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“Do I have to go?” Tamaki fiddled with his tie, not particularly adjusting it, just giving his hands something to focus on.
“We’re in Musutafu and we’re already dressed. The driver is on the way.” Mirio gave his hair one last brush-through in the full-length mirror. “Besides, it’s important to mingle. It’ll foster a good relationship with other high-profile heroes.”
Tamaki faced the corner and slumped over to rest his head against the wall. “There will be so many people.”
Mirio approached and wrapped his arms around Tamaki’s middle. He settled his chin on top of the other man’s head. “Don’t worry, baby. I’ll protect you.”
Tamaki leaned back into Mirio’s hold. Mirio was his best friend and lover, and he was used to Tamaki using him as a buffer against people. Tamaki placed a hand over Mirio’s and squeezed. He was more grateful than he could ever say.
A phone buzzed. Mirio let go of Tamaki and fumbled in his pocket. “That’s the driver, he’s downstairs,” he explained.
Tamaki took a deep breath. He could do this. This would be easier than a press conference. Here, he could hang back in a corner and hope no one focused on him. Here, he could hide behind Mirio and let the other man do all the talking. Besides, he never got to see Mirio in a suit. The other man looked good.
They rode silently to the gala. It was a black-tie event to celebrate heroes—both older ones and the up and coming, though usually only the big-name heroes found themselves with invitations. Companies used it to find well-known heroes and agencies to advertise their products. Heroes used it as an opportunity to show off and make connections. Some heroes saw it as frivolous. Tamaki knew that none of the invited teachers at UA were going. Fat Gum begged off as well, citing that Tamaki was enough to represent their agency. Personally, Tamaki didn’t think that was fair, but Fat stated that Tamaki was a new hero that the media had their eyes on, and he needed to start his own network.
Mirio held his hand the entire way. Tamaki couldn’t help but smile as he watched the world go by.
“Amajiki, here you are!”
Tamaki had approximately two seconds to ready himself before an excited Nejire latched onto his arm. He didn’t flinch; he actually wondered how it took this long for them to run into each other. He looked her over. Her light green (was that shade called mint? Seafoam?) dress bounced with her excited movements, details of twisting, sheer fabric dancing around her. She looked good.
“Amajiki, how are you? It’s been so long! Say, how is Togata? Where is he? You brought him along, didn’t you? I heard some of the other heroes saying you two came together. Hey, Amajiki, how are you two doing?”
A peacefulness washed over Tamaki as he listened to her speak. Despite her exuberance, Nejire had always been a good friend and Tamaki didn’t get tired of her like he had expected to when they first met. Being around her could be a bit much sometimes, but he didn’t regret it.
He smiled. “We’ve been good. Mirio is wandering around somewhere.”
Her eyes widened before he had a chance to ask how she was doing. “Where did he go? He left you alone? Are you okay, Amajiki?”
Tamaki raised his hands to placate her. “He went to grab some drinks and probably got sidetracked. And I’m okay, Hadou. I’m an adult, I can handle a few minutes by myself.”
Nejire laughed. “I know, I know! But at UA you were always…” she imitated Tamaki’s tired, anxious face. Tamaki had to admit it would have been convincing if her cheeks weren’t so rosy and her eyes so bright. “You know? And you always hid in the corner. Actually.” She glanced around them. “You’re pretty much hiding in a corner now, huh? How about I introduce you to other heroes?” She took his hand in hers and his heartrate spiked. Being alone in a corner without his buffer person was one thing, but being in the middle of a fancy party?
“Hey, Hadou, give him a moment to breathe.” Mirio arrived in time to hand Nejire a flute of champagne, which she took with a grin.
“There you are, Togata! How has living in Kansai been? Have you found another job, yet? Hey, what about your quirk?” She was up in Mirio’s personal space, but Mirio didn’t mind. He answered her questions happily.
Tamaki could finally breathe again. He glanced up at Mirio with a sheepish, grateful smile. Mirio gazed at him over Nejire’s head and winked.
“Hello, Amajiki, how have you been?”
Tamaki almost jumped when he realized that another hero had snuck up beside him. “Ah, Miss Ryukyu, good evening.”
She chuckled. “I was wondering where my protégé had disappeared to.” Tamaki was mesmerized by the deep blues and purples glittering on her cheongsam-style gown. “I should have known that she’d find you two.”
“Miss Ryukyu,” Mirio greeted, having excused himself from Nejire. He gently handed Tamaki his champagne glass.
“It’s so great to see you three together again,” the older hero commented with a smile. “Fat Gum didn’t join you?”
It took Tamaki a second to realize the question had been directed at him. “No,” he replied shakily. “He’s busy with the newest interns.” At least, that was the official excuse Fat gave.
“Hey, Amajiki, let me introduce you around!” Nejire took one of Tamaki’s hands in both of hers and grinned.
Tamaki turned to Mirio, who just smiled cheekily. “Sure, let’s go mingle a bit.” Tamaki’s stomach dropped as Mirio answered, but he had no choice but be led around by an energetic Nejire. She dragged him to small clusters of heroes, introducing him to them. Mirio followed and conversed—most of the heroes present already knew about the Shie Hassaikai raid, and many enquired about Mirio’s health. Tamaki found that he barely had to speak at all. Once in a while, he answered questions with short, concise sentences, but his friends did most of the work.
He could do this.
By the time things started winding down, he had met most of the pro heroes at the party. He thought he could remember most of their names; certainly he’d recognize them if he saw them on the news. He hoped most of them would remember him, but he doubted it. He paled in comparison to Mirio and Nejire.
The socialization tired him out. There were too many people. He was starting to get a little irritated, though a part of him was surprised that he’d lasted this long. He jumped when Mirio entwined their fingers.
Mirio leaned over to whisper in Tamaki’s ear, “tired?”
Tamaki nodded.
Mirio affected a big yawn. “Hey, Hadou, I think we’re going to head out. We’ve had a long day and I’m getting tired.”
Nejire pouted but acquiesced. “It was great seeing you two again! You should visit against soon.”
“We will,” Mirio promised.
It was late by the time they arrived back at the hotel. Tamaki’s feet dragged as he entered their room. He began loosening his tie before he stopped, gaze drawn to his reflection in the mirror. He looked older than he remembered being. Despite being exhausted by the day, he looked… nice.
Mirio came up behind him and they both fixated on their reflections. They looked so adult and complete together, he thought. Like jigsaw puzzle pieces fitting together just so. A part of Tamaki entertained the thought of other occasions they could dress formally in their future, sooner or later. The wave of panic he expected never came. When that day came, it would just be another part of his life with Mirio.
He wondered what Mirio saw in the mirror. As he leaned into Mirio’s kiss, he hoped it was their future, too.