Charmed

Shigaraki turned his head, thinking for a moment. Either this was a very sloppy trap or this man wasn’t from around here. It was hard to read him and Tomura wouldn’t bother if his senses weren’t urging him on like the slow start of an agonizing itch.

             “ You talk too much, you know that? “

One hand was pulled from his coat pocket to have a single finger scratch at his throat, right above the hands wrapped around it. 

Tine laughed, a deep chesty laugh of genuine amusement.

“Oh, oh too well I fear! You are not the first to tell me either.” With a shrug he offered an easy smile. “But I enjoy speaking and life is too short to fit into other people’s boxes of what is acceptable no?”

Tilting his head he crossed his arms and rested back against the wall behind them.

Adrianna is not one to ever need to be sheltered by another. Whenever she does seek any sort of proximity it’s for entirely different reasons, most of them easily describable as ‘selfish’, first and foremost. This sort of half of an embrace that he offered, she’d indulge it, for the time being, if anything for the sake of familiarity and nostalgia. As a silent gratitude, the cigarette is disposed of in a near by ash tray and she turns to fully lean against his chest, comfortable and content as she listened closely to his words. 

Ah, yes, she’d almost forgotten how susceptible he is to the needs of the younger ones. An aspect she appreciated, in a way, but from a distance, because she found it awfully hard to relate to his feelings and impressions. 

“…I would say there’s an excess of heroes wandering the sectors.” her tone is again bitter and half ironic. “I personally find the whole hero culture absolutely revolting, including the fact that it’s being included in the educational system, but i digress…” she tries to stay away from discussing politics and the management of institutions; that always ought to be a nasty conversation. 

“The League’s main interest seems to be in rearranging the structure of society itself. Their speech is about the hypocrisy of heroes as well, of how the name has been normalized as a market job rather than a title given to those who truly deserve it.” a sigh as she crossed her arms underneath her bust. “…I would also argue it’s not entirely their fault for endangering students. Like i said, from a certain angle, those kids seem to be asking for it…” it’s not an easy thing to say, but at the end of the day, things aren’t always as black and white as the media portrays them. The many shades of gray hide away, not all heroes are good and not all villains are to be blamed so heavily. 

“I’ve been in contact with several agents. On both sides of the spectrum.” she states again, in a lower voice, confiding this sensitive information to the man. “From what i personally noticed, i think matters are about to take a turn for the worse. For everybody involved.”

At the suggestion the school children had been at fault for having their lives at risk Tine’s eyes narrowed a touch but he held his tongue. They differed greatly on any matter involving juveniles and arguing the point would only sour the reunion. 

Children looked to adults to lead, to protect and learn from. He was not completely against the school system training up heroes, better they learn what dangers await them on such a path in a controlled environment than going at it on their own. When said school loses that control however and lets the danger get too real well...

“Both sides of... Oh Adrianna.” 

With a heavy sigh he rubs his eyes in a mild frustration. It was her way and he knows it well but it still aggravated him how easily she put herself in harms way. Yes, he engaged with villains for business purposes as well but they were contacted through third parties without any trace back to his name. She was too egotistical for that, too ‘better to do it yourself’ and making her presence known.

With a shake of his head he muttered a soft ‘What am I to do with you?’ and gently pressed a closed fist to the small of her back to hold her in a half embrace. After a moment he dropped the hand and regained his composure.

“Apologies. Old habits.” 

She doesn’t like being ignored. 

“Stop that.”

He’s opening a newspaper and pretending to read it.

A scoff and a very dramatic eye roll; “Bold of you to assume i’ll ever reach the point of dying… just be a dear and indulge me,” as sarcastic as it might be, it does start to feel like some sort of cruel joke turned reality. For all it’s worth, Adrianna already feels a fair amount of detachment and disinterest in the world, it’s only a matter of time until her quirk turns her into a full on eternally living nihilist.

“Good to know it’s your work ethic that kept you so unbelievably flawless then; i’ll expect a shipment of Zinfandel to my office next week, i’m curious to test the fruits of your labor~” 

A sudden air current blew against them, successfully rustling though her hair and nearly ruining it’s careful styling. A hand tried to hold it in place, but instinctively she turned around, seeking shelter against his body until the breeze passed. It’s a normal, fluid intention, a residual behavior that suddenly resurfaced due to his company. She doesn’t fully retrieve though, apparently more preoccupied with rearranging her coiffure while a swear word slipping through her teeth.

