Chapter Text
The plan had been simple: snap into the Hero Tower’s free cafeteria, grab some free food and free soda, then snap out.
At least, that was X’s plan to make least of his financial bills this month. His apartment rent had been raised, and his 9-to-5 job– despite being a something he loved for its obscurity— had as much of a chance to get an instant raise as a brick.
In other words, to survive this month, he either has to 1) volunteer to work overtime at his 9-to-5 job (a thought he immediately dismissed), or 2)…do more commercials and still work overtime. Just as ‘Hero X’ this time.
He chose neither.
Instead, he decided to take advantage of his position and go grab free food in the Hero’s cafeteria. It was the fastest, less time consuming thing he could think of.
What? You think he was being nasty for stooping so low?
Think again.
X had been absent from the building that should have been his for the last five years, sparing the HAC the electricity bills that were supposed to spend to keep the highest, largest floor of the sky island running.
He had been doing them so much charity these past years, too, with all the work he had been doing (for his own amusement) without any money being transferred to his mostly empty bank account.
After all this, getting a little bit of free food from the facility that was designed to serve the likes of him couldn't hurt anyone.
(At least that was the plan anyways…)
As soon as he ‘snapped’ himself into the Tower’s highest cafeteria (because the food there was the best, of course), he placed some takeaway orders directly to the head chef himself (and scared him half to death) before sitting patiently with a few cans of soda in hands like he owned the place (he kind of did).
Since it was right after regular dinner time, no one was there in the area with him aside from the staff and some security bots.
Well, that, and the fact that half of the current Top Ten couldn't stand each other’s presence and decided to eat out, of course. He had been keeping a respectful distance from all the workplace drama, be it his civilian job or the more heroic one. But even then, the scent of bad blood still reached his nostrils, making his face scrunched up once in a while.
(Even if he said that, he himself also had…issues with some of the current Top Ten heroes. Though, that would be addressed another time.)
Personally, he appreciated the quiet atmosphere he now found himself in. He could imagine himself being the sole customer of a high quality restaurant and enjoyed the food that was hopefully not poisoned.
(He was 80% sure that, if given any chance, at least one of the four agencies would try to poison him. But, since he showed up unannounced at the one of HAC’s most well known headquarters, he doubted any of them would be alerted of his presence so quickly— let alone dare to actually do the deed… If the HAC themselves didn’t try to take him out first, of course.)
The dishes he ordered soon arrived in a beautiful stack of takeouts, making him smile gratefully at the waiter. The young man flinched when the gaze landed on him and quickly retreated when X raised a dismissive hand. He seemed even faster than E-soul in that moment, X thought with a slight raise of his eyebrow.
Just as he was about to snap away, a silent presence showed itself.
It was Ghostblade.
It seemed like the old man had just been back from a long mission. He looked exhausted these days, especially after involving himself with the Ruins Incident and becoming an independent hero. Getting back so late, he probably hadn’t eaten anything either.
For a moment, the two locked gazes. X, being the polite gentleman that he was, smiled cordially before snapping away, leaving behind a box of a freshly cooked steak on the dining table.
The confusion on Ghostblade’s face that day was something he reminisced about for a long while.
The rest of the food he got was preserved in a way that wouldn't give him stomach aches even when weeks had passed. The food had been delicious, just as rumoured, even though it was cooked so quickly according to his whimsical needs at the time. Still, despite the fact that he had been acting on his… impulses for quite a bit there, X had thought that he had predicted the amount of food he would need to survive the entire month quite well…
Well, aside from the last box of food that he had generously given away, that is.
And, alas, because of said generosity, the food was not enough.
Huffing, X decided to do the thing again. Just one last time, before his next payday.
(Silently, he mourned for the fact that this would become a bad habit one day, and that he would become regretful of entering and exiting the Hero Tower so carelessly.)
With the lightness of a dove and the gracefulness of a swan, X reappeared into the highest cafeteria in the Hero Tower at the same time as his first visit.
Noticing his appearance, the same waiter that had served him last time scrambled back into the kitchen, notifying the head chef about his arrival. X smiled after his back, lightly amused.
However, just when he was about to sit down on his previous spot, a familiar figure seemed to have already taken root there.
“Oh?” X spoke up lightly, smiling as he circled around Ghostblade— no, Wang Yi— who was slicing a piece of steak by himself. “What a coincidence. We meet again.”
