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Chapter Text

Genos rested his palms flat on the table in an attempt to calm himself down. Amai Mask truly tries his patience, and he hopes to imitate the same patience his Sensei had shown time and again. Whilst holding himself back from incinerating everything and everyone in the vicinity, a thought formed inside his mind.

He could use this to his advantage –to his Sensei’s advantage.

In their hope to save face, Hero’s Association decided to create a TV program that would let the public see another side of Heroes. They tend to make it seem that the formation of Neo Heroes and the transfer of HA’s former heroes isn’t such a big of a deal as the public is making it seem. Distract the people with something shiny, while they sweep the dust under the carpet. It’s an old PR trick, and Genos doubts that it would even work—unless…

He hummed beneath his breath, carefully analyzing the situation.

The public is more –distraught at the thought of HA losing Metal Bat, Darkshine, and Child Emperor than the thought of NH having more heroes on their side. It seems like people bank their trust more on power than numbers. Genos has another opinion on that matter, but he can certainly use this to his expense –to his Sensei’s expense.

Looking at Amai, he can also use this as an opportunity to show the condescending brick of make-up of what his Sensei is truly made of. Genos wants nothing more than to wipe that smarmy smile off his face. He wants Amai to see what he will never be a match for Saitama and make him realize that he would never have Saitama. Saitama is Genos’. Only his—okay, so maybe he’s a bit intense, and obsessive but –blah, whatever.

Saitama-sensei is his and it’s only a matter of time before Sensei realizes that Genos is his, too. Maybe he could also use this to show everyone else that Saitama-sensei is his and his alone. This might just be the golden opportunity he has been waiting for.

“I can see why HA is moving on to a more…open-“sly “-method.” He cleared his throat for an added effect of seriousness. “I find myself willing to participate in this program, but with certain…conditions.”

The head of their PR department beamed at him. The woman was ready to agree to it when Amai held his hand up. To stop the woman from speaking, or to ask for permission to speak –you know which is which. “What conditions?”

“Nothing unreasonable, don’t worry.” Genos needs to make sure that HA doesn’t fall off the map because Sensei doesn’t want to move to another association. That’s only second to his primary goal anyway.

Genos continued. “I won’t take the camera team with me if I need to go to my…check-ups. I don’t want to expose my doctor’s location.” He started with the really important one. “I wish to be allowed to go on my days the way I usually do –with whom I’m usually with. You can send me on missions during the duration of this program, but you will have no say on who I go with these missions if I ever need back-up.” He paused, trying to make it seem that he is taking things seriously. “That’s all I have in my mind at the moment.”

“Number one is reasonable.” Amai leaned on the table. “Number two is the point of the show. And number three, there’s not much harm in that, I guess.”

The head of the PR department looked up from where she had written the conditions. “Amai Mask is correct about number two.” She seemed sympathetic towards Genos. “We would encourage you to go out with your friends. If any of them are civilians, they have the right to refuse being recorded, but the same cannot be said towards heroes. I’m sure you’ve read the contract.”

“The people I’m usually with are heroes.” Genos stated the truth. Then, he remembered Bang’s disciple. “Except for one that is.” Then again, he’d only be caught in the dojo if it weren’t for his sensei.

“Oh, don’t worry.” She’s back to smiling at him. “We’re very respectful of people’s privacy. There’s also a clause in it in the contract. We’ll send it to you by Friday to give you enough time to read it thoroughly over the weekend.”

“That is acceptable.” He got up and shook hands with the woman. “Thank you. I appreciate your consideration.”

Living in different apartments didn’t stop Genos from spending most of his time with his Sensei. A good disciple won’t be easily deterred by thin walls. And, since he wants to climb up the ladder of their relationship, he has to view this as a minor inconvenience. It is said that an ideal partner is someone dependable. Surely, when Saitama sees that he is a dependable person, his sensei will be more willing to be with him –despite not being into guys.

He’s not a guy anyway –he’s a cyborg, so no issue there. Saitama would be –mecha-sexual? Cyborgsexual? No! Genos-sexual. That’s more fitting.

It took him three days to convince his Sensei to give him a spare house key. Saitama didn’t put much of a fight about it. No one can make Saitama do anything he doesn’t want after all.

It made hope blossom inside Genos’ chest plate. Sensei doesn’t want him out of his life. It was just an unfortunate circumstance that led them to sleep in different apartments. With that in mind, he also gave his Sensei the spare hey to his apartment.

Perhaps Genos can look for another apartment. One that is small enough for Saitama to deem it cozy but big enough for the two of them to live in. He made a mental note of that as he settled down on the kotatsu.

The contract for the TV program arrived that morning. Genos certainly appreciates that they mailed it a day earlier. It might free his Sunday. He’d be able to come with Saitama on a sale in K-City.

The contract seemed reasonable enough. They have taken into account his conditions with additional sub-clauses, though which he reads through carefully. He has to do at least two promotional interviews before the first episode is aired, he understands the need for that. Questions asked during the shoot doesn’t need to be answered if it might breach his privacy, Genos is starting to like the head of the PR department. Such a shame she’s stuck with Amai Mask.

He hummed beneath his breath. He wonders if he can get to her sweeter side if he manages to get higher viewer rates than Amai. Perhaps then he would be able to convince her to put Saitama-sensei on the TV program.

Yes, Genos can see it. He can use his portion of the program to make people see what a great man Saitama is. Then, he can use Saitama’s portion of the program to garner more fans for his Sensei. It is a perfect –perfect plan.

“What’s that?” Sensei asked him.

“A contract to a TV program.” He answered –careful to keep it simple. “I was told to do a reality TV show for HA.”

“You’re gonna have to do what?”

There’s a slight quirk on his Sensei’s mouth. It took Genos a good while to understand what that particular expression meant on Sensei’s face. He knows that Saitama finds amusement in his current predicament. It’s time for him to make Sensei realize how this would also affect him. Well, not the whole of it at least.

“Be a part of a reality TV show.” He repeated monotonously. “A crew of cameramen will follow me around for five days. A day in my week would equate to an episode –as stated in this contract.” He gestured towards the stack of paper in front of him.

“How about when you’re fighting monsters?”

“They will try to capture the fight by using drones with cameras.”

Saitama lay down on his side, head resting on his hand. “People want to see you in action, huh?”

Genos wants to tell Sensei that he is doing it all for people to see him in action, but if he does that –there’s a chance that Saitama wouldn’t like it. He doesn’t like keeping secrets from his Sensei, but he thinks this is a necessary one. “They are foolish like that, Sensei. Would this be alright with you?”

Saitama started picking on his nose. Genos itched to hand him a tissue. “Why are you asking me? It’s not like I’m going to be a part of it.”

“Sensei…” Genos tried not to visibly swallow. “I spend most of my free time with you.”

“Yeah, what of it?”

“That means that the cameras would be around you, too.”

Saitama sighed. “Why didn’t you just tell me straight away?” He sat up and flick the booger somewhere to his right. Genos is going to vacuum that area before he leaves. “It’s not like the camera would be focusing on me. They’d be focused on you. You shouldn’t worry too much, Genos.”

“If sensei is fine with it, I shall be signing the contract.” Genos picked up the pen beside the stack of papers. He stared at the dotted line for a minute.

He can see it inside his head already. People watching inside their homes and realizing the true strength of his sensei. They’d see that Saitama is a true hero –the truest. They would finally give him the recognition Saitama deserves.

Genos signed the contract with an extra flourish.

Monday started the way it usually starts.

Genos gets up, he gets dressed, and he walks out of his apartment and goes to his Sensei’s. He wouldn’t mind the lack of greeting when he gets there. It just means that Sensei is on his morning run. It would give Genos enough time to prepare breakfast for when Sensei comes back.

Checking their stock, he realized that they would need to shop soon. He reached for the apron –glad that it survived the Monster Association debacle, and put it on. He decided to make a simple egg over rice for both of them.

He heard distinct footsteps approaching the apartment, and he tried to relax –to seem like nothing is out of place and a camera crew isn’t following his every move. The door opened and Saitama automatically knows he’s there.

“I’m home.” Saitama hadn’t noticed the camera crew yet. He was busy taking his shoes off. “Hey, Genos, did you see where my tracksuit went? The blue one. I couldn’t find it this morning.”

Yes, Genos had strategically misplaced it. He never liked it anyway. It hides his Sensei’s lean body with how baggy it is. “I’ll look for it as soon as we’re done with breakfast, sensei. And, welcome home.”

“Nah, ‘s no need. It must be in the laundry.” Saitama finally looked up and saw the crew.

There was an awkward staring contest between Saitama and the cameraman.

Genos didn’t miss the way one of the female staff stared at Saitama’s arms. It was hard to fight back a maniacal laugh. He had placed a basketball short and a muscle shirt on top of Saitama’s clothes. He knows that his Sensei would just grab whatever is on top whenever he doesn’t see what he has originally planned to wear.

Sensei’s body has always drawn women’s attention –much to his ire, but once they learn that he’s Caped Baldy they try to deny the attraction, again, much to his ire. Well, they are going to have a hard time doing that. Genos would make sure of it.

“I made eggs on rice, Sensei.” His voice made Saitama move. He placed the meal in front of his Sensei and he took the seat opposite the man.

There was an uncomfortable silence.

Genos thought that he should proceed to his next plan of attack. He pitched his voice low and uttered the words in a very distinctive manner. “I have new parts today, Sensei.”

Someone from the crew squeaked.

“I was wondering if I can test it on you.”

Someone wheezed.

“Really?” Saitama looked up from his meal. “Haven’t you just changed parts? Did you got hurt in a fight and didn’t tell me, Genos?”

“No, Sensei.” He was quick to answer. “The doctor just found a material that is lighter but more durable. He created a new arm for me and equipped me right away. I want to see if I could finally land a hit this time.”

Saitama narrowed his eyes at Genos for a moment. “You sure you didn’t get hurt?”

“I swear, Sensei.”

“Okay.” Saitama slightly nodded to his direction. “We can go after breakfast.”

“To our usual training ground?”

“Yeah. Let’s also buy groceries before coming home.”

“That is agreeable, Sensei.”

They continued with their meal with a more bearable silence. Genos can see that Sensei is trying his best to make it seem like an ordinary day for them. Still, he can see aborted actions from Saitama through small jerks that can’t be seen by any normal eye. It seems like despite what his Sensei had told him, he still gets conscious of the people around him.

Genos should have seen that before.

The only reason Saitama bravely ruined his reputation was for the sake of others. That doesn’t mean that the man doesn’t want to better the said reputation. Despite his Sensei’s greatness, he is still a man. He would still crave affection and still wants his achievements recognized. Saitama may have perfected his mask of indifference, but that doesn’t mean he truly is apathetic towards the mean words the public throws at him. A man could only take so much after all.

“You should shower before we leave, Sensei.” He started washing the dishes without much further ado. Genos can sense the camera crew’s growing bewilderment.

“Aren’t I just going to get sweaty when we spar?” Saitama moves beside him to dry the dishes.

“As if sparring with me would get you sweaty.” Genos’ smirked this time. It was in a perfect angle for the camera to capture.

Someone is choking in their spit.

Genos continued speaking. “You can go to your patrol after we shop. I’ll take the groceries back here and deal with paperwork till you get back. What do you want for dinner?”

Saitama gave away a little hum. “Let see what we’d buy at the grocery first, before deciding.”

The last of the dishes were dried and Saitama headed to the bathroom. As he waited, Genos decided to tidy up the little living room. Once he was done, one of the crew called out to him and asked him where they are headed next.

“W-we might slow you down on your way. So, we thought that it’ll be better if –if we send a crew there all ready and set up equipment.”

Genos blinked at her for a moment. “That makes sense.” He told her the destination and she relayed the information to someone over the phone.

“Do you think we’ll need a drone?” She asked him.

“It’s better for you to keep your distance. I don’t hold back my attacks when training with Sensei.” She relayed that other bit of information and scribble something down on her notebook.

Saitama emerged from the bathroom wearing his hero outfit. Genos wasn’t even trying to be subtle at staring at his Sensei’s thighs. He isn’t the only one anyway.

“Should we run?” He asked Saitama as he got up on his feet.

“How about speed walking?”

Genos only nod, it’s running for him.

As expected, they arrived there as the other crew was setting up equipment. One man even yelped upon Saitama’s arrival, others choke on the dust carried by the gust of wind. Genos was treated once again with star-struck gazes and Saitama with the barely hidden contempt. He wanted to call out the girl who was sneering at his Sensei, but a meaningful look from Saitama stopped him.

They were given tiny microphones attached to their clothes as drones were set to fly. They were assured that the equipment is made of quality material and wouldn’t break easily. He and Saitama share a doubtful look. Genos just hopes that enough footage would be recorded before they inevitably break the equipment.

“Sensei.” He called out before they start. “Take this seriously. Take me seriously.”

There must be something in his voice that made Saitama agree enough and nod at him.

Knowing that Saitama would never be the one to throw the first punch –because that would be the last punch of the fight, Genos rocketed himself forward. He will go full offense starting with punches and kicks. They move around the area.

He noticed how his Sensei was mindful of the crew, making sure that they don’t get too close to them. He tried his best to keep up with Saitama’s pace. He doesn’t want to be chasing mere afterimages of the man.

From his Sensei’s Normal Consecutive Punches, Genos created his own and thought of using it against the older man. “Machinegun Blows!” Sensei is still relaxed under his attack, dodging effortlessly. But, Genos managed to keep himself close to Sensei as he attacks. It’s an improvement from their first sparring, that’s for sure.

Genos stopped for a moment from attacking to plant his feet firmly on the dusty ground. Drawing his hands forward, his forearms’ mechanics shifted. It came together to form a blaster a feet wide. His chest light up, along with his shoulders and arms. “Incinerate!”

His fire’s range is wider than before and hotter from the way his readings are popping up on his eyesight. He could also produce more powerful blows if need be, and last longer in a fight. Still, he knows that all of that means nothing once his Sensei taps him.

Remembering his Sensei’s terrible –yet incredible speed, Genos took to the sky. Using flight to his advantage, he changed his arms from blasters to giant fists. He aimed a punch towards the ground, he won’t wait for the dust to settle as he adjusted his eyesight.

He wasn’t all that surprised to see that the area is cleared of Saitama. Genos did a quick scan of his surroundings and saw his Sensei standing on one of the cliffs, observing him from afar. He changed the direction of his punch, added fire at the soles of his feet and gritted his teeth upon noticing that his Sensei would meet his punch halfway.

Before they were even six feet apart, Saitama released his punch and let the gust of the wind push Genos back. He was expecting to land back-first on whatever rock and delighted on the fact that his expectation wasn’t met. He felt an arm around his waist, a surge of wind in the opposite direction and his feet on the ground.

“You are faster now.” His Sensei told him as Genos tried to find his footing. “The fire is bigger, also you’re a little lighter than before. Is that because of the new arm?”

“Yes, Sensei.”

“Cool.” Saitama gave him a small smile. “Let’s go shopping now. I think I have a bigger monster quota now that I’m in A-Class.”

“Of course, Sensei.”

They walked back to the stunned crew.

(“That’s just not possible.” The man controlling the drone murmured.

“Well, you can’t fake that.” The man looking at the screen said.

“I sent the footage to our producer.” The woman said as she pocketed her phone. “They’re thinking of showing the whole thing without any edits. PR would have a field day with this one.”)

Tuesday started the same as Monday, but Genos’ original plan was interrupted by a call from HA. There’s a monster categorized to be a Demon Level in L-City. Genos is vaguely aware of some high-level A-Class hero that lives hear that area that could handle the monster. It turns out, that his affinity for the fire will be needed in this particular fight.

“Do you need any help?” His Sensei asked him as he hangs the apron.

“I appreciate the offer, Sensei. But I wouldn’t get stronger if I let you fight in my place.” Plus, it was just a Demon Level –it would hardly be a match to Sensei. Genos was ready to get it over with, then he noticed the camera crew. “Will you be able to follow me?”

“There’s already a camera crew on standby in L-City.” The female director told him. “They have drones on the monster and waiting for your arrival.” Her eyes moved from Genos to Saitama and the cyborg caught it. There was –interest in it.

Genos hummed beneath his breath. “Sensei, would you mind if I let the crew stay here?”

“Eh, sure. I have your spare key, anyway. I can just shove them in your apartment if they get annoying.”

“Thank you for your hospitality, Sensei.” He put on his shoes.

“Come back in one piece!” He heard his Sensei call out before the doors closed.

Genos will take his Sensei’s words by heart and he will do his best to come back in one piece.

Once he reached the site, he’s disappointed to see that people hadn’t completely evacuated the area. He should have expected it, in all honesty. There are just some civilians that are hardheaded. They would rather capture a cool fight in their phones than live another day in their lives unscathed.

He wouldn’t be able to blast the plant monster at maximum power because he’d need to be careful of the remaining civilians. With that in mind, his efficiency has dropped. He thought of drawing the monster to a vacant area in the city, but he would be wasting fuel by doing that and risking more property damages. He honestly wants to curse at the civilians right now.

Genos made a scan of his surroundings in the hope to see anything useful around him. The words ‘Flammable’ popped in his sight. Turning to his side, he saw a yellow tank truck. He didn’t have the time to wonder if the company owning it would mind him throwing the truck at the monster.

The plant monster wailed and trashed, destroying the roofs of a few two-story buildings and ruining the lower windows of a few high rises. Genos couldn’t set the monster on fire right away. If he does that, he’d have a flailing fire plant –again, more property damage and possible loss of civilian lives. Folding his left elbow, he took his detachable jungle knife and surge forward towards the monster.

Cutting off its moving vines before setting them afire seemed to be the right thing to do and was proven as the monster slowly reduce its size and power. Genos could only sigh, it would take him hours. Still, it is the safer course for everyone.

Four hours later, Genos is roasting the last of the plant monster with an already bored expression on his face. The civilians, having no shame, walked up to him with their phones aimed at his face. Soon came in the media doing the same thing but with questions instead of requests. It grates on his nerves but he hid his irritation in a stoic appearance.

He tried his best not to sneer at his camera crew when he was asked where he is headed next. He told them that he would be heading to HQ to file his report. “Perhaps, even complain about crowd control.” He monotonously added.

“Why is that?” A man behind the cameraman asked before Genos fly away.

“The monster could have been dealt with faster if I didn’t have to worry about civilian casualties.” He let that be his parting words, not realizing that it was caught by other media personnel.

(In the apartment, Saitama huff a small laugh upon seeing that in the news. It drew the camera crew’s attention. They watched as the bald man finally moved in front of the television screen to the kitchen.

The crew had to decide who would ask the man the obvious question. They settled with using Janken for that. The intern loss, and shakily spoke up. “D-Do you always watch Demon Cyborg’s fights?”

“Huh?” The man turned to them with a lazy expression. “Uh, yeah.”

“Why is that?”

“Geez, you guys are nosy.”

“We apologize!” The intern squeaked.

“Whatever.” The man started cooking, and from how many ingredients he was using they could tell it’s for two. “I just gotta make sure he’s fine, I guess. He can get a bit reckless.”

The crew shared a look that Saitama didn’t catch.)

Wednesday had Genos cooking breakfast with a frown.

His Sensei was quick to notice his mood. “Meeting?”

Saitama’s question got him frowning just a little bit more. “Unfortunately.”

That answer got Saitama snorting around the rice inside his mouth. “At least Sour Face isn’t attending.”

Genos’ frown eased at that. He still doesn’t know if Saitama is doing it on purpose, but Genos can find humor in his butchering of other heroes' names. He also likes the fact that his Sensei paid enough attention to him to know his hero name from the very beginning. The older man paid enough attention that when he heard it in the news and found out that the Demon Cyborg is in trouble Saitama came to his rescue.

His Sensei took over the washing of the dishes. Genos that its Saitama’s way of trying to lift his mood, and he appreciates it. From his peripheral, he can see the crew rising their eyebrows at each other meaningfully –even going as far as wiggling it.

Yes, take that! It’s a picture of domesticity. They belong together. Everyone should see it and stop sending Genos explicit letters, confession letters, or any letters that propositions him.

He hummed beneath his breath as he opened the door for him and the crew. An idea is floating around his head as he walks towards the meeting hall. He is mentally listing the pros and cons of the said idea.

“You often do that.” One of the male crews caught his attention.

Genos couldn’t help but turn to him with an inquiring expression. “Do what?”

“You hum –but not like singing a tune hum, just like a single ‘hmm’.”

“Do I?” Genos tilted his head to the side –considering. “I never noticed. Is it annoying?”

“No, not really.” The man said with a shrug. “Just…pulls a bit on a person’s curiosity.”

Genos doesn’t know what to say in turn. Instead of answering, he merely nodded at the man.

(“He is not good with social interactions.” The intern whispered at the producer.

“Like his Sensei.” The producer whispered back. “Is it strange to –I don’t know, ship them?”

“I think our rating will skyrocket if we do.” The cameraman piped up.)

Taking his seat in the meeting hall –with the camera crew still filming, it was strange to see four empty chairs. Atomic Samurai is there before the others along with Tank Top Master. From memory, Genos knows that Atomic Samurai usually attend the meeting with Bang. It seems like the old man is serious about retiring from the hero scene and sticking to teaching. He gave Atomic Samurai an understanding nod.

One by one the heroes trickled in. Pig God with his snack, Zombie-man with his smoke, Drive Knight with his artillery and Watchdog man with his costume. Flashy Flash walked in as he tucked his long blond hair behind his ear, Tornado floated and Puri-Puri Prisoner did a pirouette after King merely walked in wearing his dirty cap.

It was a surprise when King approached him. The man usually keeps to himself during S-Class meetings. It makes Genos wonder what he’s about to say.

“Saitama forgot to tell me his apartment number.” King –like his Sensei, doesn’t mince his words. His eyes strayed to the camera crew for a moment, stopping him from continuing. Focus shifted, King added. “Just text me the apartment number.”

The man was about to walk away, but a light bulb switched on inside Genos’ mind. He reached out for the man’s hand. Everyone in the room fell silent. Well, except for the infamous King engine –but Genos is fearless. “Can I talk to you in private –after the meeting that is, and without the camera crew.”

King is wearing an intimidating expression. It was made worse by his scar. “Without the camera.”

Someone from the crew fainted.

Genos let out a breath that he didn’t know he was holding. He said his thanks to King and let the man take his usual seat which is at the other end of the table. From across him, he saw Zombie-man light up another cigarette while looking at him with a considering gaze.

The meeting started, and as he had expected, the decrease in their numbers was addressed. As well as Bang’s retirement, but this was discussed with positivity instead of icy neutrality like the others. They were encouraged to look for talents or take on individuals that they can train to aid the association in fighting monsters.

The increase in monster sightings was also discussed, and they are told that they would be given more missions if it continues.

Tornado didn’t like that. “It’s like you’re punishing us because others slack off. Why don’t you send other A-Class heroes in teams to do some S-Class missions? They won’t be stronger than anyone here, but there’s strength in numbers.”

Genos is always amazed at how condescending she is even when she presents a reasonable solution.

“I wish to nominate to promote my disciples to S-Class.” Atomic Samurai said.

“Oh, please.” Tornado flipped her hair with a sway of her hand. “Your fan club got beat by a single monster. They’re not ready for S-Class.”

There’s a vein about to pop on Atomic Samurai’s forehead.

There’s someone from the crew audibly swallowed.

“Is there someone you would like to nominate?” The director asked Tornado. Probably expecting her to lose her bite in his tone, her silence delighted him but only for a second.

Tornado seemed to be in contemplation –she almost looks pained.

After a minute’s silence, she spoke up. “There is someone.” It was almost a whisper, but it still got everyone turning to her direction. They were waiting for her to reveal who it is. “Caped Baldy.”

“Can you repeat that?” The director asked dumbly.

Irritation showed on Tornado’s face. “Caped Baldy.” She repeated. “The one that stopped that stupid hero hunter but you only promoted to A-Class.” The director was sputtering. “Anyway, I fought him. It was annoying, but he was strong enough to withstand my attacks. So, yeah, I nominate to promote him to S-Class.”

“I would have to disagree.” Flashy Flash spoke up –Genos wants to incinerate him right there. “Well, at least to the promotion. He has strength, but no technique. He needs someone to teach him. I graciously volunteer.”

“He already said no to you.” Genos reminded him. How could the man think he has anything to offer his Sensei? Preposterous.

Someone from the crew gasped.

