab

Donburi- Japanese "rice bowl dish" consisting of fish, meat, vegetables or other ingredients simmered together and served over rice. Donburi meals are served in oversized rice bowls also called donburi.

Yakitori- a type of skewered chicken.

Tare sauce- the sauce is best described as sweetened, thickened soy sauce for grilling and flavoured soy sauce with dashi, vinegar... etc

I just wanted to thank those who are reading this story as it is the first draft and I'm going to edit the story at the end and repost everything because that's just the way I work, lol. I just post chapters one by one because it forces an audience and for me to finish the story. I apologize for all the delays brought on since June or August, as this story was started as a summer project and I usually finish during the summer. School got hard, lol. Grade 11 doesn't demand as much as grade 12. Haha. I'm happy people got this far and Mr. War, you fucking rockstar checking up on me. love you guys.

Ayo, shout out to the community that added me. Chaotic Disorder. :)