The Fallen and The Deranged [BNHA]

Chapter Twenty-Three: The Almost

Mai stood outside, her eyes closed and fists tight. And she felt like fire, like the burning of a thousand stars just waiting
and waiting
waiting
on the edge of explosion.
And yet they always seemed to blink out.

Not this time, this time she wanted to erupt. To consume.
Destruction.
Anger because she felt such an emotion. Anger because of everything, everything. And then anger just because.

She could tell all of this was driving Shigaraki mad, could see the upturn of his eyes- just barely behind that hand. In the harsh way he spoke, the edge in his voice that sounded so,so familiar.

"You're doing good. Controlling yourself from doing too much too soon." He preened.

And then he ran, and he was fast. Surprisingly fast.

This time instead of jumping into the air she tucked her wings in tightly and dug one foot in the ground, while pivoting the other- sliding out of his path just barely.

Shigaraki skidded to a stop. "While the display of power is magnificent-"

Awe for a moment.
And then stern.
Yet still there, a dipping into a madness she couldn't understand.

"Exerting too much energy too fast will only leave you depleted and open."

They had been out here for almost an hour. And things were moving slowly, so slowly it made Mai's blood boil. Made her entire nervous system stand on edge, waiting. Desperate and ready to—

And he'd stop, slow her down.
Pivot.
Change.

And she could also tell, he was denying himself as well. And she wondered if secretly that's all he wanted to see.

And yet couldn't. Wouldn't.

It only made her want to pin him down more, rub the heel of her boot into his neck.

Because of that voice?
That man?

Her fingers twitched at her side.

And she didn't know it, but Shigaraki was smiling behind his mask. That every nerve in his body stood on edge as well, waiting- anticipating.

They were alone this time.

Mai was surprised she had felt relief in that.

He brought his leg up fast, and distracted by her own stupid, stupid thoughts- a jarring pain slammed directly into her jaw- sending her to the ground.

A strange, alarmed noise fell out of her as she collided with the ground. She scoffed with painful disbelief, bringing a shaking hand to her jaw.

The entire right side of her face was on fire. It hurt. Hurt.

Shigaraki had paused in his spot. He thanked whatever shit luck he had left that she couldn't see the smirk across his lips.

Mai spat- directly onto the shoe inches from her.

And it was quiet. Shigaraki didn't dare speak- out of anticipation or fear- Mai wondered. Maybe it was both.

But she was going to make him regret that. Regret that very, very much.

It fucking hurt.

She wanted to make him whimper.

Her skin was on fire now- every inch of it igniting at the thought of the release of energy that was about to explode out of her.

Mai stood, slowly- keeping her head down.

Shigaraki took a step forward.

He wanted to touch her suddenly, run his fingers across her arm.