“I’ve never actually seen him fight.” Tank Top Master piped up. “Though, he seemed like a solid kind of guy.”

“He also managed to break through the Hero Hunter’s mentality.” Atomic Samurai added. “It takes strength to shake one’s belief.”

“I second the nomination.” All heads turn to King. “I’ve seen him fight a couple of times.”

Genos can hear the angels singing. This is –it’s Divine Intervention, he knows it. This is destiny and fate coming together and handing his Sensei the positive Karma for all the lives he had saved.

“Well, damn,” Zombie-man smirked around his cig. “Tornado and King nominating him. What are we even waiting for?”

The director cleared his throat –there’s a bit of sweat forming on his forehead. “We need Amai Mask’s approval for the nomination before we could move on to voting.”

“What?” A thin sheet of green energy enveloped Tornado. “Why does he have a say before we –members of the S-Class, could vote? It’s not like he’s an S-Class!”

“If this Caped Baldy is as good as you deem him to be, I’m sure he’ll pass Amai Mask’s standard for approval.” The director haughtily said to her.

“Yes, but you’re forgetting the fact that A-Class and S-Class aren’t held in the same standard.” Puri-Puri Prisoner piped up. “A-Class has this…public image they have to maintain, and from what I’ve heard here and there –Caped Baldy doesn’t have the most outstanding record with the public nor media.”

“Yeah.” Zombie-man took a drag of his smoke. “It started with the Sea King debacle, also the Meteor thing.”

“If I may?” Genos spoke up. He’s starting to think that everything will be much easier if Amai Mask was never born. The director gestured for him to continue. “This TV program that I’m currently a part of, perhaps we can use that to garner more positive feedback from the public for Sensei.”

“Sensei?” The director echoed.

“Caped Baldy is my Sensei –though he hates the name.” Genos then added. “Can he change his hero name if he gets to S-Class?”

“Maybe.” The director is looking quite uncomfortable from where he is standing. “To be a part of the program, the hero must be approved first.”

“By who?” Atomic Samurai asked with a lift of a single eyebrow.

“By the PR department head…and Amai Mask.”

The table was flipped over with a green sheen. “Is there anything we can do without the explicit permission of that Fake Ass Bastard?”

Watchdog man sniffed the air. “Someone peed.” He was looking at the direction of the camera crew.

That was the sign that the meeting should be adjourned.

Genos knows now that he has to sweet talk the head of the PR department. Perhaps she likes muffins? Yes, she looked like a muffin person. But, would that be seen as bribery? Is Genos above bribery? For his Sensei, no.

He turned his head towards the camera crew and told them to wait for him outside of the meeting hall. King stayed still in his seat, unfazed by the upturned table. They both waited for the room to be deserted before speaking.

“I am gladdened for your support for Sensei, you truly are his friend.” Genos started. “The past months, Sensei had to bear the burden of the public’s undeserved hate for him. As usual, Sensei remained strong through the scrutiny because of that it took me a while to see that he is affected by all the unkind words.

“This TV program, I agreed to be a part of this to somehow show people what kind of man Sensei is. I want people to know that what he deserves are not hurtful words and letters, but those of praises and gratitude. With that said, I wish to recruit you on this mission.”

Genos took in a deep breath before continuing. “Being known as the strongest man, you have a very large following. If people know about your friendship with Saitama-sensei, people will try and look deeper to see what qualities you see in him for you to deem him as a friend. Once people see that your friendship is bound by honor and mutual respect, they would start treating Sensei with both.

“I know I am in no place to ask you of this, but seeing how you showed support to Sensei just a few minutes ago –I hope that you agree.”

Inside King’s mind, he knows that it wouldn’t hurt. Plus, it would be a good way to repay Saitama for keeping his secret. “I agree with everything you said. Tell me how can I help?”

Genos couldn’t help but bow lowly at the man. An electrical surge took control of him –he was so happy.

Chapter Text

Thursday morning was perfect.

Instead of walking in an empty apartment, Genos was greeted by his Sensei. The subtle change made his core do the cha-cha beat beneath his metal chest plate. As if the greeting wasn’t enough, Saitama was the one who made breakfast for the two of them.

There were all too knowing looks coming from the camera crew. He even heard one of the crew said that he is getting heavily invested in what is happening. Genos took that as a testament of his obvious nature and his Sensei’s obliviousness.

They had breakfast together. Falling in a semblance of peace, so long as they don’t mind the intense stare coming from the crew. After, his Sensei accepted his offer of washing the dishes as the older man water his cactus. Even with the presence of other people, Saitama still talks to it. It’s endearing to Genos’ opinion, enough for him to not bother fighting down his smile.

Once they’ve settled in the living room, Genos decided that this would just be the right moment to breach a certain topic that has been on his mind since last night.

“Sensei, S-Class Rank two Tornado of Terror nominated you to be promoted to S-Class.” Genos watched the man raise an eyebrow at him.

It was the most expressive the man has ever been. He is tempted to record it –oh, wait…the cameraman is focusing on Saitama’s face. Maybe he can get a copy. Yes, he’ll just ask for a copy.

“Ronaldo what?” Saitama is back to his deadpan expression.

“Tornado of Terror,” Genos repeated. “I think you know her better as Fubuki’s older sister.”

“You mean the midget.”

There was a collective gasped from the crew.

Genos elected to ignore both the height comment and the peanut gallery. “She had spoken highly of you and nominated you to be promoted. King seconded your nomination, while Flashy Flash –once again tried pointing out your lack of technique.” Genos frowned at that. “But, besides him, no one else is against it.”

“Should I wait for my promotion letter by the door?”

“There’s a small problem.”

Saitama huffed a small laugh. “I kinda already guess there will be –nothing goes my way in this lifetime.”

That was –a statement Genos never thought he’d hear coming from his Sensei. It’s all too –bitter. “Your nomination has to be approved by Amai Mask. To have that, you must pass his standard for approval which requires strength in defeating monsters and…a strong relation with the public and media.”

A snort came from his Sensei. “Fighting a monster, easy. Get people to stop hating me, that’ll be a miracle and a half.”

“Sensei.” He tried to sound imploring. “All we need is a chance for people to get to know you. I’m certain that once they see what kind of man you are, they will see that you are incredible.”

“Oh, geez, Genos. Stop that.”

“I’m only speaking of the truth, Sensei. You are strong and wise. If people just get over their unjustified hate, they will see that, too.” Genos insisted fervently.

“Stop it.”

Someone was snickering from the back.

“You can’t even face these facts because of how modest you are, Sensei.”

Saitama groaned out loud as if he was pained. “Knock it off, I’m serious here.”

“Sensei, I’ve already thought of a way for people to get to know you.” Genos decided to get back to their original discussion. He does get too impassioned at times when he tries to make Saitama see how amazing he is. “We can use this TV program to let people know who you are.”

His Sensei asked him. “What if your idea backfires and people end up hating me more?”

“What? Sensei, they won’t-“

“Genos, drop it.” Saitama’s usual lazy drawl became sharp. “Besides, the ranking doesn’t matter in being a hero. Well, at least to me.” The latter statement may be a nod to the task that he had handed Genos.

“But, if you’re in S-Class, they would contact you right away if there’s a strong monster.” Genos just needs his Sensei to see. “Isn’t that what you want? A worthy opponent?”

“Well, if the S-Class heroes of the association see me as someone strong, then they wouldn’t hesitate to inform me of it. No matter what my ranking is.”

“But, Sen-“

“Genos.” The older man’s tone is commanding. “I said, drop it.”

“Yes, Sensei.” He bowed his head –chided. “I apologize.”

“I’m going on patrol.” Saitama got up on his feet.

(The intern was sniffling.

“Why are you crying?” The cameraman asked her.

“DC is just trying his best.” She tried to be covert in blowing her nose. “Doing his best.”

“Look, CB has his points.” The director told her.

“Not unless we edit it in a way that people will like CB.” The producer murmured which got the intern turning towards her.

“Can we do that?” The intern has a hopeful look in her eyes.

“That’s not honest journalism.” The cameraman told them.

The producer rolled her eyes at him. “We’re doing a reality TV show. The word ‘reality’ in it is relative. Plus, DC’s a thousand times kinder than AM –less demanding, too. Wouldn’t you just want to –I don’t know, turn his frown upside down?”

There were whispers of agreement going around. It’s decided. Caped Baldy’s going to be the most liked hero in the history of HA.)

Thursday afternoon was fucking Genos in his mechanical ass.

There were consecutive attacks of Demon Level monsters from cities that were just next to each other. By some force of nature, they met at the border of the cities and decided to be partners in destruction. The two could have been members of the Monsters Association for all they know. Genos could only grit his teeth at the thought.

He is in pursuit of a shark monster with arms and feet of a human, and only half-listening to its monologue as he tries his best to save the civilians that won’t get out of the way. Genos was half tempted to throw the teenage boy in the air when he saw him streaming his rescue on some social media platform. When he landed, the boy even dared to take a clear shot of him –sweeping the phone up and down his form.

He sent the teen a nasty look that prompted the teen to turn around and run away.

“-you humans! Taking our fins and letting our kind die of starvation in the ocean. Well, let’s see what you would feel if I take your arms and legs!” The shark let out a cackle as it searches for a victim.

“After you’re done with that, mebbe I’d tie their necks using straws?” The turtle seemed to have merged with plastic materials nasally added. “Mebbe they will learn?”

Genos saw the shark spotted a civilian and reached out for a lady wearing office attire. She was half crying and half screaming, wiggling against the shark’s hold with all her strength. He shoots up to the sky and aimed his incinerators at the shark’s shoulder –blasting it off. He was about to dive down to catch the civilian, but the sight of an armor stopped him.

Iaian caught the civilian by the waist like a sack of potatoes. The swordsman didn’t even bother with waiting for the civilian to find her footing. He just dropped her on the pavement.

Huh.

Maybe Genos doesn’t have to be so gentle with the civilians all the time.

“You finish off the shark,” Iaian told him in an authoritative enough tone but not condescending one. “And, I’ll handle the turtle.”

“You’re certain you can handle the turtle’s protective shell?” Genos asked in concern.

“My aim is the head,” Iaian informed him with a smirk.

Thinking about it, that would probably Genos’ aim, too. He gave the other disciple a nod –not waiting for one in return as he attacks the shark. Having injured the monster, Genos thought that beating it would now be relatively easy. He didn’t expect the projectile fangs it can produce whenever it opens up its mouth.

The first time it was used on him, it almost got him in his middle. A quick swerve saved him from being impaled but it still tore his shirt. He didn’t have a moment to assess if it damaged his plates. He has to move and think fast –the projectile is serving both as offense and defense, there were fewer civilians but the damaged property will likely be more than the last time he fought a monster.

Genos noticed that whenever he moves from left to right, the monster almost moves his whole body towards his direction. There’s an obvious delay in this action, if he can go all the way around then he’d have a clear shot to the back of the head. From his first attack, it didn’t seem like the shark’s skin was tough –it’s worth the shot.

Behind the shark, he raised both hands and activated his incinerators. He blasted off the shark’s head –blood splattering all over and raining over him. He could only clench his fists at his oversight.

“Well, that didn’t seem to be a Demon Level threat.” Iaian has his lips pursed to the side. Genos noticed that he isn’t as serious as when he is with his teacher.

“They must have taken into account the size of it more than the power,” Genos said.

“Must have.” Iaian murmured before turning towards him. “I can wait for the clean-up, you should head home and uh—clean up.”

“Thank you.” Genos decided to run home instead of flying. He already used too much fuel during the fight.

He couldn’t help the sigh that escaped his lips when he walked inside his apartment. Washing the blood off will take a considerable amount of time. Blood never agreed with his synthetic hair, and he’d have to disassemble a few parts of him to make sure to clean the blood that got in through the cracks of his exterior. He hopes that his Sensei wouldn’t mind cooking for himself tonight.

Genos didn’t notice the pout that he sported at the thought of his Sensei. He still hadn’t given up on his mission. He just needs a new way to tackle it. Saitama can be stubborn when he wants to, but Genos has never been one to give up easily.

Not minding the crew, he rips the already damaged shirt off his torso and headed straight for the bathroom. He closed the door with a bit more force than he used to. Looking at himself in the mirror, he could compare himself to a horror movie victim. Inside the bathroom, he rolled his eyes at his thought –unbidden and unnecessary.

He turned the knob for a hot shower as he took off his pants. He stepped under the water and focused on his hair for an unreasonable amount of time before moving on to other parts of his body. Seeing the water from the drain clear of blood, he stepped out and almost opened the door without wrapping a towel around his waist. His hand is on the knob but he is hesitating on twisting it open.

Insecurities creeping in like centipedes on a decaying body. He thought it’s stupid. He doesn’t have a body –organic body to be insecure of, but he is nonetheless. Taking a deep breath, he opened the door and put his insecurities at the back of his mind.

He pointedly ignored the camera and the gawking of the crew as he entered his bedroom. He put on sweatpants and tank-top to ease the removal of his external plates and parts for cleaning. He grabbed his toolbox along with his cleaning kit and settled on the kotatsu wherein he can lay his parts down.

Genos started with the inner part of his left forearm. Extricating plates and surveying it for any damage or dried blood. If there’s a damage –even though it’s mostly cosmetic, he would catalog it to report to Dr. Kuseno. It helps in determining what type of metal should be used in creating his body parts. If there’s dried blood, he’d reach out for his cleaning kit. Accumulated dirt may hinder his performance.

He was already on his right upper arm when he realized that he’d need help with doing his back. Maybe he should visit Dr. Kuseno for that. The crew wouldn’t be able to follow him, but he’s sure that it won’t take long. They’d still be able to record footage of him, though he does have a schedule on Saturday.

He was thinking of going tomorrow morning and be back in time for him and Sensei to open their letters. His thought was derailed by a door on his door. He didn’t notice the slight furrowing of his brows as he looks up. No one has ever dared to knock on his door ever since he moved in.

“Just a minute.” He called out loud enough to be heard outside. He wonders who it could be as he snapped back into place his arm plate.

“I come bearing a gift.”

Genos’ eyes widen at his Sensei as he holds up a grocery bag of his favorite sardine brand. It seemed like he didn’t buy it on sale. “Sensei…”

“Can I come in?”

“Of course!” Genos opened the door for him and they both headed towards the kitchen counter. He didn’t know what to say. This is –a whole new territory in Genos’ perspective. Still, he can’t say that he isn’t glad that Saitama bought him something knowing his frugal nature.

Saitama awkwardly rubbed his nape. “Look, about this morning, I didn’t mean to be so…well, mean about it. It’s just –I’m wary of people. Even before this whole hero gig.”

Oh, God. Genos mentally panicked. This is the perfect opening to discuss the TV program again, but he hasn’t thought of a way to convince his Sensei yet. He has to think of one on the fly.

Genos cleared his throat. “I understand your wariness, Sensei. The public…has not been kind to you despite your heroic acts.”

“You know I don’t do it for them.” Saitama let out a loaded sigh –looking down as if the floor is an interesting masterpiece. “That is one of the reasons why I don’t understand why you think so highly of me. I do all of this for myself. A professional hero for fun. What makes you think people will like that?”

“I never said you are a selfless man, Sensei.”

That got his Sensei looking up. “What?”

“You’re selfish, but not completely.” Genos started. “You do what you do for yourself as long as it wouldn’t step on anybody’s toes. You don’t carry the weight of the world on your shoulder, but if you see a chance to lighten it –you would. You crave for recognition, but you’d rather have hate than let other heroes be berated.

“Sensei, when I say you’re strong and wise that doesn’t negate the fact that you are lazy and –at times, would have a stupid idea. When I say you are modest that doesn’t mean you have the patience of a saint. I’m just saying that there’s more to you that –for some whatever reason, you cannot see. And I want not only for you to see it, but other people, too.”

“Oh, geez. Genos, I’m not –well, I am lazy and stupid. Yeah, I got a bit of a temper-“

“Sensei.” He cut the man off. “How about we compromise?”

Saitama has a contemplative expression. “What compromise?”

“If your popularity rises by a significant number by the time my segment in the TV program ended, you will let me try to convince the head of the PR department to give you your own. If it does not, then I will drop this matter entirely.”

“Sounds…reasonable.” Saitama conceded. “What do you consider a significant number?”

“Ten percent.”

“Fifteen.”

Genos narrowed his eyes at Saitama. “Eight.”

“What? No! Fourteen.”

“Sensei, if we’re doing the math here, five percent is a big thing already. So, let’s go for ten.”

“Twelve.”

“Deal.”

His Sensei rubbed his forehead. “Damn, you should be the one doing the bargaining when we shop.” Looking up, he saw Saitama’s eyes wander towards his living room. “You need help?”

Genos couldn’t say ‘no’. He can never turn down the offer of having Sensei’s hand on him. They both settle on the kotatsu, Saitama on his back as he lifts his top. He handed Sensei the appropriate tools to remove the plate and clean between the cracks.

He didn’t notice his eyes falling shut and his body relaxing at every gentle touch, nodding off.

(The intern was shaking the producer’s PA by the shoulder as they watch Caped Baldy carry Demon Cyborg to his bedroom and let him sleep. The A-Class hero cleaned the tools on the kotatsu as he tried his bed to ignore the whole crew.)

Friday is for mails; emails from HA in the morning and answering them, and fan mails in the evening, then having a bonfire depending on what is written on it. Genos and Saitama had made a game of it when he reached his twentieth birthday and had made it –almost a weekly ritual at this point.

Genos made a stop at a convenience store, buying the largest bottle of alcohol that he can find. It doesn’t even matter what kind or what brand. They plan on getting tipsy enough to merely laugh off whatever is written in the fan mails.

“Can you even get drunk?” The cameraman asked him as he walked towards the cashier.

“My doctor made sure that my body function as humanly possible.” At that statement, it seemed like the producer wanted to ask something else but hesitant to do so.

“As humanly as possible.” The producer echoed in place of an opening for a question. “So that includes pleasures of the –uhm…flesh?”

It took Genos a second to understand what she was getting at. “Oh –uh…Is that a scientific inquiry?”

“Yes!” The producer said. “Totally. I mean, it must have been hard connecting all those –uhm…things from your stomach to your brain to –like get you drunk. So, uh –yeah. Did your doctor made –uhm, the—it possible?”

“Yes.” Genos was relieved that it was scientific curiosity and not a sexual one. “If you like, I can give you my doctor’s email so you can talk about it.”

“That would be perfect.” She exclaimed.

He forwarded Dr. Kuseno’s email via text as they waited for his turn at the cashier. The teen manning the cash register looked at him with a hint of both awe and fear in his eyes. “Celebrating something?” The teen asked as he hands Genos the change.

“I wish.” Genos didn’t bother with prolonging the small talk. He grabbed his purchase and head straight for the door.

A piercing scream made him pause in the middle of the sidewalk.

He turned towards the intern and held up the plastic bag he was carrying. The silent instruction was understood as she took the bag from him. Strangely enough, she didn’t react the same way most girls would in the presence of Genos. He appreciates that.

The alarm was blaring and people were running away in the opposite direction he is heading. He is aware of the cameraman following him from a safe distance, but the rest of the crew didn’t. He half wonders if the camera man’s salary was worth it.

From a distance, he saw a car being turned over. Genos scanned if there’s any individual inside the car. He held on his relieved sigh upon learning that the car was empty. Though he questioned his sanity when he wondered how much the car costs.

Staring at the monster, he was confused if it was a rat with a human body or a human with a rat’s face. Realizing that it doesn’t matter, he raised his right hand and incinerated the monster. A pair of feet were the only thing left for the clean-up team to collect.

He turned from the scene intending to head straight home before more monsters appear. He’ll be reprimanded for not waiting for the clean-up team, but he doesn’t want to be late for dinner. He knows that he always has dinner with his Sensei –it’s just that, Fridays are special.

Yes, Saitama would mostly be reading hate mails but there has been a slow rise in the number of real fan mails. Yes, his Sensei’s smile would most likely be alcohol-induced but he still lives for those small soft smiles. And, yes, Genos knows it a little creepy but –blah, whatever.

Saitama trusts him enough to lower his guard, nothing else matters for Genos.

The table was already being set as Genos open the door of Saitama’s apartment. He put the bottle of liquor on the counter as he joined his Sensei on the kotatsu. They fell into an easy conversation as they eat. Saitama talked about his patrol and the lack of decent monsters, and Genos talked about his filing of reports and answering emails.

After dinner, Genos washed the dishes as Saitama start their bonfire by the balcony. Genos wasn’t sure if it’s allowed, he’ll just have to make sure that their neighbors wouldn’t complain. He let out a contented hum as he takes off the rubber gloves.

Their reclined chair was out –so was the bottle of liquor and box of mail. Saitama was leaning on the railing with his eyes gazing up the night sky. It’s rare to see his Sensei wear a serene expression rather than a bored one. Genos hates to ruin the moment.

Saitama turned to him. “Same rules?” He asked with a playful lilt in his voice.

“I would say that it should be a shot every time they tell me they want to marry me rather than they love me.” He took his seat as Saitama took his.

“I’d only agree if you let me take a shot every time they tell me they will kill me instead of they hate me.” Saitama opened the box.

“Seems fair.” Genos opened the bottle and filled the two shot glasses in front of them. “But, it’s still double shot if they have gotten creative.”

His Sensei handed him his mails and waited for him to open the first one. Genos merely scanned the letter. He was glad he changed ‘love’ to ‘marry’, otherwise he would have drunk four shots right off the bat.

Saitama got to the middle of the letter before reaching for the shot glass and downing it. He crumpled the letter and threw it in the bonfire. “Oh, man.” Genos likes the light flush tinting his Sensei’s cheeks. “This is not a good start.”

Saitama poured himself a shot as Genos open the next letter. A picture fell on the ground. He reached for it and turned it over. He grabbed his shot glass, downed it and did the same to Saitama’s glass. He didn’t bother with reading the letter, he just threw it in the bonfire.

“’nother nude pic?” Saitama asked as he opens his letter.

Genos nodded as he fills their glasses. “I don’t even think that one’s over sixteen.”

“Yikes.” His Sensei wasn’t even reading the letter for a minute and he is already reaching for his glass. A huff of laughter got Genos feeling curious, but Saitama threw the letter before he downed his glass. “I think we might actually get drunk tonight.”

An unwarranted snort escaped Genos’ mouth as he opened his next letter. The first thing he saw was a childish drawing of him. He passed it to his Sensei as he read the letter of a ten-year-old kid telling him that he wishes he can be as brave as him. Genos tucks the letter back to its envelope along with the drawing and set it to the side.

Saitama opened his next letter and they both saw that it’s written in blood. His Sensei reached for both of their glasses and filled it up as Genos move on to the next letter. Genos did the honors of throwing the letter in the fire.

They continued with Genos not having to take any shot for two turns and Saitama doing two doubles. It hurts Genos –in a way he never expects to be hurt. It makes his chest ache enough for him to wonder if he’s getting enough oxygen, even though he knows there’s no problem in his system. There’s a distinct chill spreading over his plates that he knows is brought about only by his imagination. Still, he feels the uncomfortable rolling of it.

On Saitama’s next turn, it was obvious that something other than paper is inside the envelope. His Sensei opened it and let the small object fall on his hand. It got both of them narrowing their eyes at it. Upon close inspection, it was a phone keychain of Saitama.

A light chuckle can be heard from his Sensei. “Wish I was this adorable looking.”

You are –Genos wanted to say to him.

Saitama’s focus moved on to the letter. Genos can see that he’s reading it seriously. From the way his eyes move and the slight furrowing of his eyebrows.

“What does it say?” Genos couldn’t stop himself from asking.

“This –I…It’s from someone I saved before I was a registered pro hero.” Saitama said. “She said that she’s glad that there’s finally a way that she can thank me, and that she doesn’t believe what the rumors are saying about me.”

“I like her. She’s smart.” He watched as Saitama set the letter aside and stare at the keychain once again.

“I don’t really have a phone.”

Genos took the keychain from his hand and grabbed his phone. He didn’t hesitate to attach it to his phone. “I’ll be keeping it safe till you buy one.”

As they continued, Saitama opened more letters of appreciation and admiration. While Genos opened more indecent proposals and wholesome confessions with letters from children now and then. It had gotten to the point that Saitama had to stop the game.

“We’re changing the rules next time.” His Sensei told him. “We should have anticipated the fact that you’re more popular now.”

“I don’t understand.” Genos slurred. “They –They claim to…admire me, yet they send me this-“he waved the latest opened letter vaguely in the air. “This blatantly disrespectful letter.”

