Love is like a Blizzard

Chapter 2 – Survival

"Ah, that was delicious!" exclaimed Saitama loudly as the group exited the restaurant.

"Indeed," agreed Genos, "the food was very good. However, I think that the best part of the meal was that we didn't have to pay!" he said with a triumphant smile.

"Sheesh," said Saitama plainly, "you don't have to rub it in, Genos."

Genos quickly removed the smile from his face. "Ah, yes Sensei!"

Fubuki just rolled her eyes as she looked away from them. So we lost the competition after all, big deal. I'm already over it anyways…

Fubuki then sighed. But still, this is another loss for our group. We can't let this keep going on…we're going to have to improve even further…

Fubuki's thoughts were suddenly cut short as her Blizzard Group approached her, led by Eyelashes. "Miss Blizzard, we would just like to thank you for taking us all out tonight! We really appreciate your kindness!"

All of the men standing behind Eyelashes mumbled their words of thanks. Fubuki just smiled.

"It was my treat," she told them. "I figured we could all go out and have a little fun every once in a while. Just promise me that you will all continue to work hard from now on."

"Yes, Miss Blizzard!" they replied in unison.

"That's what I like to hear," Fubuki said approvingly. She then paused for a second. She had suddenly noticed that King had approached her and the Group. She stared at him in silence.

King just returned the stare for a second, before he spoke up. "I just wanted to say thank you for the meal," he said politely.

Fubuki was a little surprised to hear this. She had not expected an S-Class hero like King to be so grateful over a free dinner. "It was nothing," she told him. "You won it fair and square."

King just gave a small smile at that. "I had fun playing games with you guys. I usually just end up playing alone or with Saitama, so this was actually a nice change of pace. I'd definitely love to do it again sometime."

"Really?" asked Fubuki, still surprised. "You want to hang out with our Group again?"

"Of course," King replied sincerely. "To be honest, beating Saitama all the time gets a little old after a while…"

"Huh? What was that?" asked Saitama, who stood nearby. "Are you talking about me over there?"

Fubuki simply ignored him as she began to see a new opportunity arising before her. "You know," she began craftily, "if you like our Blizzard Group so much, you're always welcome to join. We'd love to accept someone as strong and skilled as you."

King immediately shook his head. "Not interested. I just wanted to let you know that I'm open to playing video games again sometime."

Fubuki frowned as she looked away. Perhaps she had been a little too hopeful for that recruitment…

"I'd love to play with you again sometime too, Mister King!" Piko suddenly shouted from the crowd of Blizzard Group members. "I'm surprised that there is anyone out there as good as me!"

Eyelashes looked back at the pro gamer and smiled at him. "I'm sure we would all like a chance to play with Mister King again."

Mountain Ape then gave a small laugh. "Honestly, I'm sure that most of us here would just like to redeem ourselves."

King just smiled at this. "Very well. Feel free to schedule it sometime then."

"It's still pretty early. How about tonight?" asked Piko eagerly.

Upon hearing this suggestion, many of the Blizzard Group members shouted agreement. It seemed like they were excited at the idea of it. Fubuki just watched them with a straight face.

"Well, I don't see why not," said King. "If you guys want to play some more, I'm game."

Once again, there were several shouts of joy from the Blizzard Group. Eyelashes quickly turned towards Fubuki. "How about it, Miss Blizzard? Can we play some more tonight?"

Fubuki just stared at her group with her arms crossed. "I thought that you had all promised to work hard after goofing off tonight. Now you want to go and play more games?"

"Oh, come on, Miss Blizzard," said Mountain Ape in an encouraging tone. "We need a chance to redeem ourselves!"

Piko grouped his hands together in a begging position. "This could be a learning experience for us. We should take the time to improve our skills! Please, Miss Blizzard!"

Several other members of the Blizzard Group quickly adopted Piko's begging position. They then all stared at their leader. "Please, Miss Blizzard!" they said in unison.

Fubuki just stared at their excited, pleading faces. For some reason, she felt like she had a real soft spot for her group. How could she say no to them?

She gave a sigh as she closed her eyes. "Very well, do as you wish," she told them.

Once more, the Blizzard Group cheered gleefully. "Thank you, Miss Blizzard!" several of them cried out.

Despite trying hard not to smile at her group, Fubuki couldn't help it. A small one managed to appear on her lips.

Once the Group's excitement had died down a little bit, Eyelashes turned back to King. "The building we were in earlier was only temporarily rented, so we can't go back there. Do you have somewhere else we can play?"

