AN: Italics are for texts and memories this chapter.
It sounded ridiculous to herself, but she couldn't help it.
What was first a disguise for a sneak attack was now a disguise for romantic endeavors.
"I can handle this. A double life isn't too bad." She said to herself, checking herself over in tbe mirror.
She was ready to head out, purse in hand, when her phone rang. Already knowing who it was, she didn't bother checking the caller id when she picked it up. "What is it?" She sighed. "Miss Tatsumaki, there are two Dragon Level threats by the coast. A helicopter is coming to pick you up momentarily." She hung up, checking the time. "Six o'clock, damn it!" She hissed, tossing her wig aside and hastily putting on her hero outfit. "This better be quick!"
After quickly killing the two monsters, she was flown back to her apartment. Typing out a text to Saitama, she yet again put on her date outfit before rushing out the door.
To avoid further slip ups, she repeated in her mind the differences between herself and Tamaki whilst she was running to the restaurant.
Tamaki and Saitama were dating, Tatsumaki and Saitama were friends.
Powers versus (formerly) lack thereof.
"I should probably see him next week and apologize." She thought back to a few days before.
"Hey, thanks again for helping with the groceries." Saitama said, putting the last bag away.
"It was no problem. I got to go now, see you soon." She floated up and kissed his cheek.
Realizing what'd she done, she ran out the door, not bothering to close it behind her.
He came out looking for her, before he shut the door and went back inside.
"It must've been my imagination, there's no way he smiled!"
Seeing him and the restaurant getting closer, she brushed off any further thoughts in order to enjoy their date.
It ended earlier when he saw how exhausted she was.
On their next few dates, she decided she would try to make up for the restaurant date,
She brushed her hand against his, although immediately retracted when he said "Tam." Frowning at her own actions, she tried again, before deciding to give up.
She was surprised when he leaned in to kiss her goodnight, and was leaning in herself when a sickening thought brewed in her mind. "This isn't me."
She quickly brought up her arms in an X-position, and ran off without a single excuse as to why; doing something similar on the date that followed.
Scrolling through pictures of the two of them on her phone, she sighed to herself.
"Should I really do this? Get rid of the girl he likes?"
Sinking under her covers, she was deep in thought, her eyes glazing her room. Stopping on the calendar, her eyes widened when she realized she was supposed to be getting ready for their carnival date.
T: Something came up last minute, can't come
S: Its cool, maybe next weekend.
She winced, looking for an excuse to not see him for a bit longer.
T: Boss just said I'd be working overtime next weekend too.
Grabbing an old notepad, she decided to write down reasons.
Reasons to keep Tamaki:
-It was the only way to have romantic endeavors with Saitama
-He liked having her around, at one point even satisfied that he made a friend that was a local citizen.
Admittedly, one of the reasons was selfish.
She thought of reasons to get rid of her alternate persona.
-Disguise added to her routine
-She didn't like being called something that wasn't her name/hero name
-Saitama had feelings for a girl that didn't even exist
Dismayed, yet not surprised, at the outnumbered (even if it was by one) reasons to keep Tamaki, she decided it was best to bid her alternate person farewell.
"I don't want her to just disappear without reason. But what other way makes sense?"
.
.
.
"Can we meet up at around 9 pm tomorrow? At the park?"
"We'll still be together." She thought, as she ended the call. "But just as friends."
"I'm breaking up with you." She heard him mumble something but continued forward, trying her best to hurry so she wouldn't have second thoughts about it.
She wrapped her arms around him in what was meant to a quick hug, although said nothing when he embraced her for longer. Pulling away, she was surprised to see a flower in her hand.
"I really like you, Tatsumaki."
"What?" She looked up shock.
His demeanor was odd to see, as he was scratching his neck nervously, and both his eyes and smile held a shyness to them.
"Did you say..Tatsumaki?" She covered her face with her hands, her eyes widening along with a grin.
"That's your name, isn't it?" He looked utterly confused.
She remained quiet, not sure whether to panic or jump for joy.
"Sorry, maybe I did get it wrong." He smiled sheepishly. "What?" She repeated, then shook her head.