“Fame isn’t love.” Genos sat up straight, planning on reaching for his notebook and pen. Saitama stopped him. “You’re going to fall face first.”

“But –But I need to write that down.”

“Geez, Genos.” Saitama kept him seated and Genos wasn’t even aware that he let out a whine. “It was recorded. You can ask for a copy of it, I’m sure.”

“If you’re sure.”

“I am.”

(“There is more to CB than meets the eye.” The producer murmured towards the director and the director just knows that this segment of the program will blow up even without their help.)

Saturday is scheduled for interviews. In the morning, Genos would be answering questions that the production crew came up with. In the afternoon, he’d be interviewed in talk shows –one would be live and the other recorded.

Genos was delightfully surprised when the producer also asked him to bring his Sensei with him for the morning interview.

“We’re going to have to ask Saitama-san to go in first.” One of the staff members told them as the pressed powder was being applied on their faces. “We thought that it will be better that way since you would need to head straight to the talk show recording after this. Then, you will be taken somewhere for a change of clothes for your live interview this afternoon.”

“Efficient,” Saitama commented as he got up to his feet.

“We try our best.” The staff member smiled at his Sensei.

Genos glared at her.

An hour and a half pass, Saitama entered the waiting room. Expression was kept unflappable, but there was…melancholy in his eyes. It worried Genos, but before he could even inquire about it his Sensei’s expression changed into one that is neutral.

The producer walked in with her usual pleasant smile. “Thank you so much for agreeing to this.” She told Saitama as she held out her hand for a shake. “It’s so rare to find someone so…honest.”

“Oh –yeah, sure.” Saitama turned back to Genos. “I’ll head home. Be careful.”

“Yes, Sensei!”

The producer stared up at him as the door closed. “I’m starting to understand why you look up at him.”

“Sensei is a great man.”

The producer led him to a room with a simple sofa and coffee table. Cameras were set up from different angles and so were lights. A small microphone was attached to him even when there was a boom mic hanging over him. There were fewer people than he expected.

He was told to sit on the sofa and was instructed to merely answer their questions as clearly as he can. It was simple enough, he supposes. Still, he was told to avoid vulgar language.

“Can you introduce yourself to the camera?” The producer asked.

“My name is Genos.” He started. “Most would know me as the Demon Cyborg, an S-Class hero.”

“How did you become a hero?”

“It was due to my Sensei. He said that he would only accept me as his disciple if I become a hero.” The follow-up questions got him reminiscing. He went on a tangent –from when he first met Saitama and how he was amazed by his strength that he just has to be Saitama’s student.

The questions move from topic to topic relating to the activities that he has indulged himself in the past week. From his training to the daily chores that he performs. He was asked about the battles that he has participated in and heroes that he has worked with. Then, he was asked about his experience in filming the show. In the end, he gave away a heartfelt message to his fans –real and respectful fans, with a reminder than keep their letters PG.

He didn’t notice the passing of the hour and he was done with his first interview.

Genos soon found himself speaking to a stylist and handing him a pair of pants, a shirt, and a blazer. He wore the clothing items handed to him and showed the fit to the stylist. She made a dissatisfied noise at the back of her throat and ordered him to take off the blazer. He did as he was told and let the woman invade his space to French tuck the shirt and loop a simple belt around his waist.

“There.” Her tone satisfied. “You look your age without taking off the serious edge you have going on. I should have known simple works better on you.”

“Thank you.” He voiced out as he was led out of the room and into another studio.

The producer babbled at him about selling the reality TV show that they are doing. She also gave him pointers on how he should answer while reassuring him that they checked the questions that would be asked. “Still, stay on your toes. Some interviewers just don’t know when to stop.”

Genos is pretty sure that would be edited out from the way the director of the crew rolled his eyes.

There was a live audience despite his interview being recorded. The producer gave away a nasty ‘tsk’ beneath her breath. It seemed like the producer of the talk show didn’t follow certain rules and would be hearing from the head of HA’s PR department.

“He is not giving anyone an autograph.” The producer of their reality TV show argued before the recording starts. “That’s that. If you push further, you’ll be facing lawsuits so do us both a favor and just deal with it.”

Vicious little thing, Genos thought to himself as his make-up was being retouched.

The interviewer –Jiro, welcomed him on the stage with a smile and a handshake. The audience was screaming and clapping until they were both seated. “It is an honor to have you in our show.” The man started. “It’s very rare for an S-Class hero to go on talk shows, so this is a treat for our audience. I’ve been told that it’s usually lower class heroes who do public appearance. I just got to ask, what brought you here to my show?”

“That is correct.” Genos unconsciously cleared his throat. He never really thought that he would feel nervous in this kind of situation. “I am here to promote the new reality TV show, Hero Daily.” The applause was cued in, he has to wait for it to die down. “I heard that Amai Mask’s segment rated quite high, so I wanted my own segment to see if I can beat his ratings.”

Take that, Sweat Musk. He can be charming.

The host laugh –obnoxious and loud, along with the audience. “You might just,” Jiro commented. “Not much people know about the lives of S-Class heroes –especially yours, people are curious about what the Demon Cyborg does daily.”

Genos shrugged –he had seemed celebrities with assured self-esteem do it through the television. “I do what most people do. Cook, clean, shop and in between that have meetings with the heroes of the association and fight monsters. Nothing special.”

That earned him a few chuckles.

“Do you talk to a lot of heroes outside of…how do we say this? Outside of work or fighting?”

“I mostly spend my time with my Sensei.” There were curious whispers in the crowd. “Though, I do meet more heroes outside of work –or fights, because of Sensei. They would sometimes visit him, and I’d do what any other disciple would do which is to get them refreshments.”

“Really?” Jiro leaned forward. “Like, who?”

“King, Fubuki, Mumen –sometimes Bang.”

Jiro seemed impressed. “Your sensei must be quite a man. Those people are nothing to scoff at.”

“Yes, but Sensei doesn’t think of it that way. He doesn’t care about rankings.”

“Intriguing,” Jiro commented. “Can we know who this mysterious sensei is?”

“You’ll know when the show airs.” Genos let himself give the audience a playful smirk.

“Oh, what a tease!” Jiro faked a hurt expression. “Can’t you give us a clue?”

Genos hum beneath his breath. “A clue.” He paused for the effect. “Well, he’s not someone anyone would expect.”

The audience and the host gave away a disappointed sound. Genos just smiled and shrugged –coyly this time. He never thought he would ever in his life have to bait the public like this, but he has a goal in him.

“I just don’t want to spoil anything.” He told them.

“Well, it isn’t fun if we were spoiled.” Jiro agreed half-heartedly. “Let’s talk about the experience –your experience in doing this show. What was it like? Is it –is it overwhelming to have a camera crew follow you around day in and day out?”

“I thought it would be at the beginning,” Genos admitted openly. “But, the whole crew made it bearable –even enjoyable at times. They respect the boundaries that I’ve set and are mindful of how they are being around me. They were never distracting or annoying. There were even times that I’m worried for them whenever an attack would happen out in the open and they’re with me. I sure hope that their salary is worth all that trouble.”

The audience laughed at the last part.

“I’m sure the HA compensate their people well.” The host’s smile was wide and almost blinding.

Huh, Genos thought, there’s a story there.

The producer walked up to him after the interview with a wide smile. “You did well –better than well.” She praised him. “You kept your answers vague enough that people who will see this interview will be curious enough to watch it. I think Amai Mask should watch out for you, kid.”

Chapter Text

If you’d permit Charanko to be honest, while he is not vying to be a hero, he is interested in their lifestyle. Maybe it’s because his sensei is one, or because Garou’s an ex-hero hunter. Either way, he is hooked on this new reality TV show.

The premiere didn’t catch much of his attention. Amai Mask had lived almost his whole life under the spotlight that it doesn’t seem like he’s giving people an insight on anything new. Still, Charanko thought that his fights with monsters are cool. Perhaps it’ll be better if he knows martial arts, but what does Charanko know.

The show featured other heroes varying in ranks, but no one as high profile as Amai Mask. Charanko liked those better. He got to see the heroes’ daily routines, their friends, family, and others even have romantic partners. It reminded him that the heroes that patrol the streets day and night are just people, too. Ordinary individuals with selfless hearts and iron wills. It pumped him up to be a better martial artist, because—hey, he’s not going to actively search for monsters but maybe he can save an old lady or two from muggers.

Charanko was both skeptical and excited when he found out that Genos would be featured in the same show. Skeptical because he knows how much of a dedicated student Genos is. Excited because Bang-sensei has always held the other man with high regard. Then he figured that since Genos would be featured, Saitama would be, too. The two are often together –they even lived together once. And while Genos is seen with high regard by his sensei, Saitama is seen by his sensei in an awed light –which Charanko just doesn’t understand.

Maybe the show would help him understand.

So, he turned on his TV and settled himself on his couch with a bowl of popcorn on his hands.

The show started with the same opening song, showing scenes from previous episodes. As the title disappears, a vision of an open window was shown panning away to give the viewers a look of the living room. Charanko listened closely as Genos narrated well-known information about himself. The cyborg’s hero name, and his hero class and ranking.

The camera then focused on a lump on a bed, blond hair poking out of the other end. A whirring started, it gave way to a grunt. The lump on the bed shimmied till it exposed a cyborg with a bedhead. Isn’t that just endearing?

Genos moved towards his drawer, Charanko can guess what he took from it. The camera showed Genos going inside the bathroom and closing the door, only to emerge with a tamed hair and dressed for the day. It was a bit eerie to watch since Genos isn’t like the other heroes that greet the crew or starts up a conversation with them. Then again, Genos isn’t one for conversations –unless it’s to discuss Saitama’s finer attitude and…uhm, assets.

With the thought that Genos isn’t really like most people, Charanko erased his usual expectations towards the show.

“What the hell is he doing?” He murmured to himself as he watched Genos enter another apartment. He saw Genos start preparing ingredients, he already knows whose apartment it is. “Bingo!” He snickered as he heard a familiar voice announce his presence.

The camera turned and Saitama was standing there wearing a muscle shirt. Who would have thought that under the yellow god awful suit lies arms that that can be compared to Apollo’s? Next time they come by the dojo, Charanko’s going to ask Saitama about his regimen.

He watched the two have breakfast in silence. He frowned and wondered how long the silence would reign over as he snacks on his popcorn. He was rolling one un-popped kernel between his teeth when Genos spoke up.

‘I have new parts today, Sensei. I was wondering if I can test it on you.’

Charanko inhaled the kernel and it went down the wrong pipe. He was coughing, wheezing and tearing up as he tries to dislodge the kernel from his throat. He never knew that a cyborg can sound so suggestive.

He had complete control over his facilities as the exchange on the television ended. The scene change from Saitama’s humble kitchen to a studio. Genos was sitting down on a couch and a camera was focused on his from different angles.

‘How did Caped Baldy-‘

‘Saitama.’ Genos immediately corrected.

‘How did Saitama-san became your sensei?’ Someone behind the camera asked the cyborg.

‘Saitama-sensei saved me from the mosquito monster. In doing so, I witnessed his power. Lying on the pavement half-destroyed, I just knew that –that I wanted to be as strong as him. So, I asked him to be his disciple. I don’t know what he saw in me to take me in as his student and disciple but I would do my very best.’

The scene changed again, and this time it was Saitama who was inside the studio.

‘What made you take in Demon Cyborg-‘

‘Genos.’ Saitama’s tone was neutral –so much so that it sounded threatening.

‘Ah, right. What made you take in Genos as your student and disciple?’

‘I don’t even understand why he wants to be my student. He asked me the day he met me, agreed because I wasn’t even sure if he was serious. But then, he appeared outside my doorstep.’ Charanko took note that that must be the most he had heard from Saitama since he’d known the guy.

‘But, what do you teach him?’

‘That’s for me to know, and Genos to find out.’ There was finality in Saitama’s tone –the same tone that Bang-sensei uses whenever Charanko is being difficult and stubborn.

The next thing shown to the viewers was an open and barren field, with cliffs and craters and dust all over. It was hauntingly beautiful. Two figures can be seen from a distance, and Genos' voice can be heard. ‘Sensei, take this seriously. Take me seriously.’

That was the only signal before they start their sparring –if Charanko can even call it that.

Genos gave it his all –attacking first with clear intent. The camera was close enough to let them see the heroes’ movement from the field, but not their exact attack. The two are moving further away from the crew. Charanko can tell it’s intentional.

Genos yelled out his signature move, Charanko held in his breath. Dust was everywhere and the scene was shown taken from a different angle until one showed Genos searching from the sky and Saitama waiting for himself to be spotted on a cliff. How did he even—Charanko had forgotten about the bowl on his hand.

The camera zoomed in on Saitama and there was the tiniest quirk on his lips as his disciple meet his gaze.

Two balled fists aimed at each other. Saitama released his punch first –too far to land on Genos because a strong gust of wind was produced. Strong enough to push Genos back.

Charanko was certain that Genos would be nothing more than a lump of metal after that. But, when the dust had finally settled, the camera showed Saitama grabbing Genos in the air and making sure the cyborg land on his feet.

The camera moved to show the damage in the surrounding area. There was a hole made on a mountain, and the clouds in the sky were parted. Saitama’s voice can be heard in the background. He gave Genos his observations, but there wasn’t any lesson attached to it.

Genos was shown again inside the studio.

‘What does your Sensei teach you?’

‘Everything.’ Genos didn’t hesitate in answering.

It was spoken reverently that Charanko believes it, and all he can think of was—what the hell is up with these two?

Suiryu never believed much in heroes. He just can’t wrap his mind around a person who is willing to risk their all for the sake of other people. Seeing them in action change his mind –well, seeing one particular hero in action.

After witnessing such overwhelming power, Suiryu just needs to know more about the hero. He searched for the man through the internet and found out that not only is the man severely an underrated hero, he is also the most hated one. At first, he was confused and decided that a deeper evaluation of the hero’s popularity was in order. Bless the inventor of the internet, he found a few videos of Saitama.

It was accelerating to watch Saitama defeat the Sea King in one punch. It was also disappointing how he lied to let the other heroes take credit for what he has done. He isn’t in it for fame –and it doesn’t matter in what way, the man will save those he deemed needs saving.

It was heartbreaking to watch the people tell Saitama to quit being a hero. It was also awe-inspiring how persistent he is. He stood up against the words of others and told them that he’s a hero because he simply wants to.

Now while Saitama isn’t as popular as the other heroes –and has more haters than should be legal, that doesn’t mean there aren’t people who appreciate him the same way Suiryu does. He had to do some serious digging, but he found forums and discourses about the yellow-clad hero. Most of the people there consist of those individuals who had witnessed the man’s power first hand and had, in turn, been saved by him. There’s a general consensus that Saitama deserves praise, and they’d love to show their appreciation for the man’s heroic actions –it’s just that, they don’t know how to.

It got Suiryu thinking, why don’t they form a fan club? So, they did. It wasn’t as easy as they thought it would be.

Besides the fact that Saitama has a lot of haters, most of his hero work often goes unnoticed. There’s a lack of documentation when it comes to his heroics and they figure that they would fix that first. They memorized Saitama’s patrol schedule and would tail the man at a safe distance to document his fights. That’s mostly their daily content in their fansite.

They have weekly contents that they called Sharing Saturdays, wherein they would share their encounters with the man. They also have Ink-Tuesdays, Suiryu is quite amazed by the fanarts people can make. And though their fansite isn’t as active as the others, they’re still satisfied in sharing their hero’s works.

A post was pinned in their fansite, it was a link of a video with a caption that got Suiryu’s eyes widening.

‘Saitama is Demon Cyborg’s Sensei!!!!!!!!’

Suiryu can understand the need for multiple exclamation points. Without much further ado, he clicked on the link and was blown away. In the comment section, people were going crazy. They were demanding links of the second episode and some were already planning on recording the episodes. They settled on streaming the second episode together so they can chat with each other while watching. Suiryu admits that there’s a funny kind of happiness that envelops him upon knowing that he isn’t the only one excited in seeing Saitama in action –once again.

The show started with showing the news of a Demon Level monster in L-City. The camera panned out from the TV and it showed Saitama resting on his sides as Genos take off a pink gaudy apron. ‘Do you need any help?’ Saitama turned as he asks his student.

‘I appreciate the offer, Sensei. But I wouldn’t get stronger if I let you fight in my place.’

Now, Suiryu doesn’t know much about heroes, but he thinks it’s awfully arrogant of this…Demon Cyborg to turn down an offer from his Sensei. He huffed as he sat in front of his computer, thinking that if he was Saitama’s pupil he would turn down the offer but would tell the bald man that he would like him to be there for him. That’s more respectful. Demon Cyborg is an idiotic name anyway, he added mentally.

He heard Saitama’s last call to his student before the scene change to the city that needs protection. The viewers were shown how the cyborg fought the monster, but now and then the scene would change back to Saitama’s apartment –the camera focused on the bald man as he watches Demon Cyborg from the new.

‘Not good.’ The Saitama on the screen muttered.

‘What’s not good?’ Someone behind the camera asked.

‘The crowd.’ He pointed out. ‘He’ll have to drag out the fight –to not have casualties.’

The scene changed back to Demon Cyborg as he lit up the plant in flames. If that big ass fire meant to lessen the casualties, Suiryu doesn’t want to know what the other option looks like. Still, the fire did seem to have stopped the plant from regenerating too quickly –enough for Demon Cyborg to completely eliminate it. Though, it took some time.

The scene changed once again to the TV inside the apartment. A microphone shoved on the Demon Cyborg’s face. ‘The monster could have been dealt with faster if I didn’t have to worry about civilian casualties.’

At a huffing noise, the camera turned to where Saitama is now standing. There’s a small smile playing on his lips. ‘D-Do you always watch Demon Cyborg’s fights?’ Someone asked.

‘I just gotta make sure he’s fine, I guess. He can get a bit reckless.’ Saitama answered the question as he moved to prepare a meal.

The chatbox of their stream was blowing up, though one comment caught Suiryu’s attention.

‘He’s Daddy material.’

‘They already have that sensei-student going on.’ One commented. ‘Don’t add up that Daddy kink there, too.’

Suiryu would rather not touch the shipping side of any fandom, but –hmm…he can see it.

He brought his attention back to the show –Demon Cyborg sitting on a couch on some studio, multiple cameras focused on him.

‘Your Sensei said that you’re a bit reckless.’

Suiryu didn’t know cyborgs could blush, but you learn something new every day.

‘He –He did?’ Demon Cyborg stuttered –and okay, it was a teensy bit adorable. Sue him. ‘I’m trying to be better –to be less impulsive and find the optimum solution that wouldn’t endanger myself. Saitama had expressed concern about my lack of…self-care.’

Another commented. ‘Saitama trying to curve the cyborg’s suicidal tendency, oh man.’

‘Is it me or is that a sad thing to admit.’ Suiryu couldn’t help but type out.

‘It’s not a secret how Genos came to be.’ This time, Saitama is the one sitting on the couch. ‘It’s just…people romanticized it too much. People forgot that Genos is a person and not some fictional character, and in turn, Genos forgets, too.’

‘What do you mean by that?’ Someone behind the camera asked unabashedly.

Saitama just sighed at them –disappointment apparent in his eyes.

Mumen was one of the first heroes shown in the program Hero Daily. He doesn’t understand the public’s fascination for him, but he understands that the money they’d earn from the program would be used for the safety of the public, too. So, he can’t turn them down.

Though having been a part of the program, his hero work makes it difficult for him to sit down for every episode. Still, he keeps track of all the heroes that would appear in the show. He was pleasantly surprised upon learning that Genos would be participating in the program, too.

Wanting to watch Genos’ episodes, he searched for a site that would let him watch the previous episodes. There were three episodes already uploaded on the site, he figured he could binge-watch them since he doesn’t have an early patrol the next morning. Having an insider’s look into Genos’ and Saitama’s life, watching them interact through a different lens is…enlightening, to say the least.

He never really thought that Genos was something more than a diligent student to Saitama, and Saitama to be a less strict sensei to Genos. But, there were moments wherein the camera would capture certain expressions on their faces that just yells –more. They’re more to each other. Mumen doesn’t know if it’s a brotherhood or…something intimate and romantic. Then the program would show how they talk about each other, and it makes Mumen root for them –for whatever they have because it’s both beautiful and impossible. In his mind, it’s impossible due to the constant public scrutiny they face.

He sighed and shook off the maudlin thoughts burrowing in his mind. He cued up the third episode and found himself excited.

Instead of the usual breakfast between student and sensei, the program opened with Genos walking in HA. The camera crew followed him to the S-Class meeting hall and the viewers had the chance to see the other S-Class heroes that haven’t been part of the program –might even never be part of the program. The heroes were given their solo close up frames, but nothing too long to not completely divert the focus of the show.

Mumen would just like to say, that Zombie-man’s eyes are captivating and if he blushed with that thought in mind—hush.

King approached Genos unceremoniously. ‘Saitama forgot to tell me his apartment number.’ His eyes then caught the camera crew. The King engine started up. Mumen thought it interesting that even the microphones can pick it up. ‘Just text me the apartment number.’

The camera caught Genos move, reaching for King. ‘Can I talk to you in private –after the meeting that is, and without the camera crew.’ Mumen’s respect for the younger hero just skyrocketed. Especially with how loud the King engine had gotten.

King was silent for a moment. Mumen can’t comprehend how Genos managed to maintain his composure. ‘Without the camera.’ King muttered a moment later, eyes at the lens.

As the heroes settled in their designated seat, a notice light up the screen that the program cannot show the meeting to the viewers. Though, they were shown a quick montage of heroes giving their opinions on certain topics until the topic of promotion was brought up. It didn’t come as a surprise to Mumen when Atomic Samurai nominated his students for the S-Class promotion. Tornado also nominated someone, but was opposed by Flashy Flash –not completely, but still. King then seconded Tornado’s nomination and Mumen’s growing more and more curious about who it is –and why the program redacted the name of Tornado’s nominee. The reactions of the heroes aren’t helping him either.

‘Well, damn.’ Zombie-man’s smirking face appeared full on the screen. Mumen did not squeal –shut up! ‘Tornado and King nominating him. What are we even waiting for?’

The process for nomination and promotion was explained and Tornado went off the handle. Amai Mask’s face appeared on the screen, smiling kindly at the camera –it looks like he’s inside his office when the camera zoomed out of his face. ‘I think that it’s only right that heroes go through…hmm –a sort of rite of passage.’ He chuckled. ‘I just don’t want any hero to lose their reason for fighting monsters. I want heroes and civilians to have a strong relationship with each other.’ He said it so earnestly.

The scene changed to the meeting ending with King and Genos waiting till it’s just the two of them left inside the hall. The camera was filming from a distance behind the glass panel wherein they had the perfect view of the ongoing conversation, but they can’t hear it. For the longest time, they watch Genos talk –with King’s back against them, it’s hard to see if he’s participating in the conversation of letting Genos monologue on. Mumen knows that the younger hero can sometimes get carried.

The conversation between the two S-Class heroes ended with Genos bowing lowly in front of King. They exited the meeting hall together, and before parting, King turned to Genos. ‘Tell Saitama I’m coming later tonight. He owes me a match.’

Mumen couldn’t help the snicker that escaped his lips when the scene changed with Saitama and King in front of the television set playing an action game. King boasting in mock modesty, and Saitama raging on while Genos prepare snacks for them.

Before the program ended, the camera focused on the small smile playing on Genos' lips as he chops away the apples. It then changed focus to Saitama with that all too knowing eyes behind the expressionless façade. ‘Hey, Genos, want to play?’

‘I’m fine, Sensei.’

‘Come on!’ Saitama whined. ‘Just one game.’

‘Yeah.’ King seconded. ‘You can teach him how to win against me.’

Saitama raged on as Genos sit next to him –then the screen went black.

Mumen groaned out loud, he can’t wait for the next episode.

Amai Mask doesn’t want to seem arrogant, but he will openly admit that he is the standard that he set by the HA for the other heroes to meet. Though he understands that most of them will fall miserably short, he will never lower himself for the others. He honestly thinks he can't do so. He is simply blessed with good looks and strength that the only King can surpass.

Well, that was before he met another stronger than him.

He tried to console himself. Heal his wounded pride with placating words that he doesn’t believe. Amai Mask hates to admit that his idiotic fear of anything ugly hinders him from growing stronger than he currently is. He loathes the fact that a bald man with no significant feature on him is stronger than he is.