“Well, pardon my crassness, but it’s all going to shit…” 

“All Might’s retirement was a true-to-word fiasco and the media ate it up like hungry hyenas. On the other side, they call themselves the League of Villains and, with the Symbol of Peace now gone, they’re getting more and more traction and sympathizers among small time criminals. The school, however…” a small sigh of frustration as fingers rub her temple. “…Sweet Mother of Hell, they simply actively inject themselves into each rising conflict. Wherever there’s a bloody public Hero scandal, UA is somehow in the middle of it. People are starting to suspect a mole in that institution.”

“You know... most people don’t expect their ex husbands to send them gifts after the whole, you know, separation thing.” Spoken in a jovial tone he was of course kidding. Regardless of their relationship status, hers was a very discerning palate that gave the finest wine critic a run for his money and her feedback was too valuable to lose to pettiness.

The cool wind had her closing the distance between them and sub consciously he turned his body a bit to block her from the majority of the breeze, listening and frowning the more he heard.

Tine didn’t approve of the bizarre popularity contest that heroes seemed to indulge in. It made the acts of selflessness feel cheap and forced, as though they weren’t really helping people for the sake of good but to play some stupid numbers game of who was first. All Might however, he had admired quite a bit.  

For him charisma was not just a positive trait but a necessity to live and All Might naturally emanated it in his every heroic act. Tine could recognise the tell tale signs of a mask to cover up an ugly personality and not once had he seen that smiling face be anything but genuine in his desire to save people. He was by no means a perfect hero but he was still one worthy of respect.

“Is the city short on professional heroes?” The question came out more snapping then he intended but the night air wasn’t the only thing turned cold. A bitter snarl curled his upper lip back. 

“..But her aim is getting better!”

“I hardly even noticed any falling out, in all honesty. If anything, taking distance from those circles was my initiative, the rising tension was awkward for everybody involved.” aside from the business discussions, which were kept alive thanks to the legal and communication departments of their firms. “Not to mention, every other conversation i felt treated like i’ve just lost a child to cancer…!” a scoff and a shake of her head; it was a dense and awkward period, but a short one nonetheless, fleeting and quite insignificant in the grander scheme of things. 

Another puff of her cigarette, another sighing the smoke away, another short glance spared from the corner of her eye. “…With all due respect, Tine, but did we have any real reason to speak to eachother after you’ve left?” despite the harsh words used, her tone is more melancholic and rhetorical than malevolent. A silent introspection of roughly one year’s time that they’d spent in eachother’s company and the rapid succession of events that flooded their lives. In such cases, experiences and actions speak louder than words and if she remembers clearly, the departure might’ve been his, but the trigger was pulled by herself.

“I’ve no bad blood with you either.” a pause as realization sinks in on certain aspects. “…Well, at the very least, if i do it’s only surface level; you are goddamn insufferable when you put your mind into it~” a chuckle and a slow shake of her head. “…But it’s part of your charm, so you cannot be blamed for it.” 

“Also, should have you truly deprived yourself of another’s company these past few months, allow me to muster you just a little. You are still so very young and full of potential, don’t let your life slip by without filling it with experiences. You don’t have the same luxuries as myself…~”

“Forced pleasantries I suppose. One wonders after the fact how different conversations could have gone had the dialogue been less restrained.” It was a foolhardy thought really. Neither was one to mince words and to have said anything else would have been obviously false. Still, had either of them let their prideful walls fall for but a moment maybe things could have been different.

“You’d be surprised how many find that a desirable quality in a person. Insufferable perhaps but suffer with it they do for the rewards such sacrifice brings.” In other words, he could be an ass but an ass with great benefits.  At her sagely advice he scoffed and shook his head.

“Oh stop that. You’ll have plenty time to play the wise elder when you’re dead.”  Casually he wiped his gloved thumb against his cheek, the side that had come in contact with her neck, and stared at the small smear of dark foundation that came away.