"I thought I had figured out you were Tatsumaki in disguise, but uhh.." He held out the rest of the flowers, an apologetic grin on his face.
"No, no you're right." She sighed, gently tugging at her wig until it came completely off, letting it hang loosely in her hands. "No denying it now. Its me, Tatsumaki."
They both remained silent for a bit as he stepped closer to her. She flinched at his unreadable expression.
"Are you disappointed?"
"Nah. Just wonderin'..does that wig itch?" She tried to hide her laugh, but a small snort came out.
"Really? That's your question? Not 'Why the disguise?' or something?" She paused.
"And yeah, a little." She scratched her head a bit.
"Well that's a bummer. I was gonna borrow it." He pouted jokingly. She sighed, rolling her eyes good naturedly.
"Oh yeah. 'Why the disguise? ' " He raised an eyebrow, a slight smirk on his face. She narrowed her eyes, tossing the wig in a nearby trashcan. "You're lucky you're cute, otherwise I'd call you out for being a smartass."
"Huh."
The two were now sitting on a bench, Tatsumaki leaning against his shoulder.
"Didn't you ask me once if I was okay with fighting you?" "Yep. Does that offer still stand?"
He nodded. Tatsumaki jolted off his shoulder, confusing him. "Hey wait, how'd you or when did you find out?" She asked, crossing her arms.
"Three months ago." He stated, his facial expression remaining neutral. "Genos even told me a- never mind." He chuckled.
"What'd he say?" She pouted. "He had a theory that the Association didn't allow hero couples or something." He shrugged. She scowled slightly. "He made a stupid theory? He already knew."
"Well, didn't know that part, but thanks for telling me." He had a teasing glint in his eyes. "Jerk." She huffed, although a smile appeared on her face as she hugged the peonies to her chest.
"The wig and your eyes kinda gave it away, if you wanted to know." He said teasingly. She playfully stuck her tongue out.
"Are you still leaving?" He asked, frowning. She shook her head vigorously. "No, Tamaki was leaving. I'm staying." He smiled, ruffling her hair. "Good." His phone vibrated. Confused, he took out his phone and flipped it open.
G: Is the date going well? Has she revealed herself?
"Hey Tats, its Genos." He said, showing her the text. "Can I see your phone for a bit?" She asked, moving closer to him. "Sure?" He wrapped an arm around her. Positioning his phone camera, she snapped a picture of the two of them. "There's his answer." She giggled, handing his phone back.
"Guess I'll change this to my wallpaper now." He kissed her forhead before pushing some buttons on his phone.
"Its getting pretty late. Want me to walk you home?" He asked, getting off the bench. "Its a pretty long walk." She followed in suit. "Oh, that's fine. Is it downtown or something?" He reached for her hand. She averted her eyes. "Actually, I don't live in City Z." His raised an eyebrow. "So, where do you live?" "City A." She said shyly. Saitama blinked at her words, but remained silent. "You don't have to walk me if you don't wan-" "Did you just fly here everytime?" She nodded, twirling a curl as she explained. "Well, mostly. I had to walk sometimes if the city was busier." He got closer and pulled her into a quick hug. "When the next date comes around, you can call me to pick you up." He pulled away, quicking scooping her up into a bridal style carry. "Literally." He waited while she secured her arms around his neck before dashing off.
He gently set her down upon arriving at her apartment "Well, that was fun." She said, unsure of what else she could say. "Yep. Just call me whenever you wanna go on that date." He winked. "I'll keep that in mind." She smirked.
He bent down, cupping her face in his hands. "Its not the first time we've kissed, but I still feel so nervous." She thought, slowly leaning closer.
It felt warm and comforting as she wrapped her arms around his neck pulling him closer. As the two separated, her heart fluttered at the love present in his eyes.
"Goodnight Saitama, I'll see you tomorrow." She kissed him on the cheek. "I love flowers by the way..and you." Not waiting for a response. she ran inside her apartment, trying her best to hide her laughter.
In the hallway was a beaming, internally flustered, Saitama. "See you then, Tatsumaki."