Wang Yi didn’t reply— couldn’t, even if he wanted to. Still, the old man didn’t even graced him with a glance. X huffed out an amused laugh. It wasn’t like he expected anything anyways.
Still, it was better Ghostblade than anyone else in the building. The man wouldn’t talk, so there wouldn’t be any disturbance while waiting for his meal. Although not having anyone at all would be much more preferable, X was not unhappy with the arrangement.
The waiter came up to him, now sitting on a table far away from the Number Four Hero, and asked shakily what he wanted this time.
X’s wishes were simple: fried chicken and some soda.
The waiter stood there, frozen for a moment, before looking back up at him again.
“Just…fried chicken, sir?”
“Yup.” X said lightly, with a soft pop of ‘p’ just to add to the flavor.
“What type of sauce do you want to go with your chicken, sir?”
“Eh, ketchup is fine.”
“W-w-what about the seasoning, sir?”
“Seasoning?” X was confused. “Whatever is fine, I guess.”
The waiter looked horrified, for some reason.
“And, the soda…?”
“Whatever you have left in the fridge, I don’t really care. Just make sure it has real sugar in it.” X waved dismissively, making the waiter look faint. With a pale face, the young waiter went back into the kitchen like he had witnessed the most horrific thing on planet Earth.
(“What do you mean he only wanted ‘fried chicken and some soda’?!?! Are you crazy?! This is X we’re talking about!! No way can we just serve him that!!” The head chef yelled with his eyes blown wide, hands clutching against his head like a mad man.
“B-but he really said that…” The waiter muttered shakily. He sounded so pitiful to the point that the head chef couldn’t find the energy to be mad anymore.
“Last time his order was two pages long…with detailed ingredients for each and every dish.” One of the assistant chefs sobbed on the cooking counter. “Why the fuck is it two sentence long now?”
“It’s not even a sentence long, man.” Her coworker patted her in the shoulder. “It’s literally two words, not counting the soda part.”
“This is a once in a lifetime chance to cook for X! X!!!” The head chef howled hysterically. “And he’s asking us…to make fried chicken!!!”
“Cheer up, Chef. We might get to go home early with this one.” One of his subordinates said, which was immediately met with glares from his boss and coworkers alike.
“We’ve got the second chance to cook for X— and not just any X either, but the longest holder of the title of the Number One Hero in history, well known for his elusive and mysterious nature—- and you’re suggesting we make him subpar food?!” The assistant chef— who had been sobbing before— grabbed the collar of her friend’s shirt and shook it vigorously. “Don’t you dare fucking kid me—!!”
“Whoa, whoa, girl, chill.” The coworker that had been ‘attacked’ patted the woman’s arm to calm her down. “I’m just saying: if that’s what he want, then make it for him. Easy, right?”
“Well, you’re right, but…” The female chef gritted her teeth, eyes swelled with frustrated tears. “But— but— it’s fried chicken!! With ketchup!! Where’s the artistry in that?!”
“That’s why you’re still inexperienced, child.” The head chef grunted as he raised his head, old eagle-like eyes shining bright with renewed passion. “There’s artistry in every dish… It’s us who need to find where it is, and enhance it… adjust it according to the customer’s likings.”
“Head chef…” The entire crew— even the waiter— were deeply inspired by their boss’ words.
“Now, go to your position and prepare to make the best fried chicken ever served on planet Earth!!!”
““Yes, Chef!!!””)
Unaware of the chefs' commitment in making his fried chicken, X was left wondering why his ‘simple’ dish was being prepared with far longer time than all his last orders combined. He considered the possibility of the chefs being ordered to actually poison him this time, but dismissed the thought and directed his attention back to his phone, which wasn't showing anything important in particular. Just regular news in recent days– most of which he already knew, courtesy of working at FOMO.
He expected the wait to go on uninterrupted until the chefs finished their job and the waiter delivered him the boxed food, like last time.
However, unexpectedly, a loud ‘clang!’ resounded before him. When he turned back toward the table, Wang Yi had already placed his plate on the table X was sitting in and sat down… before continuing to eat his meal like nothing happened.
X was… mildly confused, for the lack of better words. Ghostblade was hard to read, to say the least, and there wasn’t exactly any reason for the notoriously introverted man to come seek his company unprompted.
Silently, X recounted his actions up until now, and wondered if he had offended the silver haired man at some point. As it was, though, he hadn't done anything at all. Which was surprising, considering all of the heroes’ fates were connected to X, in some way, shape, or form. Annoyingly enough.