Discomforted, puzzled and indignant he tried to scurry whatever information he can grab his hands on the yellow-clad hero. There was nothing noteworthy about the man Saitama. He is ordinary –bordering on a loser, if you’d permit him to be honest. Still, Amai Mask’s intuition is telling him that there is something more about Caped Baldy that the data in HA couldn’t provide.

Through his…sources he found out that the Demon Cyborg has a close relation with Saitama. With that information in mind, he started plotting. He didn’t rise to his rank and maintain it through his strength alone.

It was laughably easy how he swayed the head HA’s PR department to call for Genos and convince the cyborg to have his segment on the TV show. Even setting ridiculous conditions and not aware of Amai Mask’s true intentions. So, now he has footage after footage of Genos and Saitama’s interaction.

He and the head of the PR had –at first, an agreement wherein he’d be privy to the unedited footage of Genos’ segment. But, when he came to retrieve said footage, the PR head mentioned a clause or two about privacy and how she wouldn’t be able to share them. He tried to push his luck, but she just turned him down as she chomps on a muffin or two. Strange, he thinks. Still, he didn’t want to strain his relationship with the PR so he let it be.

He now finds himself sitting on his luxurious sofa in his equally luxurious apartment. He must get to observe how the PR of HA will use the two for the benefit of their organization. It is in his prerogative. He also needs to closely monitor the reaction of the public to Caped Baldy if he wants to maintain his number one position.

As he watched, re-watch and tuned in to new episodes it seems like his interest for the bald hero only grows.

The first episode of Genos’ segment gave everyone an idea of how strong Saitama is. The second episode showed that he is a caring sensei despite his…passive demeanor. The third episode made people realize that he has the respect and friendship of King.

Amai could only wonder what trait of Saitama would be highlighted tonight. He finds it utterly ridiculous. Yes, he is using Genos’ relation with Saitama to know more about the man. But he didn’t expect that the producers of the show would give them equal screen time. The show is about Genos, it’s one of the reasons why a lot of people are watching.

Then again, he heard that the ratings are only going up each day due to the intrigue that Saitama brought to the program.

‘Sensei, S-Class Rank two Tornado of Terror nominated you to be promoted to S-Class.’

That got Amai Mask raising an eyebrow, the director of HA hadn’t come up to him about any promotion.

‘Should I wait for my promotion letter by the door?’ Saitama asked with one particular expression on his face that makes Amai Mask look closer. Still, in the number one A-Class hero, he doesn’t know if Saitama is naïve or being willfully ignorant.

‘There’s a small problem.’

‘I kinda already guess there will be –nothing goes my way in this lifetime.’ There’s a slight curl of Saitama’s lips, self-deprecating almost that Amai Mask found…unbearably…char…ming.

He has to stop himself from thinking—there must be something in the way the production edited the show. He didn’t –he hasn’t been affected this way when he first watched the episode. No, he wasn’t affected. He just watched and re-watched this scene one too many times necessary.

‘Your nomination has to be approved by Amai Mask. To have that, you must pass his standard for approval which requires strength in defeating monsters and…a strong relation with the public and media.’ Genos relayed the information stiffly.

A sound came from Saitama’s lips. ‘Fighting a monster, easy. Get people to stop hating me, that’ll be a miracle and a half.’

Amai Mask couldn’t disagree with that assessment.

‘Sensei, all we need is a chance for people to get to know you. I’m certain that once they see what kind of man you are, they will see that you are incredible.’

‘Oh, geez, Genos. Stop that.’ The camera focused on Saitama. He kept his face expressionless, but his reddening ears are giving him away.

‘Sensei, I’ve already thought of a way for people to get to know you.’

‘What if your idea backfires and people end up hating me more?’ The background music changed into something more solemn at what Saitama said.

‘What? Sensei, they won’t-‘

‘Genos, drop it.’

The camera focused on the cyborg, his eyes were wide in shock for being cut off.

‘Ranking doesn’t matter in being a hero. Well, at least to me.’ Saitama stated and Amai Mask was almost taken away by the way he said it if he didn’t know how the footage was edited.

‘But, Sen-‘

‘Genos.’ Saitama’s commanding voice made all the blood in Amai Mask’s body head south. ‘I said, drop it.’

‘Yes, Sensei.’ He saw Genos bow his head. ‘I apologize.’

‘I’m going on patrol.’ The camera focused on Saitama’s image heading out of his apartment.

The scene change to Genos inside a studio.

‘Do the two of you often fight?’ The interviewer asked.

‘I wouldn’t say that we fight. Disagreements, yes, but never fights.’ Genos said with a sad look on his face. ‘We have…different perspectives on certain things, and though I am trying my best to be a good student sometimes my…eagerness gets the best of me.’

Saitama’s passive face but expressive eyes then filled the screen.

‘Why did you turned down De—I mean, Genos’ offer to help you with your public image?’

‘I can’t do that to him.’ He sighed loud and deep. ‘Genos is…he’s loyal to a fault and sees the good in people. He hasn’t learned yet who deserves his loyalty.’

Now that, Amai Mask hasn’t seen.

What comes next makes Saitama’s answer more profound –more so if they edit it the right way.

He watched as Saitama entered Genos’ apartment, a plastic bag in hand. The cyborg seemed surprised upon seeing his sensei. Saitama reached for the can of sardines inside the plastic and held it up for Genos to see.

‘I come bearing a gift.’ Saitama said sheepishly.

The last thing that appeared on the screen is Genos’ unhindered smile. From the way that the cyborg’s lips were stretched and his eyes shine, Amai Mask is certain that there’s more between the two of them. If he reaches for a bottle of expensive wine due to the twinges inside his chest, that’s for him to know and no one to find out.

Friday night and everyone that doesn’t live in the woods are watching Heroes Daily. The ratings are higher than they were before. It’s unprecedented.

At the start of the week, a lot of people were curious as to how the famous Demon Cyborg spends his everyday life and with who.

During the first episode, the viewers were treated to a sparring match. Demon Cyborg against the fraud hero of HA. Only the fraud isn’t one. In the second episode, the viewers had an inside look at the sensei-disciple relationship that the two had. In the third episode, the viewers saw how the student cares for his sensei. In the fourth episode, the viewers saw how the sensei cares for his student.

Between these episodes, there were also fights, meetings and subtle hints of flirtation that the female audience doesn’t know what to do with. Look, Genos is hot and they are starting to see Saitama’s charms. It also helps that the man has arms that are just—ugh! Don’t let them get started on the thighs.

Now, they wait patiently inside their homes to watch the last episode of Demon Cyborg’s segment on Heroes Daily. They were expecting either an action-filled finale or a –somewhat romantic one. Well, at least the fujoshi are.

While they weren’t surprised to see Demon Cyborg walked in a grocery store, they were intrigued when he reached for a bottle of liquor. Most viewers were amused by the inquiry of someone from the camera crew about the cyborg’s bodily function, especially from the way it was phrased. The scene was followed by the most anti-climactic fight that they have ever seen, but they appreciated how Demon Cyborg cared for the crew.

They watch as Demon Cyborg got home and continue with the usual evening routine. The only change that they noticed was that Caped Baldy didn’t help with the dishes. He instead headed to the veranda and started a bonfire.

They were given a view of Caped Baldy’s profile, and for once they saw an expression other than wry humor or flat affect. Few female viewers swoon, others blushed –the light coming from the bonfire highlighting the man’s physique. The slightest quirking of his lips gave way to an emotion they had never seen him express throughout the whole week—happiness.

They listened closely as the two came to a certain agreement that reminded them of the errors of their ways.

‘I’d only agree if you let me take a shot every time they tell me they will kill me instead of they hate me.’

Some of the viewers paled at how Caped Baldy said the statement so casually.

‘Seems fair.’ Demon Cyborg agreed easily but without the same level of nonchalance. ‘But, it’s still double shot if they have gotten creative.’

The viewers’ felt dread at that statement.

The two heroes started opening their letters, and the viewers had the chance to see two people struggle with other people’s hate and declarations of affection. The viewers saw blood-filled letters and blurred out unwarranted photos. They saw the cyborg hoard letters of young fans with drawn-out pictures of himself and them. They saw a man read thankful letters as if he had never been thanked in his whole life.

Caped Baldy held out a keychain with a chuckle. ‘Wish I was this adorable looking.’

‘You are.’ Demon Cyborg’s voice was only above a whisper. While the viewers caught it, the older hero did not. ‘What does it say?’

‘This –I…It’s from someone I saved before I was a registered pro hero.’ That was a revelation for the viewers. ‘She said that she’s glad that there’s finally a way that she can thank me, and that she doesn’t believe what the rumors are saying about me.’

‘I like her. She’s smart.’

‘I don’t really have a phone.’

They saw Demon Cyborg reach out to Caped Baldy’s hand, taking the keychain. The brushing of their hands didn’t go unnoticed. ‘I’ll be keeping it safe till you buy one.’

The two continued opening their letters and the viewers continued watching them. Their stomach feeling heavier as seconds pass with the cyborg downing two shots at a time as he opens his letters. The sadness is back in Caped Baldy’s eyes as he made a quip.

‘I don’t understand.’ Demon Cyborg’s words were slurred. ‘They –They claim to…admire me, yet they send me this blatantly disrespectful letter.’

‘Fame isn’t love.’

The softly imparted words of wisdom struck the hearts of the public.

The viewers watched as Caped Baldy carry the cyborg like he weighed like a feather and tuck him in. The older hero closed the door of the cyborg’s room and for a moment just stood there. He placed his palms flat on the door and rested his forehead on it. They saw Caped Baldy close his eyes and sigh with such levity that people got the chance to see enough of him to understand.

During the next following moments, a montage was played on the screen with Demon Cyborg’s voice in the background.

‘My life –before Sensei that is, was…not a life anyone should live. I’ve neglected myself. I’ve neglected myself for years.’

Scenes of battles from both the program and news flashed before the viewers’ TV screens, the deeds of Demon Cyborg and his triumphs.

‘I may have been fighting monsters back then, but I wasn’t fighting for the right reasons.’

The scenes change from battles to domesticity in a blink of an eye, sensei and student side by side.

‘While I asked my Sensei to teach me how to be strong, what he is teaching me is…more valuable than strength. He is teaching me how to live—something that I’ve forgotten when I woke up angry and not wholly myself. It’s what I have given up as I seek revenge.’

Smiles were being exchanged in the screen, small and almost unnoticeable as the two heroes’ converse with one another.

‘My life right now is not…exciting, nor is it ideal—but it’s mine.’

The screen went black and the credits started to roll.

@mechasonicbound

[GIF of Demon Cyborg blasting fire]

The material made for his arm is mind-blowing…

               (105 replies)

@tillyanna

[GIF of Demon Cyborg looking at Caped Baldy]

Find you a man that looks at you like that

               (233 replies)

@DCswifey

[Picture of Demon Cyborg with grocery bags]

Can he get any more perfect?

               @flopper

               You clearly didn’t get shit after watching all of his episodes

               (more replies)

@DCofficalFS

[Link to Demon Cyborg fan site]

Click on the link to check out some DC merchs!

@heroDeniro

[GIF of Caped Baldy pushing Demon Cyborg with just a gust of wind]

Edited?

               @tastetesting

               It’s the real deal. I’ve seen CB fight IRL.

               @peopleare

               Why would DC fake that?

               @bliver

               CB is some clout chasing egg-head.

               (more replies)

@BantaPoo

[GIF of Caped Baldy talking to Demon Cyborg with caption ‘Fame isn’t love’]

That shit hits real ya’ll. The saddest thing I’ve ever watched.

               @speedracer

               Did you see how happy they get whenever they open letters from kids?

               @mollymoon

               It’s the cutest thing ever.

               (more replies)

@OverRatted

[Picture of Caped Baldy at the edge of the cliff]

How the heck did he got there so fast?

               (10 replies)

@DemonWahmen

[GIF of Caped Baldy carrying Demon Cyborg]

Okay, DC couldn’t be easy to carry and CB’s carrying like he weighs nothing. How strong is this dude?

               @JackRippler

               It could be fake.

               @DemonWahmen

               How the hell can you fake that?

               (more replies)

@femslash

[GIF of Caped Baldy holding up a can of sardines]

I honestly think there’s more to these two.

               @CannonSchmannon

               OMG! I’m so glad I’m not the only one who thinks so!!!!

               @femslash

               [Link to fan fiction site] Clearly we’re not the only ones…

               @onlyloyaltoDC

               Stop shipping them! DC deserves someone better.

               @4eggboi

               CB knows DC like the back of his hand. Plus, didn’t you see how smitten DC is whenever he talks about his ‘sensei’? It’s obvious.

               (more replies)

Chapter Text

Saitama can admit that he isn’t the most observant man that there is –no that would be Genos. Still, he likes to think that he isn’t the most unobservant either. It’s one thing when he’s tried to figure out the depth of Genos’ fealty to him, and another when people started gawking at him in the streets. It’s harder to catch the first one than the second.

He tried to recall if he had done anything that would warrant the said gawking but came up with no reason in mind. While the hate from the Sea King incident is still present, he highly doubts that it’s the reason. The meteor debacle had only earned him sneers from his city, so that can’t be the reason for the gawking, too, since it happened to him in multiple cities.

With grocery bags in hand he let out a sigh, he figures that the answer will come to him—eventually.

Upon reaching his apartment, he wasn’t surprised to see Genos making use of his laptop. It’s an everyday occurrence ever since he has taken in the cyborg as his student. Though today, he was glad that there’s no more camera crew to follow them around from days on end. It feels like he can finally breathe again –more like pick his nose whenever he wants to. It’s his house, he should be able to do whatever he wants to.

“Welcome back, Sensei.” Genos greeted him as fervently as he does every day. No one will ever know it, but it makes Saitama feel something. If he were to describe it, it’ll be as if an electric current went live in his veins.

He merely gave Genos a hum between his lips. He was about to turn and head to the kitchen but upon noticing the slightest quirking of Genos’ lips, Saitama was rooted from where he was standing. You see, for a cyborg, Genos is –for a lack of a better word or Saitama’s limited vocabulary, pretty. Saitama couldn’t help himself from pausing and staring.

There’s nothing wrong with staring anyway. No, none at all. No, sirree.

Though, he’d admit it a bit odd. Growing up, he’d see a pretty girl but he wouldn’t bother with staring. Yeah, she’s pretty but that’s just about it—just pretty.

Genos is different. Genos is strong, smart, passionately intense or intensely passionate. He is a talented cook and more so in haggling. He is understanding and patient of Saitama’s moods and qualities. Genos is more than just pretty.

“Is there something wrong, Sensei?” Genos’ question snapped him back to the present.

“No, nothing.” He answered dumbly. Saitama headed to the kitchen and started storing the groceries away.

Genos sees him for what he is—a lazy idiot, but Genos sees his virtues, too. The little principles in his life that he follows for him not to become a monster, because at this point when he is incredibly strong and also incredibly numb, it’s the only thing that will keep him from becoming one. Well, not exactly.

He went back to the main room of his apartment. Genos sits up-right but exudes excited energy. It’s not only his principles anymore.

Saitama took a seat in front of Genos. He knows his student enough to comprehend what the exciting energy is for. “Found anything interesting?” He nodded towards the laptop.

Genos turned the laptop to him. Saitama took that as his cue to take a look. His brows knitted when he saw that it’s a fansite. He brought back his eyes to Genos, a subtle question between his brows.

“That’s your fansite, Sensei.”

“My what?” He must have heard it all wrong.

“Your fansite,” Genos repeated with a clearer enunciation which didn’t help with Saitama’s confusion. Who in their right mind would create a fansite for him? (Suiryu sneezed out loud somewhere.) “During the last week, the number of its members grew—exponentially.”

“How…exponential?” He was almost afraid to ask because he may be lazy and bad at names but –but he remembers when he makes deals with people. Especially if it’s Genos. Hush, don’t ask why!

The sides of Genos’ lips were twitching. A horrendous attempt at fighting back a smile. “Twenty-“

“Twenty?!” Saitama didn’t mean to be so expressive.

“-five.” Genos continued and Saitama felt all his strength leave his body. But the dent present at the side of his laptop assured him he is just as strong as ever.

“Twenty-five.”

Genos nodded in confirmation. “Twenty-five.”

Saitama thought that it must be time to face the music. Just because it’s a fansite for him doesn’t mean that everybody there is already a fan of his. That’s so weird for him. A fan. He’s certain that this is some kind of cruel joke.

He stared at the webpage, ready to read whatever nasty things they have to say about him. The first comment got his furrowing his brows tighter, though.

‘He should change his hero outfit! It doesn’t do his figure justice.’

Wha—his mind made a mental pause and decided to ignore that one.

‘I want to see him and Demon Cyborg in action!!!!’

It’s Genos, he mentally scolded whoever left that comment, and why would they want to see him with Genos? He’ll look like an ugly loser next to the cyborg. He sighed and continued to the next comment.

‘Did you guys saw his abs through the muscle shirt? UGH! So HOT!!!’

Saitama adjusted the collar of his shirt. Is it him or is summer drawing closer? They should have opened the window.

Genos cleared his throat. “Now, Sensei, I believe we’ve made a compromise two weeks ago.”

Oh, shit. “We did?” Saitama would deny it if anybody says that he made a little squeaking noise at the base of his throat.

The small smile that was playing on Genos’ lips turned into a frown.

“Oh-oh, yeah. We did.” By this time, Saitama now admits he’s fucked –royally, too.

Genos nodded –almost furiously. “I knew you wouldn’t forget, Sensei!” The cyborg’s expression turned determined. “I will contact the head of PR as soon as possible. I’m sure she wouldn’t deny me of my request since people have been asking for a segment with you starring in it.”

“Now, that I’m not sure-“

“Sensei, at the right side of the page you’ll see a petition. There’s already more than half the country’s population that signed it.”

Saitama’s eyes widen, that’s a lot. He’s half certain that people just want to see him make a fool of himself on national television. He’s going to have to be less like himself if he still wants to be able to walk down the street without people throwing rotten tomatoes at him.

Saitama should have known that when Genos wants something, he’ll work fast to get it. Still, it unsettled him when Genos whisked him away to meet this head of the PR Department. It all seemed so daunting for him. He is not the kind of person who sets good first meetings with anyone.

It was strange to watch Genos interact with the people of the said department. He has a basket of muffins with him. Though, from the knowing looks and smiles being shared all around, Saitama can tell that the gesture was appreciated. He just feels that there’s more to it than just being appreciated.

They entered a glass-walled office and came face to face with a very smiley woman. She seemed to be someone often seen in a toothpaste commercial. She introduced herself and Saitama’s mind couldn’t register the name she said, so—he’ll just refer to her as a smile.

“I am very fortunate to have the chance to work with Genos.” She said with a cheery tone –it seemed genuine enough to Saitama’s ears. Then again, he’s not an expert when it comes to people. “And now, he’s bringing me the honor of being able to work with his infamous sensei.”

“I-I wouldn’t say that.” He cleared his throat. “Just a simple hero for fun.”

“A hero for fun.” She echoed with a more demure smile. “I like that. We can market that.”

Saitama has no idea what to say about that. Lucky for him, Genos is a man on a mission.

“I believe that it would benefit both HA and my Sensei if he does a segment of Heroes Daily.” Genos started out sounding formal and a tad bit threatening from the way Saitama is hearing it. “The public had a positive response from his appearance in my segment and are quite vocal about wanting to see more of him.” Genos pulled out his flipped phone. “I have sent an email of signed petitions along with public reviews. I think it’s only right that we listen to what the people want. They are the consumers.”

There’s a ping that came from the desktop the PR head was using. Saitama had to wonder if her cheeks ever hurt from smiling too much. “You are very right about that, Genos. We must listen to the people.” She turned her gaze to Saitama. “What are your opinions about this, Mister Saitama?”

“Genos and I made a compromise.” He stated simply.

She nodded at him. “Do you have any conditions that I must include in the contract that I’ll be drafting?”

“Did Genos?”

“He had some.” She answered him. “They were all quite reasonable. I can use the same conditions he has on your contract. You’ll have a day to read through them to see if they are satisfactory. If not, well, just tell us what needs to be changed and we’ll change it right away.”

“Oh, okay.”

“Okay, then.” She tapped a few keys on her keyboard before looking back at him. “I’m assuming that you’ll be more comfortable with the same crew that was with you and Genos before?”

“Yeah.” Saitama thought that he wouldn’t have to get used to another person’s presence if they kept the same crew. He already has enough name problems, to begin with.

“They’d be delighted.” Saitama highly doubts it, but he didn’t voice that out.

“I’ve sent the contract through email first, read it through. If you have any changes in mind, just email them. I’ll be the one to add whatever you have in mind in the contract. Once we’re satisfied with the draft, I’ll send hard copies to be signed.” She pressed the enter button. “If you have any queries, you can email me or just ask you are a lovely student.”

“That sounds fine.” Though he doubts he’ll be able to read the contract without falling asleep. He might just say that everything is fine and sign whatever they want him to sign. He mentally sighed. He wanted to avoid paperwork, but it seems to follow him wherever he goes.

As they step out of the office, there’s a certain aura of happiness that is being emitted from Genos. He wasn’t technically smiling, but his swagger was different from the day before. He never thought that Genos was invested enough in his public image to be this affected by it. A part of him wishes that he should have paid more attention, and a part of him is downright curious and confused as to why.

Then he remembered that he is technically Genos’ Sensei. His reputation might be affecting Genos. The same way Bang’s reputation was affected by the Hero Hunter’s. He is smearing Genos’ good name and hard work by not presenting himself as a responsible sensei towards him. Saitama hasn’t seen an episode of Genos’ Hero Daily, but he’s sure that most of I featured Genos taking care of his sorry ass.

He refrained from sighing a bone-weary sigh –he’d catch Genos’ attention if he does.

He’s not sure how, but he thinks—no, he knows he must improve his reputation for Genos. He stopped midstep. He is not sure how he would do that, but the least he can do is try.

There’s a cyborg –impressive in its size and dangerous with its artillery. It appeared in the middle of a city and now stands in front of him and Genos menacingly. There’s anger that contorts Genos’ face unlike before. The look alone was enough to clue Saitama in. It’s the cyborg that murdered Genos’ family and fundamentally changed the younger man in more ways than one.

Genos spoke no word—just yelled out an attack, merciless in his pursuit. Still, there’s an unsteady wave that rolls inside Saitama’s stomach. He clenched his fists –ready to hand Genos any assistance that he will need. He doesn’t understand the boiling anger inside of Genos and therefore couldn’t bear robbing him of his revenge.

But, maybe he should have.

The mad cyborg grabbed hold of Genos’ ankle, then his torso. With mocking ease, it tore Genos into two. The sight made Saitama’s breath hitch. He made a run for it. Genos is ninety-eight percent cyborg, if he manages to save the organic part, he won’t lose Genos.

The universe slowed down like the mad cyborg clutch Genos’ head. Saitama’s world came to a stop when the last organic part of Genos—the last part of Genos was crushed between crude fingers. There’s ringing inside his ears—

Saitama’s hand moved on automatic. He destroyed his alarm clock without any effort. He sat up quickly and rested his hands over his eyes. His breathing was erratic and he can feel his sweat rolling down his neck to his back.

There was shuffling inside the apartment that made him freeze. Turning to his side, he saw the camera crew staring at him with unease. The nightmare made him forget about the date and what it entails.

Saitama heaved a sigh as he got up. He was told to act as naturally as possible. He got changed into his workout clothes and started his day with his routine.

He did his hundred push-ups, sit-ups and squats at a nearby park and run his ten-kilometer at normal speed so that the crew can keep up. He tried to take his time—to not hurry back home to make sure that Genos is okay. Saitama knows that it was only a dream, the gruesome part of his mind made it up, but seeing Genos would alleviate his worry.

He wiped away the sweat running down his chin. He doesn’t feel as hot as he usually does whenever he wears his tracksuit. Perhaps he should stick with the basketball shorts and muscle shirts. Though, he could do without the staring. He doesn’t even get why people are staring.

In front of his apartment door, Saitama can hear movements coming from his small kitchen. He didn’t want to seem to be in a hurry, so he kept his usual pace—languid. “I’m home.” He called out.

“Welcome home, Sensei.” Three small words and his world seems to be set to right.

Saitama hummed beneath his breath. He wanted to get close to Genos without making it obvious. He took a quick peek on what Genos was cooking. It prompted the cyborg on explaining the dish he was making. Saitama decided on setting the table for the two of them. The change in the routine wasn’t glaringly obvious that it would make anyone—especially Genos, suspicious.