King scratched the back of his head. "My place is still being fixed after a giant bird attacked it. I'm sure that we could use Saitama's place, though." The S-Class hero then glanced at Saitama, Genos, and Bang, who had been listening to the conversation nearby. "What do you say, Saitama? Are you up for more?"

Saitama just crossed his arms as he considered this. "Hmm…fine, you can all come over, but only because I want to redeem myself too! And I want to play first since it's my apartment!" he demanded.

King smiled. "Fair enough. Sounds like a plan."

Genos suddenly chimed in. "I would also like to redeem myself! Count me in as well!"

Saitama just gave his disciple a fierce look. "Fine, but if you break any of my controllers, I swear I'm going to kick your ass," he warned him.

"Yes, Sensei!" came the reply.

"Well, you can count me out," said Bang as he folded his arms behind his back. "I've never had any interest in those video game things anyway. I think I'll just head out then."

Bang then approached Fubuki, prompting her to stare at him. "Before I go, I would also like to say a quick thank you for the meal. Even if we did earn it, it was still nice to see that you were willing to pay up."

"You're welcome," she replied simply.

"I expect I'll see you around then. Oh, and of course, you and your Group are always welcome to come and visit my dojo to train."

Fubuki just gave him a small frown. "We'll see."

"Very well, I'll be heading out then," said Bang as he turned to leave.

"We should all head out as well," said King. "Let's go to Saitama's place!"

"Right!" said Eyelashes as he started leading the Group. "And you'll be coming with us too, right Miss Blizzard?"

Fubuki just raised an eyebrow at him. "Do I really have to?" she asked.

"Of course! We can't go there without our leader! You're our main representative!"

Fubuki could only give another sigh. Ugh, the things I go through for my group...

"Fine, I'll go with you. Just don't expect me to play anything with you. I'll just be there as a spectator."

Saitama sat down in front of the television, started the game up, and grabbed a controller. "Alright, prepare to watch me get my revenge! I'll destroy all of you!" he shouted confidently.

The rest of the room gave a small laugh, despite the position they were currently in…

As it turns out, trying to fit over thirty people into Saitama's tiny apartment was no easy task. In fact, it was just about impossible. Apparently, nobody had realized that this would be a problem beforehand. They had originally attempted to fit everyone inside, only to discover what should have been obvious. Eventually, they had just ended up deciding to send several people outside to wait their turn. In the meantime, they would fit as many as they could into the apartment and start the games.

Nevertheless, Fubuki still couldn't help but feel that the place was overwhelmingly cramped. Many people were sitting or standing tight up against each other, and it was hardly comfortable. Fubuki herself had been offered a seat on the couch, but it wasn't much better than anywhere else. She had been heavily forced to one side, leaving her very little space.

After sitting there for a few uncomfortable minutes, Fubuki noticed a sliding glass door right within her reach. From what she could see, it apparently led out onto a small balcony. Fubuki just eyed that space enviously. Even though it wasn't that big, anything was better than where she was now. She considered going out there while she glanced at the television. It looked like they were just now getting the game started. It seemed like nobody would notice Fubuki if she were to slip out right then…

Fubuki decided to take her chance. She didn't really care about watching the video game anyway. Once she was sure that everyone's attention was on the game, she quietly stood up and swiftly opened the door before she stepped out. She immediately closed it behind her.

Fubuki just took a moment to inhale some of the cool night air. Ah, this is more like it she thought with a stretch. She then leaned against the railing and stared out at the city that sat before her. Fubuki smiled. She felt a lot better out here. There was a lot more space and and it was quiet and peaceful. Here she could just relax and focus on her thoughts while she watched the city.

Before long, however, Fubuki started dwelling on the events that had taken place earlier that evening. Her smile slowly faded into a frown.

Something's bothering me she thought to herself. As she continued staring out at the city, Fubuki lifted one of her fingers and mindlessly began moving it back and forth. Using her psychic powers, her finger gently pushed the air back and forth in front of her. It was just something simple that she unconsciously did for her amusement.

Fubuki then softly held the tip of her tongue in between her teeth, making her give an apprehensive look. Something is bothering me…and I think it's Saitama…

Fubuki continued thinking back on the events of the night. She had been on her hands and knees on the ground, feeling insecure about herself. She had been feeling weak and afraid. In that instant, everything that she had ever accomplished in her hero career had felt like a failure. Her rank, her Group, her achievements; it had all felt so insignificant. Fubuki had felt truly powerless.

But then, something strange had happened. Somebody had managed to call her out of that state, and that somebody was Saitama…

"Hey, get a grip," he had said.