“As for that matter... I simply had no interest in ‘rebounding’ for the sake of it. I was in England to work and work I did.” Rubbing the makeup between his finger and thumb he gave a quick exhale out his nose as a laugh. “Now that I have returned however... perhaps I will ‘move on’ as they say.”

“I certainly won’t be able to match your multiple lovers but you know how I enjoy quality over quantity.” It was the last bitter stain on his tongue he intended to get out this evening. As enjoyable as catching up was there were more important matters to discuss. Namely...

Concerned? Her? Adrianna would very much rather drink cheap American beer out of her own shoe before even considering entertaining that idea. And even if it’s not spoken, it’s clear in the grimace of her face. Still, she’s reasonable enough to not reply anymore; there’s no use to waste anymore energy on banter, the point of their conversations had gotten across safely by now. If anything, the mention of his affairs being well handles actually brought back a spark to her eyes; business was a language she spoke like a native and she’s pleased to hear there’s been no major discrepancies on his side either. 

“About damn time, i’d thought you’d never suggest it.” an almost tired answer as she’s quick to separate herself from his embrace and stroll confidently on the balcony. The night air is chilly and brittle, but there’s little cues of posing a discomfort to the woman. Her naturally cold body is content with the cold, there isn’t much of a flinch going on as the wind blows through her hair. Perhaps the only hassle was struggling to light her cigarette against the breeze. 

“Not a single word, please; each one of us is entitled to their own choice of poison;” it’s spoken with the cigarette between her lips right before taking a deep drag and then releasing it with a sigh. There was a short period of time in which she’d given p the habit [ for the sake of his nagging if anything], but old rituals are hard to fully get rid of. 

“You know, Tine, aside from that deliberate choice of forcefully disrupting my evening like you just did… it’s rather pleasant to see you’re doing well for yourself….” another drag as her free arm went around her torso. “…You’ve held unto all your annoying attics like a stubborn dog with a piece of meat. But i can appreciate that, in a way. It still suits you well.”

Tine bit back a laugh. If there was one truly positive thing he could say about Adrianna it was she never bored him. Even now, confidently strutting away as though everything they just said to one another was truly some exhausting formality, she held his attention like a moth to a flame.

Following after her he took a deep breath of the fresh air outside and promptly scowled at the sound of her lighter. Poison was an apt word for those little cancer sticks. He’d always hated the smell of them but for the sake of keeping the peace he held his tongue and leaned against the stone railing without comment.

“A compliment? My you are feeling generous tonight.” Side eyeing her he crossed his arms and shrugged. His manner was far from the ideal gentleman certainly but given she had long since seen past the mask it seemed pointless to keep it up.

“I was only half joking about crossing paths more in future. Given our shared contacts it would be best to decide how we want to do this going forward.”

“After we officially... well, after the legalities had been sorted I admit I took the opportunity to leave the country a tad abruptly and for that I apologize. I know not of any fall out you may have had with those in our circle but I can not imagine it was pleasant.”

Despite it never being an issue for Tine himself, many didn’t approve the age gap between them and so when things ended, his was the side ripe with sympathy.

There’s only a smalls shrug at that first remark; there’s no lie to his words, but Adrianna does feel stabbed by them, like a fine, hair-thin needle being slowly pushed into her skin until it drew a single drop of blood. Oh the struggle of dancing around the issue, both literally and metaphorically in this case… she couldn’t just bark out a ‘fuck you’ and leave. It’d be too cruel to cut short this creative banter of theirs. 

However, hearing that there’s no one else had the woman arch a brow as she gazed incredulous at him. For a mere second, because immediately he decided to avoid her gaze by hiding his face against her neck. It stirred a flinch that travelled through her body like a full on spasm; against her cold skin, his warm breath felt like liquid fire. And the thin, translucent skin there was extra sensitive to direct contact; small ticklish sensation danced between every point of contact and it wasn’t long until Adrianna exhaled deeply through her nose, obviously indulging his reckless gesture. For as long as it lasted, because right afterwards green eyes are glaring right into him. 

“…Was that little stunt worth wasting nearly an hour of your lifespan? You insufferable twat…”  another twirl and she’s facing him once more. “And do not call me that in public.” emphasis on that las word, an old little habit of their time together before… before it got complicated.