They ate in companionable silence.

“Sensei.” Saitama made an inquisitive noise at the back of his throat as Genos called out to him. “You’re staring.” There was something funny in the way Genos stated his observation.

A boiling kettle can be heard coming from the odd camera crew.

“I was just…thinking.”

“Do you have any city in mind to do your patrol today, Sensei?” Genos asked.

“X-City,” Saitama answered. It got Genos looking at him, a silent question shining in his eyes. “Not many heroes do their patrol there.”

“A large hero-monster ratio.” Genos nodded –it almost seems like an approval. “Families are moving from the city to another due to it.”

“No one should be uprooted from their homes.” It was a loaded statement that got Genos looking up at him in understanding.

While he has been living in his apartment in City-Z for years, he had only considered it home when Genos decided to stay with him. Home is a concept that he had strangely attached along with the image of Genos. If he were to make a dictionary of his own, the two might be seen side by side with meanings relating to one another. Perhaps it doesn’t matter where he is as long as he has Genos next to him.

Saitama half wonders if it’s the same with Genos. He stops himself from hoping too much. Hope can be more dangerous than any monster he had ever faced. It can make people think they can fly then cripple their wings before it can even be spread wide.

Genos is young. He has a bright future ahead of him. Genos shouldn’t be saddled with a man like him.

Saitama doesn’t have a direction in his life –not then and certainly not now. His passion for life –for a living has been long snuffed out of him. It’s a wonder why he still gets up in the morning. Hero-ing is the only thing that he has going on with his life, and he has butchered that by ruining his reputation.

“It’s wonderful what you’re doing for their family, Sensei.” Genos smiled at him. That small, heart lurching smile that just makes Saitama want to prostrate himself in front of the cyborg.

He shrugged and hoped that he isn’t blushing red. “It’s what we’re supposed to do. There’s nothing special about it.” If he ever thought of doing more good deed just to see Genos give him the same smile, that’s his little secret. He’ll let himself have a smile.

Tucking away his nightmare, Saitama would consider his Monday morning a success.

(“Oh, man.” The cameraman let out a whistle. “He is a total goner.”

“Shipping name, people.” The director whispered to them. “We should start thinking of a shipping name.”

The intern pulled out a pen and a notepad and started furiously writing.)

Genos handed him a new alarm clock. It took a lot for Saitama not to sigh out loud. If he would calculate it, buying new alarm clocks wouldn’t put a dent in his savings anymore. Still, certain mentality can be hard to shake off.

He set the alarm and placed it where the former one was usually found. “We could have waited for the next sale.” He said to Genos with very little heat. He didn’t know when it started, but there was this…warm sensation that simmers just below his abdomen at the thought that his cyborg remembered his simple need.

His—His cyborg?

Now, that made him pause.

He visibly shook his head from side to side. He doesn’t own Genos. Just because he’s ninety-eight percent machine, doesn’t mean he is a property to be owned. God, what’s wrong with him?

“Do you not like it, Sensei?” Genos’ eyes show his worry. Saitama also thinks he can see a pout. He doesn’t even know if a cyborg can pout.

“It’s not that.” He can’t explain his…feelings. Saitama didn’t even know that it would be possible for him to feel again. The more you know, he guesses. “How much is it?” Now that’s a question that’s very familiar to him. It rolls off his tongue the same way prayer does to a nun.

“You don’t have to worry, Sensei.” He never thought that Genos could sit straighter, but he did. “I used my own money to purchase it. I thought it would be an appropriate house warming gift.”

Someone from the back ‘awwed’, Saitama fight off a blush.

“We’ve been here…almost a month.” He knows he doesn’t have to remind Genos.

“I know, but I also know that if I brought you anything without any reason you’d most likely decline.” Genos voiced out. “Which I find odd. You don’t decline gifts from other people.”

Saitama sputtered. “Of course I’d decline. It’s your money, Genos. You should be using it for something you like.”

Genos didn’t miss a beat. “I like buying things for you, Sensei.”

There’s a kettle whistling, but Saitama was certain there’s nothing on their stove.

“Plus, you always buy me things,” Genos added.

Saitama’s brows furrowed. “No, I don’t.”

“Yes, you do.” Genos has that annoying little smile that just—argh! “You buy those expensive sardines –even when they’re not on sale.”

“It’s food, Genos.” He said in a tone that suggests it should have been obvious. “It’s important. Your brain probably needs the protein –being a muscle—an organ?” Hearts and brains are confusing matters, okay.

“You could have just bought the cheap ones.”

But you don’t like the cheap ones, Saitama wants to point out. He thinks that it wouldn’t assist his cause if he did. So, he shut his mouth. He decided to turn his attention back to cutting up coupons. There’s a sale in City-U. It’ll be quite a walk, but he doesn’t mind. Though the crew might have to take the train.

A ringing pierces through the silence of his home. Genos moved to grab his phone, flipped it open and answered the call. “Demon Cyborg.”

Saitama watched the minute change in Genos' voice and posture. He’d rather have the shy smiles and soft gestures than the detached words and battle-ready stance. He can give that latter part. He can embody that –he has been for years. He’d like for Genos to keep the former, but he can’t shelter the younger man. Also, that’s no reason why Genos came to him in the first place.

Genos came to him in search of power and some sort of guidance. Saitama was never sure if he can provide Genos of that. He instead tried to make Genos see that living his life for revenge isn’t all that cracked up as people thought. He tried to make Genos see that protecting the living is what they can do, and honoring the wishes and memories of the dead is the way to soothe a grieving heart.

“There’s a Demon Level monster that requires my attention.” Genos informed him as he pocket his phone. “It seems I’m the closest hero in the area.”

Saitama merely hummed. “Don’t get hurt.”

“I’ll try my best, Sensei.”

He waited until Genos closed the door of his apartment before reaching for the remote control of his television. It was easy to search for a news channel that would show the entire fight. Most news channel does that when it’s an S-Class hero fighting.

There was once a time when Saitama wanted to be shown in news channels, too. That was quickly erased from his mind when the public started to hate him. Still, he can’t find it in himself to regret certain decisions he has made. Saving the heroes back then –along with their dignity, was the right thing to do. He’ll stand by that decision no matter what.

He watched as Genos was fling to a building with a swat from the monster. Saitama didn’t notice himself leaning forward to the television. Ten seconds past and Genos wasn’t showing any signs of moving inside the rubble.

“Get up, Genos. Get up.”

The rubble was blown off, and there stood Genos in all his glory. Half of his face cracked, and his muscle shirt barely hanging by the thread. He was wearing a scowl that is familiar to Saitama. The cyborg was displeased about multiple things. He wanted to wipe it off Genos’ face.

He heard a crack. It got him turning towards the crew. All he got from them were nervous expressions. It clued him in that the sound didn’t come from them. He looked down at his hand and saw his broken remote control. He could only sigh and dust off his hand. He got up and sweep the floor as he half-watch and listen to the news.

A cheer came from the newscaster. Genos had defeated the monster. Still, somewhere inside Saitama, he couldn’t find the same elation. Genos has been injured, he will have to go to his doctor. That means Saitama will be alone for the night.

It was a quiet Tuesday night, he doesn’t want to think about it. He got up, turned off the television manually and headed for the door. The crew struggled to keep up with him.

(“Where do you think he’s going?” The cameraman asked no one in particular. “He looks so pissed. And, sad. Yeah, maybe more on the sad part than the pissed part.”

“What a desolate man…” The director murmured to the side. “This is going to be a freaking hit.”

“A strong, fallen hero who is only doing what is right but not living meets a vengeful newbie and they both learn to live a life?” The producer narrated how they would spin the story.

“And, along the way, they fall in love.” The intern sighed dreamily.

“Still a better love story than Twilight.” The cameraman with a shrug.)

He found himself standing at the doorway of Bang’s dojo. Saitama doesn’t know what possessed him to make his way here, he just...does not want to be alone. If he were to be honest, he didn’t want to be alone but he only wants to be with Genos. That thought, he knows for sure, shouldn’t be welcomed by him. Well, it isn’t welcomed, but he’s not denying it to himself either. He doesn’t know if that’s a good thing or a bad thing.

It’s all so confusing. He is tempted to laugh like a maniac. He wished to be able to feel once again and now that he can, he’s experiencing the pesky side of feeling again. Isn’t he just a mess?

“Hey, Saitama!” Turning, he saw Charanko waving at him. “Bang-sensei’s been wondering when you’d visit.” The younger man came running towards him. Only slowing down upon noticing the camera crew behind him. “Oh…”

Saitama thought that it was quite a loaded ‘oh’ coming from Charanko, but he brushed it off aside. “The old man’s free?”

Charanko bristled visibly. “I’ll tell him you’re here. You should wait inside the dojo.”

He hummed his thanks.

Inside the dojo, the camera crew started getting comfortable. He noticed how the cameraman moved his lenses here and there. He can only guess that they’re getting a proper look at the dojo. He doesn’t mind the break from the camera.

Bang entered with his usual genial smile and old man posture that could fool no one. “Are you here to finally learn?”

“You know my interest in martial arts was a one-time thing.” They sat on the polished wooden floor. “You should ask the winner of the competition, though. Or, the one that wears snakeskin clothes.” From the way Bang raised an eyebrow at him, Saitama could only guess that he knows who he was talking about –at least one of them.

“And where is your dear student?”

Why does Saitama feel like Bang already knows why he’s here? “Got injured in a fight. He’ll be home tomorrow morning—probably.”

Bang merely hummed. Charanko served them with tea. A look from the old man got Charanko heading out of the dojo. “I’m certain that you didn’t come here for a simple chat.”

“Heard from Garou lately?”

“Not at all.” There’s a certain hardness in Bang’s tone.

“I’m not here to arrest him. I’m not even looking for him. I’m just…wondering. If you still keep in touch with your former students.”

“Some do, some don’t. I wish them the very best either way.”

Saitama’s never been a subtle individual. He prefers to be straight forward with his words and actions. It’s just that—uttering words that have been in his mind this time around felt like a nail in the coffin. It feels like an end to something that he can’t even name.

Still, some things need to be said aloud. “I’m thinking of letting go of Genos as a student.”

“What brought this on?”

“I—I can’t teach him what made me strong.” He felt his hands clench into a tight fist. “He’s a wonder—probably the most advance cyber genetics currently, but human physiology is…”

“Boundless in its way.” Bang finished the thought for him.

“It doesn’t make him any less, just different.” He was quick to amend. Though, he doesn’t know why he felt the need to defend Genos. “It’s my fault for not realizing it at the start.”

“I think Genos had realized that already,” Bang said with a touch of humor. “I don’t think he’s still staying to learn the secret of your strength, Saitama.”

“What are you saying?” He can’t help the confused tone that bled through his voice. “It’s the reason why he came to me in the first place. I know Genos. He has this eerie laser-like focus. He doesn’t deviate easily from his original plan and goal.”

Bang shrugged. “He is also an intelligent young man. It could be that living with you and close to you let him garner a different perspective in life. Enough for him to realize the need and importance of deviating from his original plan.”

“Maybe.” He voiced out. Though Saitama highly doubts it. He doesn’t exactly have the most introspective lifestyle nor mentality. He does the things he wants and tries not to step on any body’s toes along the way.

Saitama liked the simplicity of it all—in some way. He has never been a man who needed a lot in his life. It probably has something to do with his upbringing.

His family didn’t have a lot but his parents didn’t fight over silly things such as money. Instead of fighting, his parents did whatever they can to support each other. He didn’t always have presents on his birthdays or Christmas, but he always had his parents.

Bang got up to his feet. “How about you humor an old man?” There was a jovial tone in Bang’s voice. Saitama almost didn’t like it. “Do some katas with me.”

Saitama outwardly sighed. “I should have known you’d trick me into doing martial arts the moment I step foot inside your dojo.”

Bang laughed good-naturedly. “All those raw power needs to be put into good use.”

“Stop.” He whined half-heartedly. “You’re starting to sound like that Bushie Flushie guy. Technique this, and technique that.” Still, he got up to his feet and started doing stances with Bang and Charanko. As he does some katas, he kept on thinking about what he should say to Genos.

(The intern was sniveling at the corner and the producer was trying to soothe down her cries. “He-he's gonna stop being DC’s sensei.” She blew off her nose into a tissue. “He’s gonna—he’s gonna…” She wasn’t able to finish the sentence before she started wailing again.

“It’s only logical.” The cameraman said. “They can’t exactly be in a relationship if they’re teacher-student. CB would have power over DC, and think about how the public will react.”

That got the intern stop crying. “You mean, he’s preparing to be in a—a more amorous relationship with DC?”

The director gave her an amused expression at the use of the word amorous. “I’m pretty sure more than half of Japan is hoping for it. Well, I will be hoping for it by the time this airs.)

Most cosmetic injuries that Genos receives from a fight can be fixed overnight. Knowing the cyborg’s habits, Saitama wakes up earlier than he usually does for his morning routine and proceeded to cook breakfast for the two of them. He’s not sure if Genos eats whenever he’s with his doctor, so he decided a full meal would only be appropriate.

He donned the pink apron after discarding the sweaty muscle shirt. Saitama didn’t notice the way the camera zoomed in on him when he was stripping—nor how the producer wiped off the drool from her mouth. He didn’t hear the talk of the director editing the scene with sexy background music and showing it in slow motion for fan service.

Saitama took extra care with how he prepare and cook the meal. He would even proudly say that it almost rival the way Genos does it. Though he wasn’t all that great in the food presentation department.

Everything was almost in order when he heard the twist of his apartment’s doorknob. He greeted Genos with a simple ‘welcome home’ as he turns around and places the last bowl of rice on the table. He looked up and saw Genos standing in the doorway—unmoving.

“It’s –uh, miso soup and mackerel.” Genos was still not moving. “Genos, are you okay?”

“S-Sensei!” That greeted can bust a normal person’s eardrum. “I am glad to be back home and be greeted by you.” There was a stream coming off Genos’ shoulder.

Saitama walked up to him. “Do you need to go back to your doctor? You’re red in the face and there’s a stream, Genos. I don’t think that’s a good sign.”

“I’m good, Sensei!” Genos was quick to admonish his concern. “Better even.” Saitama noticed a small adjustment of Genos’ pupil, though he doesn’t know what for.

“If you’re sure.” He moved back and took off the apron. He sat down at the dinner table and beckoned Genos. “We should eat breakfast before it gets cold.”

Genos sat in front of him but made no move to start eating. They stared at each other for a moment. The staring off got Saitama feeling a little bit anxious, but he’s not sure why Genos is looking at him in a certain way.

“Don’t you like mackerel?”

“Mackerel is perfect, Sensei.”

There was a beat of silence before Saitama decided to speak up again.

“You’re not eating, Genos.” That seemed to have knocked some senses back to the cyborg.

Genos picked up his chopstick and started eating. From the way he was eating, Saitama was uncertain if he was even tasting the food. Still, he chose not to call out Genos on that one. The camera crew is very focused on them—like, laser focus. He wanted to snicker at his joke.

The semblance of normality through a meal shared gave him enough courage to open up a discussion he is most dreading. He knows he should have tact and be careful with his words. “I don’t think you should be my student anymore, Genos.”

There’s a clatter of something from a not so far away distance, but Saitama kept his focus on Genos.

“I—Can you repeat that, Sensei?”

“I don’t think I should be your sensei anymore, and you as my student.”

“Have I done anything wrong?” The question came in the form of a whisper. It might be the quietest sentence Genos had ever uttered to him.

“It’s not you, it’s me.”

Someone gasped.

“Okay, that sounds so—so wrong.” He sighed. “I’m –what I’m trying to say is that you’re not learning from me.”

“Sensei, I’m trying.”

“No—It’s not that.” Ugh! Talking, why is it so hard for him? “I know you’re trying, Genos. You’re a great student, but you’re just not learning from me.”

“I’ve learned a lot from you!”

“Well, it’s not the things that mattered!” He didn’t mean for his voice to rise. He didn’t.

Genos got up to his feet. “If that’s your decision, Sen—Saitama-san.”

Talk about a fall from grace, Saitama thought to himself morbidly. He wanted to clear the air—to explain himself. But, he felt like he would only make matters worse if he opens his mouth. So no matter how much he wanted to stop Genos from walking out of his door, he kept his mouth shut.

He let his head fall on the table the moment he heard the door of his apartment click closed. “Fuck words.” He muttered, not minding that it can be picked up by the crew. “Fuck my inability to communicate. Fuck it all.”

He let out a groan that made him sound like a wounded animal. Hey, he might be with the way his chest is aching. He tried not to scrunch up his face from the hurt, but he’s just a man.

So much for wanting his feelings back. And, it’s only Wednesday. Would you look at that?

(“And that…” The director pointed out with a bittersweet smile. “..folks, is the climax.”

The intern was bawling her eyes out. The cameraman subtly wiped off his eyes.

“Think it’s going to have a happy ending?” The producer asked.

“As soon as they get their respective heads out of their asses.” The director answered.)

Chapter Text

Saitama tried to hand the problem to tomorrow’s Saitama. But it was a little difficult if the problem was not letting him sleep, therefore not letting him hand over the problem. Now, he’s having a bit of an existential crisis. Is he still yesterday’s Saitama or the current Saitama—which was yesterday’s tomorrow’s Saitama?

He was staring at his reflection in the mirror and decided that it doesn’t matter which Saitama he is. He needs to focus on the problem. Genos. He’s not saying that Genos is the problem. He has a problem with Genos. It’s not a problem—problem. It’s a…It’s what? He asked himself.

He needs to rationalize this. He admits it’s not his strong suit. Drum roll, please, for his pun.

He pressed the palm of his hands over his eyes. He’s slowly falling into insanity and all of it is being recorded. God, he should just kill kittens and puppies as a cherry on top of his ruined reputation.

See, he’s self-aware enough to admit that he’s not great at or with thinking. He’s made it through his life without internalizing much of his problems. It earned him varied solutions—some times, there’s not even a solution. Just that…slow or fast downward spiral that he has come to call and know life. The only thing he has going, he thinks, is that he can own up to his mistakes and stupidity.

But, that’s a bit hurtful to admit at the moment. He doesn’t want to think that he’s lost Genos because of his inability to be articulate. Maybe he just wants to hold on, be given a chance to explain himself. A chance to keep Genos, not as a student, but something more despite the less than stellar personal qualities.

Now, how can he just say that without sounding so…wrong?

He needs someone to guide him here. Someone who knows how to talk to people. King—no. He’s good at giving advice when it comes to ethics of being a hero, but not really with…this. Bang—no. All Saitama would get from him would be indirect answers, katas, and the old man smiles that shows he knows something that Saitama doesn’t know. Charanko—no. He can’t believe he’s thinking of asking for a piece of advice from Charanko.

Come on! He must know someone.

He shot right up to his feet. “Mumen!”

Of course, the most adjusted hero there is. He has a life outside of hero-ing. People like him and talk to him. Hell, isn’t he representative of some group with that varied colored flag? Saitama can’t remember, but he is certain that Mumen can help him.

So, without minding the camera crew, he dashed towards his cabinet and started getting dressed.

Someone squawked and someone squealed.

Saitama got dressed in record time and was out the door and in the streets. He vaguely heard the director asking where he is heading. He yelled out something about looking for Mumen.

(“He could have waited.” The cameraman complained as he picks up his gear. “I mean, we can search Mumen Rider’s exact location under a minute. He doesn’t have to search the whole country.”

“Yeah, well, just make sure we have someone with Mumen Rider in the next five minutes.” The director opened the door for everyone. “The man just dashed off into the horizon like a maniac there’s actual dust trail left behind.”

“Mumen Rider’s just two cities away.” The intern held up her phone. “There’s this thing called Mumen Rider watch. It’s his fans informing his other fans where he can be found.”

“Is there also a Demon Cyborg watch or something?” The producer asked.

“No, but there’s a Saitama watch.” The intern informed them. “And, look! He’s already in J-City.”

“How in the world?” The camera was left baffled.

“That just means we’ll be able to find Mumen before him.” The director cackled. “Let’s go, team!”)

It was strange to see the crew already with Mumen as he approached the hero. He’d been to multiple cities before he found the said hero. Well, that’s not important now. He came here with a deed in mind.

He walked up to Mumen, not minding that the other man is fighting off a monster. “Hey, Mumen.” He greeted the man and heard a groan coming from somewhere. “You need help?”

Mumen, being momentarily distracted by his sudden appearance, took a hit just an inch below his ribs. It sent him flying to a concrete wall and had him coughing. The monster turned to Saitama and tried to take a swing at him. He dodged easily and raise an eyebrow at Mumen, a silently asking for permission.

“Hey, Saitama.” Mumen got up to his feet. “Thank you for the offer, but I got it.” He took a fighting stance and attacked the monster with vigor. It was as if he wasn’t hurt.

Man, Saitama thought, he’s such a cool hero. He stood close to the crew. While the cameraman was focused on Mumen’s fight, the rest were looking at him like he grew hair over the past hour.

“What?” He asked them.

“Aren’t you going to help?” The one he had gotten to know as the director asked him.

“Nah.” He waved his hand side to side. “He said he’s got it.”

They turned their attention to Mumen who’s currently getting the shit beat out of him. The hero is on his knees with the monster towering over him. A kick on the chest got him skidding across the street. Still, he got up just after a few seconds.

“It’s pretty obvious he doesn’t.”

He narrowed his eyes at them. “Don’t underestimate, Mumen.” He felt offended on behalf of the biker hero. “He’s pretty strong and he knows what he is doing.”

As if to prove Saitama’s point, Mumen used the dismantled part of his bike to stab the monster through the chest. It was bloody, but in Saitama’s mind, it was almost glorious. He let out a loud cheer. Mumen turned to them with a sheepish smile, like he hadn’t just killed a monster on camera.

Mumen took off his helmet and let himself fall on his ass on the sidewalk. “So,” he started. “What brought you here?” He asked Saitama. “We can talk while I wait for the clean-up.”

Saitama decided to join him on the sidewalk. He doesn’t know how to start, and he voiced that out exactly.

“What is this about?” Mumen’s got his intrigued face on.

“Genos.” He answered with a sigh.

“What about Genos?”

“I can’t seem to explain myself properly to him,” Saitama confessed with a bit of a wince. It sounds so silly now that he had said it out loud.

“Ah, trouble in paradise.” Mumen murmured with humor.

“What’d you mean?” A sensation just below the tail of his spine got Saitama sitting straighter. There is an odd way Mumen said the words. Yes, there is humor but there is almost a…double entendre if his mind thought it right.

“Don’t worry much about it. Every couple has moments of miscommunication.”

“Wait, hold up!” Saitama raised both of his hands in a sign of time-out. “Couple? What couple?” Shit, how did Mumen know? He internally panicked. Does that mean Genos knows, too? Holy crap.

Mumen looked at him with a confused little expression. “Aren’t you and Genos…a couple?”

“What?!” He sounded like an indignant man. He did. “We are not.” If he said the words too forcefully, it’s between him and Mumen and the rest of the world as the crew continues the recording.

“You’re not? What do you mean you’re not? It’s all over the internet. You guys have –like, a fan club and a shipping name. I even voted-“

“You what?” Saitama sputtered.

“-for the petition of your segment in the TV show!” Mumen curbed his sentence.

(The cameraman was snickering. “Nice save.”)

“Internet? A fan club? And what the hell is a shipping name?” Mumen sounded like he was speaking another language.

Mumen reached for his bag that was beside his dismantled bike. “You need a phone,” Mumen muttered to him as he unlocks his phone and opens his browser. He typed in something Saitama couldn’t read clearly and handed him the phone.

Saitama stared at the screen for a moment. It was a picture of him carrying a sleeping Genos. He had to search his mind to remember when it could have been taken. He groaned upon remembering. He tried not to focus on it as he scrolled down, but the next photos just made him spiral into internal screaming.

A picture of him looking at Genos while the younger hero wasn’t looking, and vice versa. A picture of them standing close to each other as they wash the dishes. One of them having a meal and Genos looking expectant at his bite as if…as if—Saitama’s not going to entertain that train of thought, hush! A GIF of him holding up a can of Genos’ favorite sardines. A GIF of Genos being indignant on his part. A GIF of them looking at each other. It goes on and on and on…He wishes the ground would open up and swallow him whole. With his luck, he knows it would just spit him out to a more embarrassing situation.