Fubuki hadn't realized it at the time, but looking back, it felt like his words had truly pierced through her, calling her back to reality. She had tried to fight it at first; tried to reason with him, but he still persisted in lecturing her. In the end, the only thing that had managed to calm her down were Saitama's words, and for some reason, that bothered her.

Why did his words call me out of that trance? she wondered with a frown. I was feeling so insecure back then, and I was tuning everything else out except for my own thoughts…so how's come his words were able to reach me? It doesn't make any sense…

Fubuki stopped moving the air in front of her for a second as she continued thinking. And not only that, but Saitama also went on to say the same thing that Sis had told me once…and when he said that, I felt…

Fubuki stopped. She didn't want to admit it, but when Saitama had said those words, she had felt herself filling up with uncontrollable anger. And, to be honest, she wasn't really sure why. She didn't usually flip out like that, even if she was really angry. In fact, she oftentimes just kept her feelings to herself. But, if that was the case, then how's come Saitama's words had managed to make her become so agitated?

Fubuki just squinted as she looked out at the city again. There's something odd about that baldy, and I don't know what it is…but it bothers me.

Fubuki suddenly perked up. She could hear somebody opening the door from behind her. Upon turning to look, she was surprised to see Saitama himself standing in the doorway.

Saitama also looked a little surprised. "Oh, you're out here, Fubuki?" he asked, closing the sliding door behind him.

Fubuki just watched him for a second before she answered. "Yes, it was feeling a little cramped in there. I just decided to slip out here for a bit."

"I know what you mean," he said, agreeing with her. He slowly walked over and joined her by the railing. He quietly started watching the city, just like Fubuki had been doing previously.

Meanwhile, Fubuki couldn't help but continue to stare at the bald hero. "How's come you're out here?" she asked him curiously. "I thought that you were in there playing the game."

Saitama glanced at her for a second before suddenly becoming uncomfortable. "Er, well, I was," he said quietly. The man soon began nervously rubbing his thumbs together. "I already kind of…lost."

"Oh…I see," said Fubuki, not really too surprised to hear to this. "Well, at least you lasted for a few minutes in that one round," she said encouragingly.

Saitama wouldn't look at her. He just kept staring at his thumbs. "I actually…played more than one round…"

Fubuki simply continued staring at him as she started to piece the truth together. "How many rounds did you end up losing?" she asked eventually.

"I don't want to talk about it," said Saitama, looking directly away from her.

Fubuki could only give the man a small, sympathetic smile. Apparently, he had lost multiple games in just the small amount of time that she had been out on the balcony. She honestly had no idea how he could be so bad at such a simple thing like a video game.

And yet he still surpasses me in every regard when it comes to being a hero. He really is a strange man…

Saitama suddenly crossed his arms and placed them on the railing in front of him. He then leaned forward until his chin was resting on top of them. "Let's talk about something else," he said.

Fubuki just went back to looking at the city. "Like what?"

Saitama thought about it for a second. "I don't know…how about hero work?"

Fubuki frowned. She then gave a sigh. That was probably the last thing that she wanted to discuss right now.

Saitama noticed her behavior and looked over at her without moving. "What's the matter? Is it not going well?"

"No, it's not," she said bluntly.

Saitama just raised an eyebrow at her. "Really? Why not?"

Fubuki paused before sighing once more. "I don't know…it just feels like everything is falling apart. My Group and I are being outdone in everything we do lately. Whether it's fighting random monsters or facing your Saitama Group in a competition, we're still struggling to pull off a victory. And let's face it, if you can't bring back results, then there's nothing to be gained. In fact, I'm actually a little worried about the possibility of losses. I've put in a lot of hard work to get where I am today, but there's no point in all of that if I just end up losing it."

Fubuki paused again. "And on top of all of that, there's you."

Saitama stared at her. "Me? What did I do?" he asked defensively.

"Isn't it obvious?" she asked him. "With your strength and your skill, you are climbing the Hero Rankings at a furious pace. You are easily taking out whoever stands before you. And let's be honest, it won't be long now before you surpass me in rank as well, and there's nothing I can do to stop it. I've never felt more powerless before…"

Saitama continued looking at her for a second before staring back at the city. "I'm sorry," he told her.

Fubuki slowly lifted up her arm and rested a hand against her cheek. "Don't be. I don't blame you for any of this."

Saitama looked at her again. "You don't?" he asked, sounding perfectly calm.

