This is an Steam Punk AU; I used some Victorian/Regency society rules (because Steam Punk is partly inspired by Victorian era) to write this and the writing style is rather formal which is not typical for One Punch Man, but I want to try to write like this :'D. If you don't like it, then don't read. I am aware of how this approach is rather strange, but writing is art, freedom and a way of expression and I very much enjoy these aspects. If you don't like my way of doing this, then it's okay. I mean everyone has different preferences (or as I often say "c'est une affaire de goûts") So read the things you enjoy, write the stuff you want to write; just like I am doing it now, but don't lash out on people if you hate it or want to provoke them...
English is not my first language so if you find grammatical mistakes please tell me :')
Genos stared at the files in front of him: A list of his friend's – and proclaimed Sensei - savings and expenses. Unfortunately, the latter was a problem. And Genos had decided to confront his teacher with this topic. He looked at the bald man from the kitchen; the nineteen year old was managing a lot in the household. His function as a technical human had given him this opportunity. Saitama was lying on the couch in the living room where he was occupied with reading something. Both were currently living in Z-City – far away from high society – very well known for the poor population. Among the people of the rich society, this city was viewed as a district that occupied businessmen, traders and members of the lower class.
They were living in a small apartment, due to Saitama's debt. Even if Genos helped in paying the rent; their income was not as high as to live in pure luxury. But lately, the renting had become more expensive.
"Sensei," Genos called as he fully entered the living room. "We cannot longer afford this way of living."
Saitama, who was still lying on the settee in the living room with a book in his hands, only sighed. For weeks, his disciple had approached him with this statement.
"I know, I know, Genos," he mumbled, rather disinterested.
The young blonde man lifted one of his eyebrows. "Then why have you bought a new collection of books?"
"Well, am I not allowed to enjoy any literature anymore!?" Saitama started to be more annoyed by his disciple. Reading was one of his favourite hobbies and he would certainly not part with his books.
"Sensei, if I may offer a suggestion?"
The question was not one that would need approval of Saitama to be put in the room. Genos would speak nonetheless – and that for hours if nobody would stop him. "Why don't you consider the invitation of the ball? I know we would stay more days and the high society will be present, but the invitations have been sent for a lot of people, even here in Z-City –"
"Genos? Please be quiet. I won't agree on their terms of showing myself on that assembly," Saitama answered a little annoyed, "Why would I care to attend?"
Genos knew how he felt. The last time any members of the high-class were visiting Z-City, they were confused by Saitama's appearance. These kinds of people had a tendency to judge anyone underneath their rank; and seeing a young bald man was definitely an aspect that was giving him a cause to ridicule him. They did not know Saitama, but allowed themselves to speak ill of him.
The invitation of the open ball was the first they had ever received, but he was aware that his sensei preferred to stay at home and read the newspaper or his beloved books – Mob Psycho 100 was his beloved collection of books, even if Genos questioned their literary importance.
Unfortunately, Genos – as much as he admired his master – had other plans for him; if they were not able to find a solution to their financial problems, than they would have to live on the streets.
Genos was still holding onto the bills; looking at the wall; it had been destroyed a week ago. Although some pieces of wood isolated the room, it was clear that it needed a proper fixture. The cause of this destruction: Saitama was smashing a fly. The flying animal had interrupted him while he was watching the news. This was the main reason why Genos was staying with his sensei: Saitama was a strong fighter, if not the strongest Genos had ever witnessed. He had saved him years ago. As Genos was reminded of that scene, his eyes wandered to his mechanical arms. The young man had lost his arms in an accident during an attack of criminals and his older friend Dr Kuseno had built mechanical body parts for him. They had several technical devices and he could remove them every night when he went to sleep. During the last few years, the nine-teen year old had become familiar with the mechanical arms, even if people would still give him curious and weird looks. The old scientist, who had gifted him with it, was living not far from them; he had his own laboratory which Genos sometimes visited.
His mechanical arms – which needed care –, the rent, . . . Everything would have to be sold if neither of them found a job. Genos played with the thought of working as a part-time bodyguard for a young heiress – which he hoped to meet at the balls. If he would receive money in return, their problems would be solved.
Without his sensei, he would not accept invitation of the ball; It was addressed at Saitama after all – Genos was not noted as the one owning the appartment.
"Sir Saitama . . . they have free buffet . . ."
This caught the bald man's interest and he lifted his eyes, so that they could glance over the edge of the book. "At what time do we have to be there?"