He was so distracted by the photos and GIFs that it took him a while to notice the header of the site. A tick mark appeared on his forehead. “Toaster Egg.” He read out loud this time. He could only turn towards Mumen. He didn’t even bother hiding his confused expression under a mask of impassiveness. “What does that even mean?”

“Uh…” Mumen scratched his cheek sheepishly. “It’s your shipping name with Genos.”

“What ship? I don’t even own a phone.” Saitama waved Mumen’s phone in the air as a reminder.

“Not that kind of ship.” Mumen took a moment to think about the following words that came out of his mouth. “Ship as in a relationship. Some people think that you and Genos are in a relationship –or at least, should be in a relationship. They support both of you.”

Saitama wasn’t sure what to address first. It’s all so dizzying. A few days ago Genos told him of his fan site that has fans and not just random strangers writing hateful things about him on the internet. Real fans that wanted to see what he does in his daily life –even though he doesn’t do much.

Now, people like him and Genos to have a relationship. What the hell is going on in the world? Is he so out of touch with everything that’s going on around him that he had completely forgotten what the supposed social norm is?

A damn ship name. Toaster Egg. Toaster Egg? “Toaster Egg?!” The realization smacked him back from the stratosphere. “Genos is far from a toaster. He is a sophisticated and highly advanced cyborg.”

“Hey, chill out.” Mumen looked like he can’t believe that he’s the one saying that to Saitama at the moment. “They don’t mean it in an insulting way. It’s a cutesy thing for them.”

“How is it even cute?” He is completely trying his best not to break Mumen’s phone.

“Well, it kinda lessens the killer factor the two of you have. Plus, it sounds so domestic—like how the two of you are.”

“Not anymore.” He couldn’t help but mutter as he passed back the phone to Mumen. The other man gave him a look that asks him for details. Saitama suddenly remembered his problem. “I kinda told Genos that I don’t want him as my student anymore.”

Mumen let out a gasped. “But, why?” The question was more of a shout.

“I can’t teach him how to be as strong as I am.”

“I don’t think anyone can be as strong as you are, Saitama. That would be ridiculous.”

Saitama gave Mumen an annoyed look. “Well, it was what he wanted to learn. And, I can’t teach him that. If I can’t teach him then he shouldn’t be my student.”

“I’m going to guess that Genos didn’t like that one bit.”

“He didn’t say anything—well, he said something, but there wasn’t any sign of him being cool about it. He just…He walked out on me.” He was all but whispering by the end of his statement.

“Huh…” Mumen made the noise unhelpfully. “Genos has never been the kind to back down easily.”

“Yeah, I know.” Saitama loves and hates that about him. Genos can sometimes be infuriating when it comes to his passionate dedication. “God, he spent three days convincing me to give him a duplicate key to my apartment. Three fucking days, Mumen. It was the weirdest form of torture.”

“Maybe it’s just a tactical retreat.”

“A what?”

“You know, he’ll back off for now and form a plan for the next time he talks to you.”

“Why would he even need a plan?”

Mumen was about to answer but he noticed the camera crew giving him signs that would equate to him not telling Saitama the obvious answer.

Mumen moved to the next thing in his mind. “You’re pretty immovable yourself when you’re set on something.”

“It’s only appropriate that I let go of Genos as a student.”

“As a student.” Mumen echoed in a funny –almost excited tone. “Just as a student.”

“Of course, he’ll still be my friend. Heck, he’d still be my neighbor—also a fellow hero. We don’t end at being a teacher and a student.”

There was a squealing somewhere. Saitama is starting to think that that sound has been present for some time now. He’s going to have to look for the source sooner or later.

A notification coming from Mumen’s phone caught both of their attention. Saitama isn’t a nosy person but from the way Mumen’s eyes widen, he couldn’t help but take a peek. The words Demon Cyborg stood out—it always does.

Mumen clicked on the notification and it led them to the live streaming of a news station. The female anchor talked about a Dragon level threat in R-City. They showed an aerial shot of a monster made of multiple faces that are almost the same size as the other high rises in the area. Then, as if coming from some creepy movie, the monster multiplied and it showed up on the screen accompanied by a gasping sound.

The news once again showed the female anchor. “It seemed like there is now two Demon level threat in J-City. With only Demon Cyborg in the area, it is highly advised for the citizens to evacuate the area immediately. I repeat, evacuate the area immediately.”

“He just got home yesterday.” Saitama didn’t even notice that he muttered the words for the rest to hear.

“What?” Mumen asked him.

“Genos.” He can feel every fiber inside his body starting to tense up. “He just got home yesterday and now he’s going to face a Dragon level monster.” Shit does he know what that level threat means, but it’s different from Genos’ usual Demon—bigger, too. If Saitama would base things on size alone –though he knows size doesn’t matter, he can tell that Genos can’t fight two of those face monsters.

At this point, there’s not fooling himself. He is worried. He doesn’t want Genos to go back to his doctor and leave him for the night. Heck, he doesn’t want Genos to leave him at all. God, why couldn’t he find a small enough apartment for the two of them? He is an utter fool.

“I gotta go.” With that as parting words to Mumen, he dashed off to R-City. He doesn’t want to be scrapping Genos off any building like he’s some kind of modern art piece. It’s one of his pet peeves.

(“Oh, my god!” The intern squealed like there’s no tomorrow.

The director pulled out her phone and dialed a number. It was answered after the second ring. “We need a camera team in R-City, like yesterday. What do you mean the roads are closed? Well, do something about it!”

The producer pulled up her phone, too. “Hello, Mr. Zhen? Yes, we’re currently following a story—a hero story. You know, Hero Daily. Yes, that.” Everyone was looking at her expectantly. “Well, it seems that we would need access to R-City right this very moment and the roads are all closed off. We’re wondering if we can high jack your news drone.”

The cameraman was already packing his equipment. He’s moving like a mad man as he tries to get connected to whoever was in their studio. “Pick up, pick up. Come on, pick up!”

“What’s in it for you?” They all share a look as the producer smirked. “Probably the most talked about hero couple today.” There was a moment of silence before her smirk turned into a devious smile. “Of course, of course. Thank you very much!”

“Finally!” The cameraman roared at the person at the other end of the line. “Boss would be sending out details on whose news drone we are going to highjack. Record everything you will catch, got that?”

“I know a way we can get to R-City without going through the major borders.” The intern piped up and held up her phone for everyone to see.

“Hell yes.” The director grabbed her phone and started following the directions on it. The rest followed after. They’re very dedicated.)

It was easy to spot the monster. It was even easier to see that said monster was about to step on his stu—no, not his student anymore. Step on Genos. Saitama is totally against that. He doesn’t want a flattened toaster.

Oh, geez. What happened to a sophisticated and advanced cyborg? He mentally mocked himself. He needs to make up his mind.

Genos is physically attractive. He has never been one to pay too much attention to a person’s physicality, but Genos is a ten out of ten. Genos is smart. It’s a damn wonder why he chose Saitama as his sensei. Genos makes him feel. Boy, Genos does make him feel. A fluttering inside his stomach that makes him queasy, that green bile rolling around just below his lungs that makes it hard to breathe, that pesky pain in his chest that he had long forgotten.

He stood between the monster and Genos. Saitama shielded the cyborg from the assault with the use of his left forearm. He glanced back at Genos. There was something in the young man’s eyes that made Saitama feel invincible—heh, he kind of is. “You hurt anywhere?”

“I—Sensei-“

“Not your sensei anymore.” He doesn’t want to be. He doesn’t feel comfortable with being Genos’ sensei while also harboring certain affection towards him. This might be the thing normal society calls morality. Now, if only he can voice that out.

“Of course,” Genos said tersely.

“Not like that.” He added quickly—not sensing the monster above him looking at them. “I’m not saying it to be mean.” He’s just saying it so that they can have a different kind of relationship. The Toaster Egg kind. Ugh! Why is his brain so muddled?

Saitama’s last statement seemed to have placated Genos enough to relax.

“What is this?” The other monster made itself known to Saitama. “Another hero to break?”

“I believe I can handle this on my own, Saitama.” Genos got up to his feet.

Monster number two decided to attack with a punch. Saitama pushed Genos gently out of the way, letting the cyborg fall on his bottom the second time around. His forearm didn’t buckle under the attack. If he were, to be honest, it felt like a bug bite.

“Saitama!” Genos yelped indignantly.

He’s thinking of a way of telling Genos that he’s not ready to face a monster this strong. He has to be careful with his words, he mentally reminded himself. “Yeah. Uhm. You’re not strong enough.”

“What?” Now, Genos sounded mad—like, really mad.

“It’s better if you set this fight aside.” Saitama pushed the two monsters to get them off him. “I can take care of them.”

Genos growled at him. Saitama never knew he could do that. For a moment, he was blinded by Genos’ fierce beauty. “I know you can take care of them. I want to be the one to take care of them.”

“You can’t,” Saitama said simply.

Instead of listening to him, Genos geared up and attacked the monster. Saitama moved quickly, he grabbed hold of Genos’ ankle and pulled him back. Genos aimed an elbow to his face that he merely accepted. Genos’ eyes widen at his unfazed face.

“You are not strong enough,” Saitama repeated with levity.

“If I won’t fight, I won’t get stronger.”

“That doesn’t exactly mean that you should head straight to a fight you know you’ll lose.” Saitama let go of him. “I know it’s contradictory to what I usually say, but you just got home yesterday. If you fight those monsters, you’ll be going back to your doctor and probably spend a week there. You just got home.” He emphasized his last sentence.

“What is this I see?” One of the monsters asked the other. “Heroes fighting each other. Pathetic!”

“Doesn’t matter.” The other replied. “We should finish them now.”

They charged towards Saitama and Genos. The former stood in front of the latter, sure in his stance and strength. While Genos gazed at Saitama with wonder the bald man cannot see.

Saitama pulled back his fist. “Serious Series: Serious Punch.”

With one punch, he eliminated the two monsters. It was a bit anticlimactic but lately, all of his fights are. He let blood and innards rain over buildings, cars, and everything else. It also covered them. They’re going to stink if they don’t get home and shower right away.

He turned towards Genos and they stared at each other for a moment. There was a wonder in Genos’ eyes. Saitama thinks he is seconds away from singing him praises. He thought that it’s the perfect time to clear up the miscommunication between them.

“Look, I’m not the best person with…words.” He sighed. That should be evidence enough. “I think my twenty words or less rule is kicking me in the butt. I wasn’t clear with my words and now—here we are.” He waved vaguely between the two of them.

“I don’t understand,” Genos said. “I…want to be strong. I tried to be a good student and learn from you. Is—Am I…wrong? Was my effort not enough?”

They didn’t notice the people slowly starting to surround them.

“You’re great, Genos. Amazing, even –but I can’t teach you anymore because I can’t teach you how I became strong.”

“Why?” Genos shouted more than asked.

“You’re not wholly…organic,” Saitama whispered the last word. He felt ashamed saying it because while Genos isn’t entirely organic that does not mean he’s not entirely human.

“It’s because I’m a…” Black liquid started gathering in Genos’ eyes. He let out a quiet sob.

“You’re perfect just the way you are, Genos. I wouldn’t change you for the world.”

“But I won’t be your student anymore.”

“Yeah, but you’re still my friend. Hell, we’re even neighbors—you have the key to my place, nothing has to change between us.”

Genos roughly wiped away his tears. If it were Saitama, he’d be gentler. “But, I do want a change.” He said to Saitama with a brand new determination. The kind that Saitama hadn’t seen in him before.

“Well, what is it you want to change?”

“Us.”

“Us?” Saitama echoed –confused.

Genos nodded. “I don’t want to be your neighbor.”

“Uhm.” Is Genos going to move out?

“I don’t want to be your friend.”

Geez, tell me how you feel? He mentally mocked. “Oh, okay.” That hurt, but he’s not going to hold Genos against his will. He’s not some sort of villain. Plus, he’s doesn’t deserve anyone as amazing as—

“I want to be your partner.”

“Wha—?” Saitama’s starting to think he’s going to experience whiplash sooner or later. “Like, a sidekick?”

“No, Saitama.” Genos moved closer—impossibly closer. There’s not even a foot between them. “I mean, romantic partner.”

“What?” Saitama didn’t squeak, he didn’t—he swears.

Instead of explaining what he meant with the use of words, Genos decided to use action this time. He captured Saitama’s lips between his and kissed the older hero. Saitama vaguely hears cheering. He didn’t care about it anyway. He was too busy kissing back.

When they separated, there are balloons in the sky and confetti in the air. It almost takes over the blood and gore that surrounds them. Still, Saitama’s eyes are trained on the cyborg that’s more human than him.

Genos is pretty, smart, and strong. Genos doesn’t deserve a man like him. Genos can do better than him. Genos is his muse. Genos is the best there is. Genos makes him feel.

“Are you sure about this?” He asked.

“I’ve been plotting ways to make you mine.” Genos stated unabashedly. “It just seemed so unfair that I am yours-“

“What? No, you’re not. You are your person, Genos. I would never-“

“I know.” Genos stopped him from ranting with a smile. “I am yours nonetheless.”

“Well, I guess, we’re partners. Uhm. Romantic partners.” Saitama felt a smile stretch his face and Genos reflected it.

Saitama thinks that he started his Thursday a bit of with a woozy, but it ended up great.

(The intern and the producer were holding hands as they jump up and down as they scream their lungs out. The director was talking with someone on the phone. “Yeah, you can thank me over drinks.” She cackled. “I just know how to follow a good story when it presents itself.”

“Wow.” The cameraman put off his cigarette. “Our ratings will skyrocket.”

“I have to call a gay-friendly talk show for Saitama’s interview.” The producer voiced out and the intern is already searching beside her.)

Saitama has a habit of just…going with the flow. The flow hasn’t led him astray yet, so he decides to just follow it. Besides that, he likes the punches that have been thrown his way. If he permits himself to think about it hard enough, he won’t change a thing. He’s not one to believe in destiny or fate, but he knows that each of his decisions back then led him up to this point.

The point is waking up, doing his daily exercise, and coming back to an apartment greeted by a kiss from a ridiculously hot cyborg.

He doesn’t mind that he went over his twenty words rules there. He has the right to feel giddy about this newfound partnership with Genos. It’s something that he didn’t even dare pray for, he wished for it when he realized the extent of his feelings, but he never prayed for it in fear that God won’t answer his prayer. Still, somehow and someway, it was answered.

Is this his good karma acting up? His stars aligning? Is God pitying his existence? Whichever it is, he will welcome it with open arms.

He started chopping the ingredients for their dinner. He has to cook dinner on a Friday night since Genos would be coming home late from HA and with a bottle of whatever alcoholic drink he picks up. He wasn’t sure if he should cook something special to celebrate their partnership, so he decided on cooking Genos’ favorite meal. It cost him a pretty penny, but it’s for Genos so it’s worth it.

He heard the door of his apartment opened and closed in quick succession. Genos let out a greeting that he answered with a ‘welcome home’. They do it every day ever since they met, but this time it felt more intimate. Genos’ smile is brighter and tone lighter. Saitama was given a kiss on the cheek as the younger hero placed the liquor on the countertop.

He can hear a high pitch giggle. It made him pause. Have they—was the camera crew…impossible. They’re professionals. They wouldn’t be looking at him and Genos like a nosy neighbor.

He noticed the bottle of liquor and raised an eyebrow at Genos’ general direction.

“It’s not that expensive.” Genos was quick to defend his action. “Besides, you are also indulging a bit.” He pointed at the pot at the stove.

“I wanted to treat you with something special.” He admitted and liked the way blush crept on Genos' smooth cheeks.

“Well, I believe we have the same intentions.”Genos was the one to set the table.

They let the silence take over as they eat their meal. Saitama can’t believe that something so familiar feels so different. Still, there was a sense of rightness in the air. As if this is how they were supposed to be from the very beginning. Maybe it is. He’s not going to question it.

Genos did the dishes and he started the fire with the same ease he has weeks ago. Instead of setting two reclined chairs, he set up one. As he waited for Genos, he heard someone from a distance ‘aww-ed’ at his action.

Okay, so maybe the crew aren’t all that professional.

With the liquor and glasses at hand, Genos approached him. They sat side by side—shoulders touching, on the chair. “Let’s change the rules this time.” Genos’ face is close to his. A part of Saitama’s brain is complimenting the cyborg for being so freaking smooth. Genos snickered. “I’m glad you think so, Saitama.”

“Oh.” He felt the tips of his ears go hot. “Did I say that out loud?” Instead of answering, Genos pecked his cheek. “Geez, I didn’t remember you being this touchy.”

“I was holding myself back,” Genos confessed easily. “I hoped that my affections would be returned, but I didn’t dare go beyond what society deemed appropriate between teacher and student till I was certain.”

Saitama pointedly cleared his throat. “The rules?”

“We’d only drink every time we open a letter with fan arts of us.”

“Fan-arts?”

“It’s arts—sketches or comic strips, from fans dedicated to us. They are just a tad sophisticated from the children’s drawings.” Genos explained to him as he fills their glasses.

He opened up their box of letters and handed Genos the first letter. “I think that’s reasonable enough.”

Genos took the letter and opened it. Saitama’s eyes widen at it. Inside the envelope was a sketch of him and Genos in a…very compromising position. Genos was wearing their pink apron—only their pink apron and Saitama had his short pulled down enough to expose his buttocks.

He reached out to take it from Genos’ hands, but the cyborg managed to move quicker than him. Of all the times for Genos to develop quick reflexes. Saitama watched in horror as Genos folded the—the artwork, if it can even be called that, and tuck it under his chest plate.

“Did you…did you just-“he couldn’t even complete his sentence.

Genos handed him a shot glass. “Fan art, we drink.”

There’s nothing else Saitama could do, he tossed his head back as he drinks.

He grabbed a letter addressed to him, silently praying it’s from a kid. He doesn’t have much luck. It was an artwork of Genos with his face buried between Saitama’s thighs. They drink. Saitama has a feeling that before the night ends they would both be drunk as a skunk.

They still receive their usual mail—hate mail for Saitama and indecent proposals for Genos, along with letters and drawings from kids. Somewhere along with their twentieth letter, they noticed a thick envelope. Genos was the one to reach for it since it was addressed to him.

Inside was a sketch pad with a note attached to it. “Hi, I’m a big fan of Toaster Egg.” Genos read out loud. “I think that the two of you are cute together. If soulmates are real, I think the two of you would be the definition of it. Warning, this is not for the faint of heart.”

Saitama groaned. “I have a bad feeling about this.”

“Then I would be the one to take a peek.” Genos’ eyebrow raised upon seeing the first page. He gave Saitama a look. “Let’s drink up.”

He saw Genos move to hide the sketch pad. “Why are you keeping it?”

“Research purposes.”

Someone snorted.

“I think we should stop drinking now.” Genos suggested as he set aside their glasses. “You have two interviews tomorrow.”

“I’ve forgotten about that.” He wasn’t pouting not at all. He’s just…confused as to why people would draw him and Genos that way. He gets why they would draw Genos that way. Heck, if he has any talent he’d probably draw Genos like that, too—maybe even…more. And, why is he always the one at the top? Do they think he can’t take Genos?

“I don’t think they see it like that. I think it’s more because everyone knows you have the authority over me, and you are the older one in this relationship.” There was amusement in Genos’ tone and Saitama just buried his face in his hands. What’s up with the drink? “Dr. Kuseno upgraded my system.”

“Cheater.” He accused Genos. “Still, doesn’t make sense. I could, like…top from the bottom.”

“It’s best we leave the sex talk for when it’s only just us, Saitama.” Genos then went ahead and placed a kiss over Saitama’s lips—open-mouthed and bruising.

Someone let out a moan, whoever it was, Saitama doesn’t care. He’s too busy pulling at Genos’ damn muscle shirt and keeping up with the kiss. He didn’t whine when Genos moved away from him. He didn’t.

Genos wrapped an arm around him—holding him tight.“I think we’ve just given everyone an idea who would be the one on top.”

“Shut up,” Saitama told him without much heat. After a considerable pause, he spoke up again. “We could switch, you know.”

Genos let out a breathy laugh.

They continued opening their letters, this time without drinking. He let Genos keep most of their more scandalous fan arts. He kept the ones that came from kids and those sincerely written. Saitama noticed that there are fewer hate mails, and he is glad about that. He doesn’t need to say it in the open for Genos to find out. His cyborg had always the canny ability to know how he feels before he can even name the emotion he is feeling.

They were down to the last letter each, Genos opened his and found a keychain version of him. He giddily attached it next to Saitama’s keychain and showed it off with a big smile. Saitama opened his and found another fan art, a series of sketches only this time it wasn’t anything sexual.

It was still him and Genos. In the first sketch, they are inside his apartment. Saitama can tell due to the amount of detail drawn in the background—he can also see his cactus. Saitama was sitting on the floor with a manga in hand and Genos has his head on the older hero’s lap.

The second sketch was him and Genos having a meal. Still inside his apartment, from the way the sun was shining, he can tell that it’s breakfast time. Their hands were intertwined on the table.

The third sketch was them walking on the sidewalk. They were both carrying plastic bags, but Genos has an arm around Saitama’s shoulder. It seemed like they were having a conversation as they made their way home.

He saw that there was a letter at the end. “I have always looked up to you because you never gave a damn about what people say. Now, I am certain that you are a worthy role model. I wish both of you happiness and thank you for always keeping us safe. I will keep on supporting you in your career and relationship.” He shares a look with Genos and kept the sketches safe along with the letter.

It’s Friday and the week is ending, somehow it felt like Saitama’s life is just beginning.

Saitama found himself in the same studio he and Genos visited last time. The same people were there and they were reminded of what they are to do along with the dos and don’ts. This time, it was Genos who went in the recording room first while the stylist fuss over him. He doesn’t know what the problem is. He’s wearing a simple shirt and shorts with crocs. That’s nice enough.

The stylist handed him skinny jeans and loafers. It’s obvious enough what he should do with it. After showing the stylist the fit, she shook her head from side to side and handed him a white V-neck long sleeve shirt. It’s fitter and at the same time, the fabric is thinner. Who in their right minds would buy and wear shirts like this? But, the stare the stylist was given him made him obey without hesitation.

When Genos walked out of the recording room, he was looked over. “Saitama, you look great.”

He didn’t blush—shut up. He didn’t. “Thanks.”

“Should I wait for you?” Genos asked.

He hesitated for a moment. “You don’t have to, but I will feel better if you’re close.” Saitama thinks he had articulated himself enough there.

Genos gave him a small genuine smile. “I’ll be with you the whole day.”

Inside the recording room, Saitama was told where to sit and do not mind the cameras. The woman behind the camera in front of him told him that he will be there longer than Genos since they have more pointed questions for him and this is his segment. He introduced himself the way he was told to and waited for the barrage of questions. Questions he was told to answer fully.

 “When did you decided to become a hero?”

The question got him reminiscing a bit. “It’s been almost four years.” The woman waited for him to continue with a bit of prompting. He decided to tell the story of the big chin kid and the crab monster dude. After that, everyone in the room was looking at him like he was a crazy person.

“But there wasn’t any company that supports heroes before.”

“Yeah.” He nodded. “I only know about those things through Genos.”

“How did you make money then?”

“Uhm. Most people would give me whatever they can or I’d do odd jobs here and there. Plus, my old apartment was quite cheap because of where it was.” He shrugged in a nonchalantly. “So long as I can have three meals a day, I didn’t care much about money.”

They continued with the questions and he kept answering the way he was told to. Still, he notices how they would sometimes appear perplexed by his answers. He doesn’t completely understand, though he thinks he seems like a total plebian towards them. So much for wanting to better Genos’ reputation, he mentally kicked himself.

Soon the interview for the show was over and they were headed for his recorded interview. The producer talked about finding talk shows that were LGBTQIA+ friendly. Saitama doesn’t know what the alphabet means but Genos was nodding approvingly so that just means he has nothing to worry about. The stylist handed him a black blazer that goes with his outfit and he fights down the feeling of strangeness.

He was a bit overwhelmed by the crowd and a very energetic host named Nejire.

“Just how strong are you, Saitama?” Nejire asked him with an over the top curious expression.

“Strong enough to stop monsters.” He answered with a shrug. The audience gave away their ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’.

Nejire gave the camera a determined nod. “Why don’t we test it?” On cue, the curtains at the side of the stage opened up and a machine was pushed to the front. “This is a machine that will record how strong your punch is.” She explained as they got up on their feet. “I’ve been told it’s the same machine used in the HA’s hero exam, so it must be familiar to you.”

