Time in a Tree (All Might x Reader)

Familiarity

--if you saw/see me shamelessly plugging this fic on tiktok, no you didn't. love y'all 💖💖--

"Do whatever and go." You mocked, stepping out at the venue, one of Japan's most artsy art museums. You paused on your walk to the entrance, adjusting your anklet in the cooling evening air. Not much, but an appreciated amount of sunlight helped you see what you were doing. Its hues turning your chains bronze in color, you stood straight looking for the entrance, not that it was hard to find. An elaborate and temporary canopy stretched from the doors, hovering over the carpet.

You stepped on, thick enough to mask the asphalt beneath it. Crowd and cameras long gone, you exhaled, a few thoughts crossing your mind. What did it feel like to have all that adoration from strangers? Flashing lights and faux smiles until the threshold of the building was crossed. With all the things that happen behind the scenes of heroism, it's too much to keep appearances...at least for me. You shook it off and continued on, doormen clad in black already watching you. 

You popped open the clutched you held at your side while making your way to the four that blocked the entrance. You gave a wide toothed apology and slid a self deprecating joke about your tardiness while flashing your Might Towers badge. A little 'Ya'know how traditionalists are about employer and employee' quip and they opened the doors for you. Nice. You stepped in, a balustrade railing meeting you at your front, and stairs to both of your sides. Your palm sliding along the cool surface of the railing as you stepped down.

Well damn. You went wide eyed over the scene, not sure whether to be astounded or concerned for the art. Either way you were impressed at the craftsmanship at the path to the festivities. You could see it on the far end of the hall a few hundred meters away, on the opposite end of the river. You could tell from where you were standing, someone lowered the floor, the little waves rippling away from the tension marks in the marble floor. Dark waves that just barely shown the tiling beneath them, hanging lights of gold like suspended rain adorned the ceiling, illuminating the path to the gala. Old and precious, frozen in time art lined the walls in frames and in cases that towered well above you.

A calm voice called to you as you made the last step. "Last inbound." Someone you assumed was staff bowed lightly, you bowed back. Last inbound...ah. They really went all out. Your eyes caught the gondola and gondolier waiting as you stood straight. The staff held out a gloved hand, offering to help your short descent into the boat. It rocked so slightly as you stepped in and took a seat. Their opposite hand held a tray, extended out and offered champagne. 

Don't mind if I do. You took a flute and thanked them, sipping as you continued your admiration of art, a woodblock of a woman conversing with an oni holding your focus. Someone had walked in behind you, the staff repeating 'Last inbound' just as calmly as before. I can't be that late if I'm not the last person here. You smiled to yourself, keeping your head turned away to hide your expression. The boat rocked again as they stepped in. "I hope you don't mind company, I don't think they'll be sending another ride anytime soon."

You shook your head before turning to speak. "Not at all, I-" That smile you hid crawled back. Eyes on yours and all tension from his shoulders disappeared. 

"Long time, no see, Akira."

"You look nice." You made room, scooting over for the person stepping into the gondola. A simple offwhite suit complimented by a black turtleneck and black mask starting high at the bridge of their nose. The boat rocked slightly as he sat down, eyes pinned on your face. Pupils that were normally needle thin and cat-like ate away at his green irises, leaving a sliver of color to be seen. You'd grown so used to their eyes peeping at you through black hair, it was slicked back and faded this time.