‘Well, whatever. Not my job to figure it out.’ If Wang Yi needed anything, be it work related or just a company, he would have to figure a way to communicate it himself. After all, it wasn't within X’s work ethics to work overtime.
After some time, Wang Yi’s dish was reduced to just the plate and some traces of truffle sauce. Admittedly, looking at what the other man ate was quite irritating, since it only made X’s stomach growl more.
‘The chefs are slow.’ X complained internally as he placed his head on the back of his fingers, all the while looking at the digital watch on his wrist, ‘...five minutes more, and I’ll dip.’ Even if the food the chef made was to die for, X wasn't going to be a sitting duck waiting to be shot.
Clank clang The voice of metal and ceramic crashing reached his ears, making him frown. Though X found the noise irritating, he curiously looked at what Wang Yi was trying to do with his plate of sauce.
“?” The question mark symbol was arranged haphazardly with sauce as the ink and plate as its canvas.
“...” X stared at it for a while, before looking back up at the ever-so-silent Number Four Hero who was now looking at him expectantly.
‘Can’t he just…write?’ Probably not, considering the length he was going just to send a single message to X. Or he was just improvising, using whatever he had at the moment to communicate.
Whatever case, X found the situation amusing enough to grace the older man with a reply.
“I’m just hungry. Can’t I eat in a place that’s designed for me?” Until his position as X is terminated, anyways. But, since the position was still there to abuse, why not?
Wang Yi looked at him, momentarily dumbfounded, before scratching his plate again.
“Here?”
“Yes, here.” X nodded, smirking. “It’s free.”
The older hero’s blank expression was hilarious, in X’s humble opinion.
But, even if he still looked confused by the reasoning, Ghostblade accepted that it was reasonable enough not to make more horrible sounds out of his utensils and plate. X was quite grateful.
Though, as he was wondering if the older hero would be returning to his floor soon, new footsteps entered the cafeteria with a yawn.
“Gah! I’m so hungry…! Is the cafeteria still open?!” Luo Li asked out loud, only to be frozen to a stop when she noticed the two people who had arrived before her. “You damn stalker?! And X?!”
X simply smiled and raised a friendly hand, while Ghostblade’s brows knotted into an exasperated frown.
“W- what are you doing here?! In the Hero Tower?!” Whatever Ghostblade’s initial reaction when seeing him had been, Luo Li’s was ten times the amount. And ten times the voice. Internally, X waved goodbye to his calm and quiet wait.
“Eh, I’m just ordering some food.” X replied good-naturedly, before jabbing his thumb towards the kitchen. “Still waiting, though.”
“In the cafeteria…” Luo Li had never known X in much detail– no one did, really. However, even she thought X would be someone to eat in some high class restaurant. Or maybe even in some secluded but well decorated bars… Not in the cafeteria that– even if it had some of the top chefs in the country working for– she had visited daily.
Instead of answering, X just shrugged. Ghostblade seemed to have enough of the noise, though, so he left.
“Tsk, good riddance.” Luo Li rolled her eyes, before diverting her attention back to X. “How long are you staying? Are you going to spend a night here too?”
‘Not a chance.’ X thought. Out loud, he said, “Until I get my meal.”
Luo Li hummed, before glancing at the kitchen. When she saw that no one was there– not even the usual waiter– she just decided to plant herself in the seat opposite of X’s.
“Since this is our first meeting, I probably should introduce myself: the name’s Luo Li, hero name’s LoLi. Either one is fine, it’s up to you.” She said, almost respectfully.
This time it was X’s turn to hum noncommittally. “Luo Li, then…. And you can call me whatever the others call me.” The man decided, shrugging as if that was a sufficient enough introduction.
Luo Li blinked, before her eyes turned half-lidded. Whatever her impression of him was, he was getting the feeling that the initial respect wasn't going to stay for long.
“Well, I’ve actually wanted to meet you face-to-face for a long time now.” The girl decided to change the topic instead, now hurriedly typing something on her phone at light speed. X raised an eyebrow, intrigued.
When she was done, a box of something flew from where the lift was, situating itself beside her. Luo Li touched it, and the box turned into a bright pink bat.
“Say, if I were to hit you in the face with this bat…” The Number Sixth Hero began, cautiously swinging her weapon just to demonstrate. “What would you do?”
X stared at her.