He only hummed as he took off his blazer.

“You’re just going to punch it and the machine will do the calculations.” Nejire enthusiastically stepped to the side.

Without using all of his strength, Saitama punched the machine and watch it buckle under his strength and crash on to a wall. The lights above them flicker a bit, but thankfully the power wasn’t shut off. He turned back to the audience. He was starting to relax with how quiet they were being only for his eardrums to be shattered with the way they cheer.

The recording for Nejire’s talk show was over and the producer pulled him away only to dump him inside another dressing room. The stylist handed him another set of clothes, this one more familiar to him. He doesn’t have any problem with the usual business suit since he had worn it when he was still working the usual nine to five. He did take notice of how the suit fits him better than the ones he owns.

He was securing his necktie when he noticed the stare Genos was giving him. It made him hum beneath his breath. Genos looked away but there was a dusting pink on his cheeks.

“Wow.” The producer exclaimed. “You look like a hot mobster boss.”

“Thank you?” He’s just going to take that as a compliment.

The producer started ushering him again. He could only look back to see if Genos is following. It made him breathe easier to see that Genos is there with him and following wherever the producer sees it fit to take him.

“Now, Hizashi’s one of the most popular bisexual talk show hosts. He wouldn’t bother with how you learned that you’re gay and all that stuff, but he would most likely ask you about yours and Genos’ relationship. That is the juiciest gossip today.” The producer informed him. “I think his energy will match yours, too. His partner has the same lethargic energy as you, so…I’m hoping for the best here.”

“You don’t have to worry.” Genos piped up. “Saitama’s great with talking to people.”

Saitama highly doubts that and it seems that the producer also thinks so, but they kept their mouths shut.

“Viewers!” The man with a weird hairstyle boomed towards the audience and camera. “I have a very—very special guest tonight. He is one half of the most talked about couple in the country and is rumored to match the great King in strength. Please, give him a round of applause, Saitama.” The last syllable of his name was prolonged as he walked out and in front of everyone.

He gave the audience a small wave and someone in the front row fainted.

“Saitama.” The host called out to get his attention as they both get seated. “It is an honor to meet you.”

“It’s an honor to meet you, too.” He mentally reminded himself of Genos’ reputation and how he shouldn’t fuck it up.

“Now, I’m a man who goes straight to the heart of the matter.” Hizashi gave an exaggerated wink to the camera. “Still, I do know that this is your first time being interviewed live.”

Since it’s not completely a question, Saitama merely nodded towards the host.

“You are also one of those heroes who kept their lives private. Though, there is information about you –coming from HA’s database that is available to the public.” The man pulled out a card. The screen behind him changed into an overview of Saitama’s hero exam. “Most of what’s written here—correct me if I’m wrong, but it seems like your scores weren’t recorded. Why is that?”

“We were told to give each test our best.” Saitama started. “I did just that and seemed to have backfired since I’ve broken all the equipment used there.”

“Uh-huh. And broken equipment means no measurements of any kind.” Hizashi nodded understandingly. “It’s written here that you started as a C-Class hero. You’re certainly a man who earned your rank.”

“The ranking doesn’t matter much to me.”

“I don’t think it would matter to anyone if they are as strong as you are.”

The host laughed along with the audience, but Saitama doesn’t see what’s funny.

“You and your former student have been the talk of the country ever since Genos’ segment in the program Hero Daily started. The talks about the two of you are still being fanned after the defeat of the two Dragon level monsters. It would take a blind man to not see that the status quo has changed. Let me just say, I support your relationship. There are not enough gay heroes, and those who are known to be one doesn’t shed the right kind of light onto the community.”

“I’m not really gay.” Saitama blurted out without thinking and the host gave him a confused look. “I mean—I’m not entirely sure what I am?” He tugged at his necktie, loosening it just a bit to let his skin breathe. It’s been a while since he wore a business suit. “It’s just…Genos, you know. I’ve only ever been attracted to Genos. I’ve only ever felt for Genos. I don’t know what that is, so I can’t put a label on myself, I guess.”

“You’re saying that you’ve never been in a relationship with any other person before?”

“Yeah.” He admitted and it left everyone quiet. It made him feel uncomfortable. “I’m not good with words. It’s just…” He stares off to the audience and saw Genos watching him. “When I became…stupidly strong, I started to notice that my emotions were…waning. Like, snuffing out of candlelight. I became numb. I thought it was the price for my strength. Then, Genos came along and stir whatever was inside of me and made me feel again. He’s the one who brought my emotions back to life. I think it’s only right I give him every bit of it.”

“For a man who claims not to be good with words, I think you just created poetry.” The host smiled at him, but he was too busy staring at Genos to notice it.

Chapter Text

Sonic isn’t living in the most ideal of place, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t have the necessities to live a fairly comfortable life. He has a bed that is soft and warm, a kitchen that is stocked, and television that lets him watch whatever there is to numb his mind from training. Well, TV shows were supposed to numb his mind –not anymore.

Now, first and foremost, Sonic will tell you that he merely stumbled upon the program two weeks ago. He was channel surfing. He’s trying to find a show that would help him unwind. Then, he saw Demon Cyborg’s face on the television. It got him sitting up straight. When Saitama’s face popped up, he started grumbling beneath his breath and turning up the volume.

He found out that the program was called Hero Daily. The program would be showing the daily lives of the heroes. Every villain in their right mind would watch the show. It’s only common sense. It’s common sense—shut it!

It’s research. It’s knowing thy enemy and finding out what their weaknesses are. If he watches the show with popcorn or cold soba, that’s none of your business. Besides, his training is rigorous. It leaves him exhausted and starving.

He is in no way, shape, or form invested in the two heroes’ love life. Not at all. Nuh-uh. No, sirree.

Sonic didn’t wait for Saitama’s recorded and live interview, okay? It just so happen that the program was on when he opened his television. He certainly wasn’t moved by his words for Genos. Nope. Never. He is a cold-hearted assassin and no love confession would melt his heart into a pink puddle of goo.

Watching Saitama’s segment in the program is research. He would be stupid to let the opportunity pass. He knows that if he watches closely, he’ll discover the bald man’s weakness.

He has a blanket wrapped around him as he hugs a pillow. He automatically turned the volume on max as the show starts. He could only furrow his brows at the screen of the television upon seeing that the program isn’t starting the way it usually does.

Instead of the opening, he was treated to an alarm of a clock and a smashing sound. The first thing that appeared on the screen was Saitama’s hand on a smashed clock. Sonic watched as the hero sit up and ran both hands over his face in an attempt to push aside the nightmare that took over his sleep. The microphone can pick up Saitama’s heavy breathing, the dripping of the faucet, and the rustling of the bedsheet.

It set a somber tone.

‘My name is Saitama.’ Sonic listened closely to the voice over. ‘I’m assigned the hero name Caped Baldy by the Heroes Association. I started as a C-Class hero and now an A-Class hero.’

Saitama was shown inside a studio. ‘I became a hero because—well, the stories not exciting.’

‘Can you share it with us nonetheless?’ A woman behind the camera asked.

‘I was walking home from a failed job interview.’ Saitama started. ‘Then this crab monster got in the way. I was feeling kinda down back then. I didn’t care what the monster would do to me, but somehow my…I don’t know what to call it—hopelessness, I guess. It made the monster let me go. Of course, as the monster walked away he did his monologue.

‘He mentioned that he’s targeting a kid with a big chin. I went my own way, and it was just my luck that the kid the monster was looking for was there. It’s only common sense, I guess that led me to fight the monster. The kid is not exactly a much for him –well, I wasn’t either. But, I took off my necktie, wrapped it around the monster’s extended eyeballs, and pulled real hard that his intestines came with it.’ Saitama ended with a light shrug.

What the hell? Sonic hugged his pillow just a tad tighter at the mental image.

The next scene showed Saitama doing push-ups, sit-ups, and squats. He grunts the counts beneath his breath and huffs air now and then. The camera followed him in his ten-kilometer run. It was fairly obvious to Sonic that the hero slowed down for the crew.

‘Is this your daily exercise?’ Someone from behind the camera asked him.

‘Yeah.’ He huffed out as he came to a stop. Saitama used the hem of his shirt to wipe away the sweat around his neck. It gave Sonic a view of his hardened abdomen. Sonic approves.

‘But, before you became strong, did you do any other exercises?’

‘Uh—No. This is it.’

‘You got strong…with this…exercise.’

‘Uh-huh.’ Saitama confirmed. ‘Every day, no matter what the weather or how bad I’m feeling, I would get up and do it. I won’t come home until I’ve done it all.’

Sonic doesn’t know what to do with that revelation. It can’t be true. No, it simply cannot be.

To be as fast as him, a person has to undergo rigorous and dynamic training. No one can become incredibly strong through muscle training. And he’s certain that no one becomes faster than him simply by running ten-kilometers every damn day. That’s just impossible.

He continued watching as Saitama come back home to the cyborg. He didn’t feel envious of how domestic they are. Though, he does think that the cyborg was being a total loser when he handed Saitama a brand new alarm clock.

‘How much is it?’ Saitama asked and Sonic just has to wonder how much of a cheapskate the older hero is.

‘You don’t have to worry, Sensei.’ Genos sounded proud. ‘I used my own money to purchase it. I thought it would be an appropriate house warming gift.’

‘We’ve been here…almost a month.’ Saitama’s voice was a tinge confused with Genos’ reasoning.

‘I know, but I also know that if I brought you anything without any reason you’d most likely decline.’

It’s the first time Sonic saw Saitama make an exaggerated funny face. ‘Of course, I’d decline. It’s your money, Genos. You should be using it for something you like.’ The older hero pointed out like it should have been obvious.

“He did, dumbass,” Sonic muttered beneath his breath. He can’t believe how oblivious this bald man is.

‘I like buying your things for you, Sensei.’ Genos said in a flirtatious tone that Sonic couldn’t help but snort.

“Get a fucking room.” He half yelled at the television not noticing that he’s starting to smile.

‘Plus, you always buy me things.’ Genos helpfully added.

The camera zoomed in on Saitama’s reddening face.

King is a liar of the highest degree but he didn’t become one due to bad intentions. He honestly wants to reveal all his dirty little secrets. It’s just that he’s too much of a coward to face the consequences.

Still, a liar he may be, he is also a friend.

It was peculiar for Genos to come to him for help since he doesn’t think that there is anyone he can help. Well, that’s not a very honest statement. He doesn’t think that there is anyone in HA that he can help. It turns out he was wrong. It was a good thing, too.

He’s a fraud. The fame and glory that he has, it’s supposed to be Saitama’s. Instead, the said man is garnering hate from different people that don’t know him.

It never occurred to him that besides airing out his dirty laundry, there’s another way for Saitama to experience the same fame and glory that he has. King is wishing that Saitama would be more celebrated than him in time. It’s a good thing that Genos is a genius.

Besides visiting Saitama while the camera crew was there, King had also opened up different hero forums and created discussions about Caped Baldy. It took him to different sites, some troll and some hateful until he found one that is genuinely supporting Saitama.

While he is not a very creative writer, but he tried his best to write the very first time Saitama saved him. He pointed out that’s when he received his famous three scars on his eyes and it wouldn’t be the last time that Saitama would save him. He decided against accounting the rest but he placed there the exact number of times Saitama had saved him. He added that Saitama has become an inspiration for him as he signed his name and assured people that it is him that wrote it.

Soon, other heroes came out with their stories of being saved from a monster by Saitama. King is happy enough to have started a trend. He wasn’t all that surprised to see a text message from Genos thanking him with a reminder of Saitama’s segment.

He could only huff out a laugh at the reminder. Genos doesn’t need to remind him at all. After the cyborg’s segment on the next, King would admit that he’s invested in what’s happening between the two. He won’t admit it aloud, but he would go online—under the guise of course and add one or ten positive comments about the couple. Would-be-couple, rather.

Ugh! They should just get hitched already, he thought.

His phone blared out an alarm and he quickly logs off of his game –not caring about his teammates, and switched to the program’s channel. He was just on time as the screen showed Genos answering his phone.‘Demon Cyborg.’

The camera panned to Saitama’s barely concealed worried expression.

King thought it intriguing—how Saitama could keep his face passive but his eyes reveal exactly what he is feeling when matters concern Genos.

‘There’s a Demon Level monster that requires my attention. It seems I’m the closest hero in the area.’ Genos’ tone –ever monotonous yet determined, informed Saitama.

‘Don’t get hurt.’

‘I’ll try my best, Sensei.’

The scene change to Genos inside a studio.

‘How is Saitama as a Sensei?’ The woman behind the camera asked the cyborg.

King swears Genos’ eyes are twinkling.

‘He’s…’ Genos paused. The younger hero was considering his words carefully. ‘It’s hard to separate his personality according to the role he is taking in my life. So, I’ll just say that he’s a good man.’

The scene changed again. It shows Saitama inside his home and reaching for the remote. The television was put on a news station that shows Genos’ fight.

Genos’ narration continued on the background. ‘He could be better but then again he’s not aiming to be the best.’ From the screen, King watched as Genos take a nasty hit. Nasty enough for Genos to take a few moments before getting up. ‘He is content with what he has. In some way, I find that admirable.’ A chuckle can be heard. ‘I guess that’s it. He’s an admirable Sensei.’

There’s a part in King that understands, but a part that also doesn’t. He’s never been good with riddles. He can only assume from Genos’ cryptic like answer is that Saitama as a person is admirable and therefore also an admirable sensei. He thinks that Genos should keep his answers simple.

The camera panned to Saitama. The older hero was clutching the remote as if his life depended on it. ‘Get up, Genos. Get up.’ The mantra came in the form of a whisper. A crack was heard and the camera zoomed in to the broken remote.

In the television, Genos got up from the rubble but his face was cracked. King watched as Genos roast the monster—wincing at the screeching that’s coming off from his TV. It always overwhelms him even when he knows that the monsters need to be eliminated.

Cheering can be heard as he watches Saitama clean up the broken remote.

‘I’ve lived alone for a long time.’ Saitama was sitting inside a studio. ‘Living with Genos was strange at first but soon I felt more at home with him than without him.’

‘Then, why do you live in different apartments now?’ The woman behind the camera posed a very reasonable question.

‘Oh, come on.’ Saitama said it as if it should have been obvious. ‘Genos should have what people his age have—privacy and a place of his own. He can’t have that if he’s living with me in my small apartment.’

The scene changed to Genos sitting in the same studio. ‘I don’t care about those things.’ King laughed at that. ‘I’d rather be with Saitama than have what people my age have.’

The show was interrupted by a commercial and King raced to his kitchen to get water and snack. When he sat back down on the sofa, he was treated to a long shot of Bang’s dojo. He hummed beneath his breath, appreciating the view.

‘Hey, Saitama.’ A kid greeted the hero and on the side of the screen, the kid’s name was shown. ‘Bang-sensei’s been wondering when you’d visit. I’ll tell him you’re here. You should wait inside the dojo.’

Inside the dojo, Bang appeared with a smile on his face. ‘I’m certain that you didn’t come here for a simple chat.’

Saitama stares off from a distance before speaking up. ‘Heard from Garou lately?’

Bang’s friendly demeanor went out the window with that question. ‘Not at all.’

‘I’m not here to arrest him. I’m not even looking for him.’ Saitama said. King wondered how they were allowed to air that small confession. ‘I’m just…wondering. If you still keep in touch with your former students.’

‘Some do, some don’t. I wish them the very best either way.’ Bang answered with all the wisdom he could muster.

The silence that enveloped the two was heavy. King is starting to feel nervous and he wasn’t even with them. He just knows that whatever will be said next would be big.

‘I’m thinking of letting go of Genos as a student.’

King spat out the water he was just about to swallow. What? Weren’t they in every news channel in the country just a few days ago kissing in the middle of a street? Did this happen before that? It has got to be! King’s not accepting anything less.

The program ended there which just made him more annoyed.

He logs on to twitter and decided to steal still shots of the two heroes and make memes until the next episode comes on. He is not at all thinking about joining discussions about Toaster Egg, nor creating an account on their fansite. Nope. Not at all.

King had long accepted that Genos and Saitama’s love life is more exciting than any dating game he had ever played.“Freaking cliffhanger.” He muttered as he logs on.

Away from the eyes of the members of her group, Fubuki flopped down on her sofa gracelessly. She’s wearing a loose shirt and boxer shorts that let her skin breath from wearing a very tight dress all day. In the privacy of her apartment, she doesn’t have to keep up with the pretense of being the ever-classy and bossy Blizzard. She could just be Fubuki.

While she can also be herself inside Saitama’s or Genos’ apartment, she wouldn’t dare wear anything that would even show her calf. She likes her life—thank you very much. She’d rather not be incinerated just because Genos can get a little bit intense. Okay, scratch the ‘a little bit’ part. Genos is bat shit crazy when it comes to Saitama.

Still, Fubuki appreciates the great chemistry between the two. At this point, who doesn’t? Pictures and videos of their kiss are everywhere nowadays. It was enough to make her binge watch Genos’ segment in Hero Daily and catch up on Saitama’s segment, too. She’s just a bit pissy with yesterday’s cliffhanger.

What an asshole, she thought of the editing crew as she opens her pack of chips. She’s impatiently counting down to the time of the program when a knock disturbed the quiet. She grabbed a pillow and let out a scream of frustration. If it’s one of her members, she’s going to throw them out.

She got up and opened the door –slightly shocked upon seeing her older sister. “Onee-sama, what are you doing here?”

Fubuki appreciates that her sister is trying to mend their relationship, but she just wants to focus on the program for the night. She wants to know how the epic Genos-Saitama kiss came to be. Gods, she sounds like a freaking fangirl.

“My –uh, TV’s broken.” Tatsumaki started. “I got a little carried away from yesterday’s…episode.” There was a light tick mark on her forehead.

“What were you watching?” She asked. If Tatsumaki is going to say a different program, she’s just going to have to go to somebody else’s house. There is no way in hell Fubuki is not going to watch tonight’s episode.

“The…uhm…Hero Daily.” Tatsumaki said it so lowly that Fubuki almost didn’t catch it.

In front of her is a golden opportunity to tease her older sister, but a glance at her wall clock tells her now is not the time. Fubuki said good-bye to her golden opportunity and ushered her sister inside. She flopped down once again on her sofa and used her power to get the remote.

“What exactly did happen to your TV?” She asked as the theme song of the program play on.

“Oh, I got a bit…mad with the cliffhanger.” Tatsumaki’s face is turning a little red. “I threw the TV out the window.”

Fubuki couldn’t help but smile. “Only you, Onee-sama.”

The episode started with showing the audience the previous episode down to where they ended it. There was a light green aura that enveloped the TV.

“Please, no throwing my things out the window.” Fubuki reminded Tatsumaki slightly.

“Fine.” Her older sister grumbled.

‘What brought this on?’ The Bang on the TV asked an almost constipated looking Saitama.

‘I—I can’t teach him what made me strong.’ Saitama stated as the camera zoomed in on his fist. Dramatic, Fubuki thought. ‘He’s a wonder.’ Saitama continued and Fubuki almost swooned. ‘Probably the most advance cyber genetics currently, but human physiology is…’

‘Boundless in its way.’ Bang continued for the bald hero.

‘It doesn’t make him any less, just different.’ Saitama was quick to add. Fubuki heard her sister snort. ‘It’s not my fault for not realizing it from the start.’

“Talk about a dilemma,” Tatsumaki muttered under her breath and Fubuki found herself nodding at her sister’s statement.

‘I don’t think he’s staying to learn the secret of your strength, Saitama.’ Bang said with a wistful smile.

‘It’s the reason why he came to me in the first place. I know Genos.’ Saitama insisted.

“Boy, you don’t,” Fubuki commented.

‘He has this eerie laser-like focus.’ The Saitama on the screen looked agitated. ‘He doesn’t deviate easily from his original plan and goal.’

‘It could be that living with you and close to you let him garner a different perspective in life. Enough for him to realize the need and importance of deviating from his original plan.’ Bang shared his wisdom.

“He’s staying because he wants to wreck your ass,” Tatsumaki said.

“Onee-sama!” Fubuki was scandalized.

“It’s true!” Tatsumaki insisted. “I’ve seen how the cyborg looks at Baldy’s ass. And it’s not PG-13.”

The scene changed to Saitama sitting inside a studio.

‘I don’t like lying to people.’ Saitama said. ‘I think letting Genos think that I can still teach him is lying to him. He deserves better than that.’

The next thing that showed up on the screen was Saitama doing his daily morning routine. The day the shooting happened flashed on the lower left side of the screen. Fubuki passed her bag of a chip to her sister. As the saying goes, sharing is caring.

Once inside his apartment, Saitama unceremoniously took off his top. The scene went slow motion with a piece of seductive music playing on the background. Both she and her sister choked on the salty chips. Tatsumaki was first to recover. “Oh, Gods. They didn’t have to do that.”

“You could imagine how many girls would have liked that.”

“Uh-huh.” Tatsumaki agreed. “They probably have that as their wallpapers now.”

They watch as Saitama cook a meal –topless with a pink apron on. The camera panned from Saitama preparing the table to the door opening and revealing Genos. The cyborg looked up and stood frozen as he stares.

Ugh, I know! Fubuki mentally sympathized with Genos.

‘Welcome home.’ Saitama greeted Genos, the camera moving to and fro. ‘It’s –uh, miso soup and mackerel.’ Genos remained in his frozen state. ‘Genos, are you okay?’

The scene change to Genos sitting inside the studio, face a touch red.

‘I didn’t expect to be greeted by that…sight. It was welcomed still.’ He murmured the last part.

“Oh, Gods. These idiots.” Tatsumaki let out a pained sound.

The scene returned inside the apartment.

‘S-Sensei!’ Fubuki couldn’t help but wince with how loud Genos was and snort upon seeing steam coming out of his shoulder.

‘Do you need to go back to your doctor? There’s a steam, Genos. I don’t think that’s a good sign.’

‘I’m good, Sensei—better even!’

Saitama pulled his seat and sat down. Genos matched his action. ‘We should eat breakfast before it gets cold.’ Saitama started digging in at a languid pace. Staring openly at Genos as he chews and swallows. The cyborg made no move to eat at all. ‘Don’t you like mackerel?’

‘Mackerel is perfect, Sensei.’ Genos answered but he wasn’t eating still.

“What a bunch of losers.” Fubuki is starting to learn that her sister is a commentator when watching a TV program.

‘You’re not eating, Genos.’ That statement broke through whatever hypnosis Genos was under.

It’s probably the biceps, Fubuki thought to herself.

She already expected the long bout of silence whenever the two would share a meal. She finds the act very couple-like. As if the two have been married since their twenties and have finally reached their seventies and still together. They seem so comfortable with the silence and each other’s presence. Fubuki almost feels envious. She sighs if only she can find a man that would like to get to know her more than just the cup size of her bra.

Tatsumaki leaned forward to the TV screen. “Oh-ooh. Egg-head is going to say something stupid.”

Fubuki gave her sister an incredulous look. “How do you know?”

“He has his stupid face on.”

“Wha—“

‘I don’t think I should be your sensei anymore.’

“Holy shit.” Fubuki gasped. Her sister knows Saitama’s stupid face. Her eyes darted from the television to her sister and back to the television. There’s no way she’s going to be distracted during this revelation.

‘Have I done anything wrong?’ Genos asked in the form of a whisper. Oh, the lighting of the scene was just perfect. Fubuki appreciates the tiny bit of glistening of Genos’ eyes. The drama.

‘It’s not you, it’s me.’ Saitama paused and they all watch as his words sink in. ‘Okay, that sounds so—so wrong. I’m –what I’m trying to say is that you’re not learning from me.’

‘Sensei, I’m trying.’ Fubuki can hear the frustration and fear in Genos’ voice. She can tell that tears are starting to form in the young hero’s eyes.

‘I know you’re trying, Genos.’ Saitama was trying to sound placating. ‘You’re a great student, but you’re not learning from me.’

‘I’ve learned a lot from you!’ Genos’ tone rose a few decibels.

‘Well, it’s not the things that mattered!’ Saitama’s yell took the sisters off guard. The man infinitely blasé in all moments, yelling. Topped off by the fact that its Genos he is yelling at. But the moment caught on, and Saitama’s expression turned guilty. He didn’t like that he yelled at Genos, but he also wasn’t sure how to take it back.

“Men.” Fubuki snorted.