There’s a pause, a change of tempo, and their dance mellows down. For a brief moment Adrianna avoids his gaze, her eyes straying around the vastness of the ballroom, at the people, the decorations, the band. Anything except him. 

“…Did the court proceeding affect your business turnover this year?” 

A laugh, light and airy at her annoyance escapes his mouth as she spins, baring his sharp teeth in a wide smile.

“Careful my dear, you are dangerously close to sounding concerned for my well being.” An eye for an eye. He was satisfied to follow her wishes now that he’d gotten his own back for her teasing. 

Slow dancing he watched her avoid his gaze and closed his eyes. Holding her like this, dancing like this, for a moment he could almost imagine this was another time. A time when their cutting barbs were dulled with affection and a familiar knowing no real harm was intended.

Her voice broke him from his day dreaming.

“Not enough to be a problem. There were some minor complications with the shares and the settlement but there’s no bad blood between us Adrianna.” As the music winded down he gave a nod to someone in the crowd and after a gentle tightening of his hold on her he pulled away, gesturing to the balcony.

“Oh, spare me the melodrama…! If you’re going to lead, lead us to a place of decent conversation, not to a swamp of self pity.” there’s exasperation in her voice, tone sharp and clear on setting boundaries. If there’s one thing she’d should be wary of was that handsome face of his and how easily it contorted into anguish on command. Had she truly affected him so much? Probably. But she’s not about to discuss it. 

She could comment on herself though. “Half my age? The nerve~” a chuckle as she’s proudly stomping hard unto each step as she follows his lead. This dance is more to her liking. “And, among all, you should know best that i cannot afford to soften my approach, my good sir. In a world of so many choices, i chose myself and my own comfort first and foremost. I know, such a heinous crime~” 

“..speaking of poor bastards, you should be more specific; there’s been several in the last month alone.” that was only half a lie, but is he’s going to provoke her, she would to, in turn. And Adrianna knows there’s nothing like the burning ire of jealousy when it comes to Tine; he’s goddamn awful when it comes to managing those impulses. 

“Oh, but let it be tainted! It’s been ages since i played dirty like this.” an abrupt twirl and now she’s with her back against his chest, looking over her bare shoulder with a mean look in her eyes. “How’s England’s newest most desirable bachelor fairing? Charmed any naive little girlies lately?” 

Despite his attempt for a truce, Adrianna was eager too draw blood. Be it with her words or the stab of her thin stiletto heel dangerously close to his foot each time she hit the beat of the music. Not the best situation but he could hardly act like it was unexpected. In fact the familiarity of her spite was oddly comforting. Nostalgic even.

“Oh I don’t think anyone would doubt you put yourself first my dear. You know what they say, selfish people live longer.” A tight smile and he squeezed her shoulder tenderly. “And you will outlive us all....and look good doing it of course.” Twisting insults with compliments was such second nature to their conversations its a wonder they ever stayed in each other’s company as long as they did.

Her attempt to stoke his jealousy was successful and as her words sunk in his gaze grew cold. Biting his tongue he let her gloat and turn in his arms. Meeting her mean look with an icy stare he spoke softly but firmly.

“None.

 No one since you.”

The grip on her loosened and his eyes glazed over, melting from ice to water and looking ready to spill over. Lowering his head to rest on the nape of her neck he repeated with a gentle crack in his voice.

“No one since you sweet Adri.”

With his face buried against her neck he waited a moment more before lifting his head with amusement crinkling the corners of his eye, a sly grin and a laugh in his voice.

…By the Lords of Hell, he’s annoying. But he’s so flawlessly in being irritating that she cannot help but silently admire that about him. It’s been long enough she’d almost forgot all about these little attics of his. Admittedly, she’d stiffened every single muscle when picked up and swayed between other dancing couples; what was she at this point, an accessory? There’s no eye roll dramatic enough to convey all that she’s feeling right now. 

“…I am blissfully ecstatic with glee.” the remark was supplied in the utmost monotone and dry voice she could muster. Adrianna had to bite back her tongue right after though, because she will not entertain his question. Not without a whiteboard, a vide projector and an Excel spreadsheet nicely prepared beforehand. 