‘Is she trying to get more information about my abilities out of me? By asking?’ The man wondered as he watched her movements for a bit longer.
When he didn't respond, Luo Li paused, suddenly anxious.
Right on time, the waiter finally opened the door to the main eating area, carrying a stack of boxes with him. X was pretty sure all of them carried food…food that he didn’t order, that is.
The young waiter struggled to balance the dozen of beautifully wrapped boxs– far more decorative than the ones he had had last time– on his two thin arms, worrying Luo Li. However, the young man was determined, and even Luo Li had to step back in face of his fierce look.
“Your…order is here… sir!!” The young man declared as he set the entire stack down like a bodybuilder setting down their heaviest weight. X was honestly impressed.
“Whoa…I can sense the delicious smell even from here…” Luo Li said as she gulped, her empty stomach rambling.
Silently, X noticed the chef crew hiding behind the kitchen counter, trying their hardest not to get noticed but also to hear whatever review he had.
So, instead of returning right away, X playfully picked one of the boxes, opened it, and gestured for Luo Li to eat.
“Huh? Can I?” The girl asked again, just to be sure. X simply smiled and shrugged.
“Alright! Thanks for the food!!” The Number Six Hero declared, before wolfing down the chicken wings in the box. X could sense the building anticipation from the waiter and the rest of the chef crew.
“Whoa!!! This- this is, like, the best fried chicken I’ve ever had in my entire life!!” Luo Li gasped, impressed beyond words. X could hear the crew’s silent cheer even from here. “X, X!! Eat! They’re amazing!!”
As soon as her invitation was made, the atmosphere turned tense again. Luo Li probably didn’t notice– and even if she did, she ignored it– but the chefs’ attention snapped back at him again.
X hummed, before grabbing a drumstick of his own. The crew’s eyes followed his every move, as if this was the most decisive moment of their lives.
…Chomp!
Slowly, X chewed on the crispy skin of chicken, savoring every moment. He swallowed, and even then the crew’s anticipation was tense.
X smiled, before biting for another piece of meat.
And another.
And another.
In the end, all that was left was a bare bone.
“How was it?” Luo Li asked, genuinely curious.
“Hmm,” X tilted his head, enjoying the inhalation the crew took just to prepare for his answer.
“It’s good.”
“YES-!!!!” A male voice yelled from afar, surprising the table, but the young man who let out the sound was quickly dragged away by his other coworkers.
“What…was that?” Luo Li blinked, confused. The young waiter laughed sheepishly.
“I-Ignore him… It’s just… a rare chance to cook for X… of all people.” The young man said nervously, but his voice swelled with hidden pride. “They’re just very happy to get to cook for you Top Heroes.”
“Is that so?” Luo Li raised her eyebrows while X smirked.
“It’s good. Amazing, even. Perfectly cooked and seasoned without being too oily. I’ll be sure not to waste any of it.” The man said casually, much to the joy of the young waiter.
“I see! I’ll make sure to tell them that!” The young waiter told him, before bowing and jogging back, now finished with his job.
“Hey, wait–!” Luo Li tried to call out to him. “I haven’t ordered my…dinner…yet…” However, it was too late since the young waiter was too far away to hear at that point. Luo Li just sighed heavily.
“Man, this sucks. Guess I’ll just have to make myself instant noodles again… ” She complained as she held her bat. “Thanks for the chicken wing, X. I’m too starved to wait any longer though. Enjoy the rest of your meal, then.”
But, just when she was about to return to her floor, a ‘snap!’ resounded.
Suddenly, the pink bat in Luo Li’s hands was replaced by two boxes of fried chicken. Much to her surprise.
“Didn’t you just say you wouldn't waste any food?” The pink haired engineer scoffed, though she had a grateful smile. X just shrugged.
“I’m not wasting anything if you eat them all.” X said lightly. “I can’t finish all of them anyways.”
“Meh, probably.” The girl agreed. “Wait, what about my bat?! Give it back!”
“You asked me what to do with your bat, didn't you?” X raised an eyebrow while spinning the bat smugly with one hand. “Here’s what I’m gonna do.”
With his other hand, X snapped again.
This time though, Luo Li’s pink bat turned into a bright red and white combo, decorated with a fried chicken theme that definitely did not go along with her aesthetic at all.
“Hey!” Luo Li whined, annoyed. But at that point, X had already snapped himself and his free food away again, leaving only the weapon behind.
“Wait, they forgot my soda.” X realized as soon as he was home.