‘If that’s your decision, Sen—Saitama-san.’ There’s a bright green sheen surrounding the television, Fubuki has her brows furrowed.

On the screen, they were shown how Genos got up from his seat and exited Saitama’s apartment. The camera panned to the older hero. He let his head drop on the table with a thud. ‘Fuck words.’ He muttered loud enough for the microphone to pick up. Curiously, the camera took a close-up shot of Saitama’s hand over his chest.

The screen faded to black and Fubuki’s television was blasted towards the wall.

“Onee-sama!” She chided Tatsumaki. “That’s my television.”

“I’m going to buy you a new one. Promise!” Tatsumaki’s panicked voice echoed around her apartment.

“That better be tomorrow morning.” There’s no way in hell is she going to miss an episode.

Detective work isn’t for everyone—that much Zombieman knows well. It can sometimes be taxing following a lead. He can’t count the number of times wherein he had to go underground to catch questionable individuals. During these times, he wouldn’t dare blow his cover. He soon found out that the best place he can hide in is the House of Takoyaki. Oh, the irony. He knows.

He was a little bit surprised upon seeing that the shop closed early that Thursday night. Dr. Genus and Armored Gorilla usually stay open until midnight. He wonders if there’s any problem.

He made his presence known by pressing the doorbell. A heavy set of footsteps alerted him that it would be Gorilla that would welcome him. He didn’t expect the harried look on the Gorilla’s face, though. That was a learning experience, too. He didn’t know that a gorilla could look harried.

“Get in.” Gorilla all but ordered him before running back inside the house.

Now, that got him over his initial shock. Between him and Dr. Genus, there’s no love lost, but he’s a hero so saving people is kind of his thing. He hurried inside, a hand on his gun, and ready for any action.

He couldn’t help but feel a bit irritated at seeing the doctor and gorilla focused on the television. If they’re acting the way they are because of some telenovela, he’s going to lose it. He took a seat at the doctor’s left and saw the TV show HA’s logo.

That piqued his interest.

He pulled out his pack of cigarettes and was about to light one when Dr. Genus smacked his hand to stop him. He sneered at the genius but followed the silent house rule. He focused on the television once again. He has a feeling he won’t be able to have a decent conversation with the other two occupants of the room.

A bald man was shown rushing towards the camera. Clad in irritating yellow, Zombieman remembers the man from the Hero Hunter fiasco. If he were, to be honest, it’s hard to forget the man who saved their asses.

‘Hey, Mumen. You need help?’ Saitama asked.

The camera panned to this Mumen individual. Zombieman could only guess that it’s Mumen Rider. With shaking knees, Mumen got up and turned enough to answer the other man. ‘Hey, Saitama.’ Zombieman’s going to assume that Saitama is the other man. ‘Thank you for the offer, but I got it.’

Zombieman highly doubts that Mumen has it, but he was impressed nonetheless with the man’s sheer stubbornness. He could even cheer the man due to the vigor he is showing in attacking the monster. The man’s a true hero.

Damn, he is itching for a smoke.

‘It’s pretty obvious he doesn’t.’ Someone behind the camera commented.

Saitama turned with sharply narrowed eyes. ‘Don’t underestimate Mumen. He’s pretty strong and he knows what he is doing.’

It was as if on cue, Mumen speared the monster with a disassembled part of his bike. Now, for a man who is used to blood and gore, Zombieman was a…touch…mesmerized. The splatter of blood on Mumen’s glasses and face highlighted the tone of his skin. The copper shine that not many people have.

As Saitama cheered, Mumen turned to the camera with a sheepish smile. No one should be allowed to be that adorable while covered in blood. That’s unfair.

Zombieman started playing with a cigarette stick.

‘What brought you here? We can talk while I wait for the clean-up.’ Mumen suggested as he walks to the side and pulls out a handkerchief to wipe away the blood from his face and glasses.

Zombieman hummed beneath his breath. Mumen looks less nerdy without his glasses. He appreciates the line of the man’s nose and the hazel hue of his eyes now that it’s unobscured.

He didn’t notice Dr. Genus turning his head slightly to his, eyebrows raised and face in contemplation.

‘Genos.’ Saitama answered. ‘I can’t explain myself properly to him.’

‘Ah, trouble in paradise.’ Mumen teased all good-naturedly. ‘Don’t worry much about it. Every couple has moments of miscommunication.’

Saitama was shown with his hands up in a sign of time-out. ‘Couple? What couple?’ It’s the same question Zombieman has in his mind.

Mumen’s confused expression has Zombieman breathing heavily through his nose. ‘Aren’t you and Genos…a couple?’

‘What? We are not.’

Methinks the hero protests too much, Zombieman kept his joke to himself.

‘You’re not? What do you mean you’re not? It’s all over the internet.’ Well, it sure was news to Zombieman, but what does he know? He’s been underground for more than half a month. ‘You guys have –like, a fan club and shipping name. I even voted-‘

‘You what?’

‘-for the petition of your segment in the TV show!’ Mumen’s diversion needed work but it was enough for Saitama not to be suspicious of him.

‘Internet? A fan club? And what the hell is a shipping name?’

Mumen pulled out his phone with exasperation. ‘You need a phone.’ How can a man have such an expressive face? It’s couldn’t be legal, Zombieman squirmed on his seat.

The scene change to Saitama inside a studio being asked a question.

‘What did you feel upon discovering that people ships you and Genos?’

‘Confused.’ Saitama answered simply. ‘People kinds of hate me and adores Genos. Why would they want us together?’

Zombieman sat a little straighter when a solo shot of Mumen was shown on the TV. From the look of it, they are inside his house—the living room to be exact. He appreciates the button-up shirt the biker hero is wearing. He is hypnotized by the forearm under the rolled-up sleeve. He is only half aware that he shouldn’t be this attracted to a person. The other half thinks he should start digging information about Mumen –like his favorite restaurant.

‘It’s not the Saitama is slow in the uptake.’ Mumen sounded defensive. ‘It’s just that he doesn’t like to think of things that he feels are out of his reach. He doesn’t need to say it aloud, but I’m sure he thinks and feels that Genos is out of his league.’

‘And, you don’t feel the same?’

Mumen laughed—bright like and feathery soft.

Zombieman ‘tsk’ and put the stick of cigarette between his lips, but made no move to light it. Fuck. He is fucked.

‘I think it’s only a matter of time before they get together. When that happens, I’ll be one of their supporters.’

‘Toaster Egg?!’ Saitama sounded indignant.

‘It sounds so domestic—like how you two are.’ Mumen said.

‘Not anymore.’ Saitama’s tone was low—almost sad in Zombieman’s perspective. ‘I kinda told Genos that I don’t want him as my student anymore.’

‘As a student. Just as a student?’

‘Of course, he’ll still be my friend. Heck, he’d still be my neighbor—also a fellow hero. We don’t end at being a teacher and a student.’

Mumen’s reply was cut off by a notification coming from his phone. The scene on the TV changed to news footage. A news anchor letting people know of Dragon level monsters in a city wherein a single hero is available—Genos.

‘He just got home yesterday.’ Saitama murmured. ‘He just got home yesterday and now he’s going to face a Dragon level monster.’ The resolve in his face clued Zombieman in what he’s going to do. ‘I gotta go.’

They were shown an aerial view of Genos getting ready to face the monster when the screen started showing the credits. Gorilla let out a frustrated noise. “They have been giving us cliffhangers for almost the entire week!”

“Is this the reason why you guys closed early?” He asked—exasperated.

“You have no room to talk.” Dr. Genus told him. “I saw the way you reacted to Mumen Rider.” Zombieman didn’t blush—he is too old for that shit. “You had always liked them innocent looking but wouldn’t go down without a fight.”

“Shut up.”

Everyone has a vague idea of how it all came to an end. It ended with a kiss—gory yet well-celebrated kiss. But, everyone wasn’t privy to the conversation between the two heroes that were involved in this kiss. While everyone knows that they shouldn’t be this obsessed with the newest and only hero couple there is, they just can’t help themselves.

It’s a bit difficult not to be, in all honesty. When a man claims he’s not good with words but could recite prose at the top of his head while he looks at his partner, it’s hard not to be invested. When an intense cyborg softens and blushes at the mentioned prose, it’s a crime not to be invested. That was just the interview. There’s no way they are not watching Saitama’s segment.

Monday started unusually, but Genos managed to brighten Saitama’s morning with a simple greeting. It gave the viewers a clear look at how Genos affects Saitama. It should be said that for all of Saitama’s impassiveness, his eyes give him away. The way he looks—as if he’s memorizing every detail that there is about Genos.

The viewers also saw what kind of hero Saitama is. The camera crew trailed after him in X-City. The city was half abandoned and there was a great lack of hero in the area. The hero didn’t go home until he was sure that he had rid the place of every single monster that there is—his monster quota didn’t matter.

Tuesday was a look at how worried Saitama can be for Genos’ well-being. It almost seemed like he feels guilty that Genos got injured. It was obvious that his visit to Bang’s dojo was supposed to be a distraction that turned into something more.

The viewers can feel the Saitama’s desolation through the screen as they watch him eat dinner alone.

Wednesday started with excitable energy as Saitama prepare his apartment to welcome home Genos. It was sweet—heartbreakingly romantic that it got viewers rooting for them harder. But, their attraction towards each other is not as straight forward as it should be.

The viewers watch as Saitama went on his day despondent, confused, and hurting.

Thursday was a bit lighter. Still, it made people realize how much hate can do to a person. Those who had doubted Saitama felt shame. While there are individuals who are happy that they manage to break someone’s self-esteem, there are more people who would love to build him up. Though, they know that it would be Genos who would put Saitama all together.

The viewers watch as Saitama understands that Genos is not out of his league. They are, rather, the inevitable collision of heavenly bodies. Once they collide a black hole will be formed and they can never be separated from each other.

‘You hurt anywhere?’ Saitama’s voice was heard before the screen showed him blocking the monster’s attack to protect Genos.

‘I—Sensei-‘The drone was close enough to show Genos’ amazed expression.

‘Not your sensei anymore.’

Genos’ expression turned sullen. ‘Of course.’

‘Not like that. I’m not saying it to be mean.’ The viewers are starting to think that Saitama is never intentionally mean.

‘I believe I can handle this on my own, Saitama.’ Genos insisted but he was pushed once again. He could only yell out the older hero’s name in indignation.

‘Yeah. Uhm.’ The viewers were just as amazed when they saw Saitama block two monsters at the same time when they saw it in the news. ‘You’re not strong enough.’ Now, some people squawked at that while some nodded along.

‘What?’ Genos was angry.

‘I can take care of them.’ Saitama didn’t sound like he was boasting. It seemed like he was just stating a fact.

The growl Genos let out got a few knees going weak. ‘I know you can take care of them. I want to be the one to take care of them.’ The viewers watched as Genos geared up to attack the monster only to be stopped by Saitama. Most let out a gasped as they stare at their TV screens. The surprise they felt went above board when Genos elbowed Saitama to the face.

Still, the older hero remained unfazed. ‘You are not strong enough.’

‘If I won’t fight, I won’t get stronger.’ Genos argued.

‘That doesn’t mean that you should head straight to a fight you know you’ll lose.’ Saitama told him—his tone far from chastising. ‘I know it’s contradictory to what I usually say, but you just got home yesterday. If you fight those monsters, you’ll be going back to your doctor and probably spend a week there.’ Saitama paused. ‘You just got home.’ He said the words like they’re his lifeline.

The romantic viewers swoon and those who are not romantic can now be swayed to the notion of romance.

‘What is this I see?’ The viewers were horrified upon hearing one of the monsters speak. ‘Heroes fighting each other. Pathetic!’ Some of the viewers scowled at that. Genos and Saitama are far from pathetic. They are soulmates.

‘Doesn’t matter.’ The viewers shuddered at the voice of the other monster. ‘We should finish them now.’ Few viewers were snickering now. The monster didn’t stand a chance.

The viewers were treated to a wide shot of the whole scene. Saitama and Genos seemed to be two dots next to the two monsters. The camera zoomed in enough for everyone to see the minuscule change in Saitama’s expression and stance.

‘Serious Series: Serious Punch.’

The punch was presented in slow motion. The girls squealed in seeing Saitama’s biceps bulge up before he releases his punch. The boys were amazed upon seeing the power of one Serious Punch. Everyone was disgusted at the innards that rained down on the two heroes.

Saitama turned to Genos as if he hadn’t just erased two Dragon level monsters with a punch. ‘Look, I’m not the best person with…words.’ The viewers all think that that’s the understatement of the year. ‘I wasn’t clear with my words and now—here we are.’ Many thought that Saitama’s vague movement was endearing. He is such an awkward Egghead.

‘I tried to be a good student and learn from you. Is—Am I…wrong? Was my effort not enough?’ Half of the population was broken-hearted at Genos’ question.

‘You’re great, Genos.’ Saitama assured the cyborg. ‘Amazing, even –but I can’t teach you anymore because I can’t teach you how I became strong.’

Now, people are starting to wonder; how did Saitama become strong? Surely it's not just the daily exercises that he does. In the last episode, Mumen mentioned that no one else can be as strong as Saitama. How true can that statement be?

‘Why?’ Genos sounded more broken than before. Boxes of tissues are being handed all around now.

‘You’re not wholly…organic.’ Saitama said the last word as if he was ashamed to even think of it.

‘It’s because I’m a…’ The scene change to a wide shot as viewers hears a sob. They got a look at Genos’ shaking form. Many were already bawling their eyes out.

‘You’re perfect just the way you are, Genos. I wouldn’t change you for the world.’ Saitama’s voice was uncharacteristically soft—most can say that it’s loving.

‘But I won’t be your student anymore.’

‘Yeah, but you’re still my friend.’ Oh, millions are protesting against that in front of their TV screens. It was as if they didn’t watch the two kiss in the news. ‘Hell, we’re even neighbors—you have the key to my place, nothing has to change between us.’

‘But, I do want a change.’ Genos’ tone changed. Everyone is sitting at the edge of their seats. This is it. ‘I don’t want to be your neighbor.’

Oh, shit. He’s going to spell it out. There’s cheering—the whole country is cheering.

‘I don’t want to be your friend.’

Tissues were breaking shredded to billions of pieces.

‘I want to be your partner.’

‘Wha—?’ Saitama seemed confused.

‘I mean, romantic partner.’

Both boys and girls thought that Genos is a smooth motherfucker.

The wide shot changed to a closer one as Genos close the gap between the two of them. The whole country is going wild. Even the Prime Minister is joining the celebration for this momentous scene.

The kiss got heated and most parents had to cover the eyes of their kids. The artists took tons of stills of the kiss. They needed the muse.

The two heroes parted and Saitama’s ears were as red as a tomato. ‘Well, I guess, we’re partners. Uhm. Romantic partners.’

Everyone tried their best to calm their tits down as the scene change to Saitama inside the studio being asked a question. ‘How long have you liked Genos?’

Saitama sighed. ‘I don’t know. It was a gradual thing. It snuck up on me.’

The scene change once again, the day written at the lower right corner of the screen; Friday. The two were huddled close to each other in front of their bonfire. There’s a bottle of drink and a box of letters. People chuckled when they heard Genos changing the room. They almost felt bad when they noticed that Saitama doesn’t seem to know that a lot of people had been creating fan arts of the two of them.

They watch as Genos keep every fan art of them. No matter how…questionable each seems. Saitama gets redder and redder as the night progressed.

‘Why are you keeping it?’ The older hero asked.

‘Research purposes.’ Everyone is calling bull on Genos’ answer.

‘Why am I always the one at the top?’ Saitama’s question was barely there one. Still, the microphone picked up on it. And the artists are pulling out their pens. ‘Do they think I can’t take Genos?’

‘I don’t think they see it like that.’ Genos answered. ‘I think it’s more because everyone knows you have the authority over me, and you are the older one in this relationship.’

Fangirls are nodding their heads.

‘Still, doesn’t make sense. I could, like…top from the bottom.’

‘It’s best we leave the sec talk for when it’s only just us, Saitama.’ Genos was highly amused by the drunken state of his former sensei. That much is obvious. Still, the cyborg leaned in to kiss Saitama.

A lot of people are recording it, taking screenshots of it, and would download this particular episode solely for this reason. The needy moan that came from Saitama was close to pornographic. The kids are told to go to their rooms.

‘I think we’ve just given everyone an idea who would be the one on top.’ Genos’ tongue flickered over his glistening lips. There’s going to be a GIF of that one.

‘Shut up.’ Saitama paused. ‘We could switch, you know.’

Genos’ laugh got people’s heart doing the loop-de-loop.

‘So, how would you describe your life?’ A man behind the camera asked Saitama as the scene change to one wherein he is inside a studio.

‘That’s a difficult question.’ Saitama said as he wears a contemplative look. ‘I mean, my life can be boring at times.’

The screen showed Saitama and Genos shopping and paying using coupons after coupons.

‘But, hey, there’s excitement, too.’

Viewers were shown a scene of Saitama punching monster into oblivion.

‘I never really thought that I’d get where I am today.’

The television was filled with Saitama’s expressionless façade as he stares out of his balcony and into the night sky.

‘I never thought I’d meet people that would be my friends.’

A shot of Saitama with King and one with Mumen was shown.

‘I never thought I’d have Genos in my life.’

A shot of him and Genos staring at each other.

‘I guess, I’ll use the word happy.’

The program ended with showing Saitama inside the studio wearing a small but genuine smile and cut off to Genos’ phone with a Caped Baldy and Demon Cyborg keychain.

@heroDeniro

[GIF of Saitama punching the two Dragon level monster]

What the hell

(677 replies)

@femslash

[GIF of Saitama and Genos kissing]

My skin is cleared and my crops are growing

(1089 replies)

@CannonSchmannon

[GIF of Genos pocketing the rated-18 fan art]

Lol, that’s me.

               @MaybeBaby

               That’s all of us at the moment

               (more replies)

@DemonWahmen

[GIF of Saitama saying ‘I could, like…top from the bottom’]

It’s confirmed, everybody.

               @femslash

               [Link to fan fiction site] Here you go, darling. Enjoy…

               @CannonSchmannon

               [Link to fan fiction site] We’re all going to hell

               @DemonWahmen

               It would be a damn party.

               (more replies)

@MumenRiderWatch

[GIF of Saitama cheering Mumen]

Friendship goals

               @MrsRider

               Oh, my God. They are the softest

               @KingOfficialFS

               Sinnamon rolls…hmmm~~~~

               @DCofficalFS

               The purest must protect

               (more replies)

@yellowisnotthatbad

[GIF of Saitama’s interview saying; ‘I’ll use the word happy’]

I am going to ruin anyone who ever makes Saitama sad ever again

               @DCofficalFS

               Agreed

               @OnePunchHeroTama

               We shall now form a Saitama Protection Squad.

               @fitemebiteme

               SPS squad, I like it.

               @SuiryuOfficalFS

               [SPS site link] Suiryu’s the one that runs it.

               @OnePunchHeroTama

               Suiryu? The martial artist?

               @SuiryuOfficalFS

               Oh, you don’t know? [Link to Saitama’s fan site]

               (more replies)

Chapter Text

What do you do once you have everything you had always dreamed of?

Well, in Genos’ case, he holds him tight—kisses him until breathing becomes a thing of the past. Genos shows him what it’s like to be worshipped, like the inhuman being that Saitama is. He takes Saitama to the stratosphere with only a kiss until the older man’s eyes grew hazy with the constellations that are inside him.

It would be a wonder to hear Saitama utter his name in different ways. It would be a treat to watch Saitama’s face become expressive and become slack with buzzing pleasure. Genos would explore Saitama’s body and it would be a journey he’ll take over and over again without getting bored. He’d probably be able to memorize each sinew of muscle on Saitama’s body and still be fascinated by the way it ripples with each movement.

Then, he’ll bring Saitama down—next to him. Genos would remind him what it’s like to be human with the most mundane of actions. They’d cook. They would shop. They would sit next to each other with their shoulders touching.

Genos knows that it would take time, but he’s willing to dedicate all of himself to know Saitama’s mind enough for him to understand the older hero without saying a word. He wants—he plans on understanding every movement, every expression, and every shift of his pupil for them to never have a misunderstanding ever again. They would be perfect for each other, he promises himself. So much so that Saitama wouldn’t even think of someone else.

They may already be together, but Genos knows that his work is not yet over. They are still living in different apartments. He doesn’t like it. Not one bit. He had formulated a way to convince Saitama to live with him. He’s merely finding the right moment to…have the discussion.

Saitama walked into the apartment with the grocery and a package in hand. He gave Genos a small smile and a greeting. Genos had learned from the past week that while Saitama wouldn’t initiate intimacy, he wouldn’t say no to it. Saitama craves it.

So, Genos moved to stand behind Saitama and grip his hips as he put away the grocery. Saitama leaned back enough to have a feel of him without needing to stop. He placed a closed-mouthed kiss on Saitama’s nape.

“I’ve been thinking,” Genos muttered—as a matter-of-factly.

Saitama hummed beneath his breath and placed the last canned food at the top shelf.

“We’re together now—romantically, yet we live in different apartments.”

“That’s just normal,” Saitama said to him as he turns around. “Not everyone lives together right away –well, I think people don’t.”

Genos thought he can use Saitama’s lack of relationship experience to his advantage. He knows he shouldn’t but really, he’d use every trick –dirty or otherwise, to make sure that Saitama would never leave him. That’s just how he is. Besides, as long as Saitama doesn’t know, it wouldn’t hurt.

“Yes.” Genos gave his token agreement. “I suppose not all people are eager to live with their lovers. But, Saitama, the same cannot be said about me.”

Saitama’s eyes widen just a touch. “We just got together, you know.”

“While that is true, we must not forget that we used to live together.” Genos pointed out his first argument. “We already know each other’s habits and personality. Even when we’re living in a different apartment we still share meals. I spend more time here than I do in my apartment, we both know that.”

“Well, it still gives you space for privacy.”

“You’re not a nosy housemate. You never did anything that would compromise my privacy. I can say, with certainty, that my privacy is safe with you.”

“We’re not going to fit here,” Saitama said and Genos anticipated him to.

“Yes, but we would certainly fit in my apartment.” He started moving his thumb in circles on Saitama’s hips. There’s enough pressure to distract the older man without him noticing the blatant manipulation. “I think, with two of us there, it would just be small enough to be cozy. The way you want it.”

“It still stands that we are just at the beginning of our relationship.” Saitama firmly stated. “I get that we used to live together, but you have to admit that it was a bit different since we were…living as teacher and student. What we have now, it’s different.”

Genos sighed—exaggerating his sadness and disappointment. Saitama didn’t like it, he wrapped his arms around Genos neck. He had confirmed on their third day together that Saitama doesn’t like seeing him sad.

“You’re right.” Genos faked concession. “I just…” he placed his forehead on Saitama’s. “I just want to be with you all the time. We do everything together, except sleeping and waking up next to each other. It would be selfish, but I want it all. I want to experience everything with you.”

“Well, let’s see what would happen in a month.” Saitama’s very close to giving in. Genos knows that if he pushes now, he’d get what he wants –but his manipulative streak would become obvious. The chances of Saitama leaving him if he notices that is high. He’ll play safe for now.

He would just have to give Saitama an additional incentive to agree.

He leaned down and captured Saitama’s lips between his. Genos liked the little sighs Saitama makes whenever he nibbles at his lower lips. He likes the gasps better though, whenever he lets his tongue dive in. Saitama’s body is reacting to his the way he wants it to. Genos would wait for a week before breaching the topic once again.

They parted and Genos can see the nebula in Saitama’s hazy eyes. Hmm. Maybe he wouldn’t have to wait a week at all.

“You’ve got a package.” Genos has to bring back Saitama to the present.

“Oh, yeah.” The older man picked it up from the counter with one hand. The other not letting go of Genos.“It’s from HA.” Upon seeing the HA logo, Saitama had to let him go to open the box.

A small box slipped out along with an envelope. The small box bears an image of a phone. He picked it up with a smirk.

“It’s a letter saying that I’ve been promoted to S-Class,” Saitama said to him. “I’d have to go to the office to change my profile and get my certification, though.”

“We can head there together in the morning.” Genos is already imagining the things he would do to Saitama once they are living together.

After three days, they’re moving Saitama’s things to his apartment. Instead of waking up from a nightmare, Saitama woke up to Genos devouring him and whispering things that are only meant for his ear. Genos got what he wants. He won’t ever let go of it.