The little ankle trick was a low blow, even for him. It completely threw the woman off balance and she’d found herself grabbing unto his neck for support. Instinctively, her eyes followed where his stared at and immediately laid upon that boyish nuisance from before. Oh she’d be dammed if she’d let him insult her like this, for free.

“My good Sir, i am an exceptionally versatile woman. Has this blooming business engulfed you so that you cannot reminisce our many escapades anymore?” With a brusque, sudden move, Adrianna whipped her head backwards, leaning as further down as the tense arch of her spine allowed. True, in the momentum she might’ve slapped him in the face with a generous amount of pale white hair, but if he desired drama she’d give him all of it. “At my age one must learn to keep an open mind to the possibilities. Improvise, adapt~” with the same energy, she pushed herself back up, hard enough to almost slam against his chest. Arms swiftly snaked their way around his neck and even her foot left the ground, bringing a knee up to his hip. “~ and overcome. And all without sacrificing an ounce of my standards. If anything, being a free woman has made them even stricter.”

Tine enjoyed feeling her tighten her hold around his shoulders, clinging to him like a lifeline and giving him exactly what he wanted. Right up until she took it a step further and pulled his head down as she leaned back even more, nestling his face between her.. well, her upper torso area. Hard to say he didn't enjoy it a little but he wasn’t quite ready to let her lead just yet.

He almost feared she’d break something with how fast and hard she snapped back up, knocking the wind out of his lungs with a choked cough.

“You always could leave me breathless..” He muttered as the hand on her hip instinctively slid down the curve of her thigh to hold her risen knee, eyes narrowing a touch at her little jab. “...and hurt.”

With a motion of his hand there was a brief shuffling noise before the music abruptly changed to that of a Tango. Amazing what money can get you really, and with a single flick of his wrist whatever this event had been held for became irrelevant. Now it was all about her.

Squeezing her thigh he took the first step back and let her leg fall in line with his own, beginning the game again.

“And is this ‘strictness’ why you are here alone yet your appearance is that of a woman half your age?”

"I see your standard of cruelty have not softened. Send the poor bastard my regards.”

Tine turned his face, looking away from her like he couldn’t bear to look at her until his features relaxed and an easy smile found its way to his lips once more.

The more he talked the more the notion sunk in, that she’s currently being waltzed and maneuvered around in plain view of so many esteemed guessed by this two legged, living breathing controversy of a man. Luckily Adrianna is not one to cause a scene, not in public anyway, so she quickly picks up on the pace and rhythm and blends into their dance. 

“…Versace.” she all but hisses back between her teeth at the mention of her garments. Ironic how she didn’t really appreciated his invasive hands leaving their touch freely across her body, considering how she herself used the same tactics; such a bitter taste. Still, she’d comply, adjusting a loose grip unto his hand and snaking the other arm up his torso to comfortably lay on his shoulder. She too was considerate enough to be wearing gloves, fine white satin covering her arms up to the elbow.

“…Well aren’t you quite courteous to be greeting me so nicely. Next time send a letter. I accept these formalities in written form as well…” sarcasm drips heavy from her tone, slipping past thin lips stretched by a coy smile. “Sounds absolutely marvelous. When are you leaving again?” was that rude and blunt of her? Yes. Did he deserve it? As far as she’s concerned, absolutely yes.

“Oh I think we are well beyond exchanging love notes my dear lady.” His grin stretched wider at her obvious distaste for him but dropped to a pout at her question.

“My dear it almost sounds like you are displeased to see me. Now what could I have done to earn such ire?” His grip tightened on her hip as they came between two people and in a fluid motion he lifted her against him like she weighed a feather, seemingly oblivious to the gaze of others as he focused his attention solely upon her. Setting her down gently he continued leading the dance until they were in a spot with ample spinning room around them.

“As much as I hate to disappoint a lady, I must regretfully inform you I will be in Japan for the foreseeable future. Business is booming and I dare say we shall be crossing paths at theses events more and more.”

Hooking the toe of his shoe around her ankle he pulled her leg forward and brought her down into a low dip, forgoing whatever ‘steps’ might be traditional to their dance. For the first time since he pulled her close he broke eye contact and looked toward the crowd with a throaty chuckle.

“Unless of course, your preference for company has changed and you would rather spend your evening with...’that’.”

“You look like you’re made of twisted taffy.  I wanted to check.”