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The floor was sticky under his boots. He hated it so much that he almost turned around as soon as he came in. But then a voice floated through the air like it had been carried directly to him by the winds of the universe. You were leaning against the bar, laughing animatedly with the bartender and a few others nearby.
He was captivated immediately. The way the shifting lights caught your hair, the simple ease with which you carried yourself - everything about you seemed to call to him.
It wasn't until he was standing beside you, with the bartender asking what he'd like to drink, that Shinso even realized he'd abandoned all thought of leaving. After ordering his own drink, he looked to you, lifting a brow with a cocky grin - and praying you didn't see through the front to the nerves beneath - he asked what you were drinking
The playful smile that danced on your lips had his stomach doing somersaults when you told him.
"How 'bout I buy your next round?" He leaned forward slightly, taking care to respect your personal space, but making it clear he'd be privileged if you let him.
You gave him a once over, your eyes trailing down his lean body before tracking back up to lock with violet eyes.
"Tell you what," you took a half step toward him, turning slightly like you were about to tell him a secret. "If you're still here after the set, you can buy the next round and dinner."
With a wink, you turned to walk toward the door that led backstage. The small group you'd been talking to followed, laughing to each other about something he didn't catch.
Just 10 minutes later, there you were - striding across the stage like you owned it, as your band wound the crowded space into a frenzy of excitement.
He'd gone to every one of your shows he could after that. Fortunately, his hero work was mostly done at night, so the two of you were on very similar schedules. You'd accepted his drink that night, and every time after that too. The two of you falling into an easy comfort that surprised you both.
You were so talented. A natural on and off stage - your presence alone making people comfortable, lending an enthusiastic energy to each of your shows. Shinso loved every second of watching you do the thing you were so passionate about. He loved to see you lose yourself in the music. The way you were so free with how the beat would flow through you, the casual elegance you held yourself with when the emotion of the moment could sometimes be overwhelming.
That first night you'd captivated him, and every night after he'd just fallen further and further.
Shinso didn't realize how lost in the memory of your first meeting he was, until someone leaned against the bar beside him.
"Hey there handsome."
He tipped his head just enough to catch the newcomer in his peripherals.
She was pretty, and she knew it. The confidence with which she held herself told him she was used to getting her way.
Cocking a brow at her, he took a sip of his drink before returning his attention to where you were performing on stage. He knew your set by heart at this point and his favorite of your songs was up next.
The woman stayed where she was - ordering a drink, she sipped on it while she pretended to care about the music filling the space. He could feel her eyes on him. It was something he was used to, being a Pro - even if he wasn't extremely well known - meant that there were still people that recognized him.
Pushing off the counter, he wandered closer to the stage, wanting to make sure he would be able to enjoy the rest of your show without any extra interruptions. There were only a handful of songs left, then he'd get you to himself for the rest of the night.
Thankfully, the woman from the bar didn't reappear until you were closing out the show. She must have been keeping track of him, because the next thing he knew, she was standing in front of him - a predatory smirk on her face while she looked him over.
"Ya know, cutie, it's rude to walk away when someone's talking to you."
The look on her face made his skin crawl. Why would he bother with someone like her when he has you?
"Last I checked, you weren't saying anything important."
"Oh? How could you possibly know that, cutie?" She stepped around in front of him, looking up at him with wide, faux innocent eyes.
With an exasperated sigh, he put on his best 'pro hero business' face, and spoke again, "Did you need something?"
She broke into a wide, triumphant grin.
"Well, now that you ask. I've always wondered what it was that made Pro Hero Nighthide tick?"
Taking a step toward him, she crowded into his personal space - batting her eyes up at him like she was some clever vixen who'd already won her prize. Movement from the corner of his eyes, caught his attention for a heartbeat before she pressed herself to his chest. Pulling his narrowed eyes back to her.
"How 'bout we go back to the bar? Let me buy you a drink as thanks for all your hard work."
The moment her palm landed flat against his chest was the moment another voice cut in over the house music playing from speakers nearby.
"Hey, babe! Who's your new friend?"
The posture of the woman immediately shifted - her shoulders stiffened, lips pursing into a slightly pouty frown.
Shinso let out a low chuckle, the sound vibrating out of his chest. Taking a step backward, he tossed one arm around your shoulders.
"Ya know, I don't think I got her name, love. Who are you again?"
Her face flushed bright red in embarrassment and anger. Letting out a scoff, she turned sharply, flipping her hair when she did, before storming off in the other direction.
There was a pause before the two of you burst into laughter. It wasn't the first time one of you had been hit on at the venue - but it was definitely one of the funnier ones.
Tugging you closer to his side, Shinso pressed a kiss to your temple, "You did great tonight, babe. One of my favorite shows so far."
Laughing, you playfully swatted at his chest, "You say that every show, Toshi."
His hands gently grabbed your shoulders, pulling you in front of him.
"Because it's true every show."
The look on your face made his chest tighten at the rush of affection that burst forward. Leaning up on your toes, your lips met his in a tender kiss - the two of you savoring a moment together before life inevitably pulled the pair of you apart again. Hitoshi loved nights like these. When the two of you could be unapologetically yourselves for a few hours and enjoy each other’s company.