"No, why should I?" she asked him. "You're just doing what you're supposed to do. If you have the talent to easily rise up, then why shouldn't you do it? It makes perfect sense for you to do what you're doing. I even understand why you don't want to join my Blizzard Group."

Saitama took a second to think about all of this. "If you know that I don't want to join you, then why do you even bother asking all the time?"

Fubuki just shot him a hopeless glare. "Because I can't just sit here and do nothing! I have to defend my rank at any cost. I can't allow everything that I've worked so hard for to simply just slip away like that."

It was silent for a while after that. Saitama and Fubuki were both silently thinking about what had just been said between them. Eventually, Saitama straightened himself up before looking at her once more.

"Do you still insist on recruiting underlings, Fubuki?" he asked her seriously.

Fubuki gave him a weird look. "Yes, of course I do…"

Saitama could only shake his head in response. "You never listen, do you?"

Fubuki began to grow a little irritated with the man next to her. "What's wrong with gathering underlings?" she asked in defense.

This time, it was Saitama's turn to give a sigh. "I told you all of this before. Relying on your underlings is too risky. Your Group, you rank, all of this hard work that you've been talking about; it's all going to collapse. Gathering up people that are weaker than you; that's no way to survive."

Fubuki gave him a glare. She was still feeling rather defensive. "So what?" she asked him. "You do the same thing. Genos, King; you gather S-Class heroes around to help you out, don't you?"

Saitama just continued calmly staring at her. "It's different for us," he explained. "We don't group together for survival. In fact, we don't even group up at all. We may hang out from time to time, but we all still act independently. We mostly rely on ourselves to survive, and only ask for assistance when necessary. We can all handle situations on our own."

Saitama paused for a second. Well, except for King…but she doesn't need to know that…

Saitama then shook his head for a second before pointing at Fubuki. "You, on the other hand, gather up underlings purely for your own survival and power. And let me tell you, it's destined to fail. The moment you have to face an opponent that's stronger than you, you're already done for. None of your men will be able to save you. You will all be powerless in the face of danger. Even if you all combine your power in an attempt to defeat your foe, there's no guarantee that it will work. In the end, it will still come down to what you can do on your own."

Fubuki continued staring at him for a moment before crossing her arms and looking back at the city. "You have a point," she muttered.

Saitama didn't quite hear her. "Huh? What was that?"

"I said you have a point!" she snapped back at him. "I know that it's risky to rely on my subordinates. I know that they won't be able to save me if I'm the one in danger. It's just…"

Fubuki paused as she gently held her head in her hands. "I just don't know what else to do…" she said softly.

Saitama watched her for a second before smiling. Perhaps she had finally started to listen to him?

"I know what you need to do," he said positively. "It should be obvious."

Fubuki looked over to him again, waiting for an answer.

"You just need to have some more confidence and learn to rely on your own power instead of your Group. You need to learn to act independently. That's all."

Fubuki continued watching Saitama, before giving him a look of doubt. "I don't think it's that simple."

Saitama just gave her a curious look in response. "Why not? That's what your sister does, right?"

Fubuki froze upon hearing this. "My sister?" she repeated.

"Yeah," said Saitama, "she doesn't need to gather a group to rely on, and just look at where she is! She's one of the top ranks of S-Class! I've even seen a bit of what she can do, and she's actually really talented."

Fubuki just looked away. "You don't have to tell me that," she mumbled.

Saitama could tell that Fubuki was getting a little upset listening to all of this, so he quickly got to the point. "All I'm trying to say is, I think that you are just as capable of doing anything that she can do."

Fubuki's eyes widened upon hearing this. "What? You really think that?" she asked him seriously.

"Of course," he replied simply. "Why shouldn't you be able to reach her level?"

Fubuki just looked away as she thought about this. She had always lived in the shadow of her sister. Tatsumaki had always been the stronger of the two of them. More confident; more skilled. Fubuki had always dreamed of being on the same level as her, or possibly even being stronger. However, no matter how hard she tried, Fubuki still struggled in comparison. She just couldn't close the gap. Her older sister was just too powerful to be outclassed by someone like Fubuki.

That's the way I've always felt about it Fubuki thought to herself. Sis has always seemed like some kind of unsurpassable obstacle…but, why? Why is it that when Saitama says things like this, it all just seems so possible…

Fubuki suddenly hardened her resolve. Could I really surpass my sister?

A sudden cheer from inside the apartment brought Fubuki back to earth. She turned to look behind her. Apparently, something exciting had just happened in the game. Fubuki just ignored it as she faced Saitama again. A question had just come to mind.

"Why do you care so much?" she asked him.

Saitama seemed a little confused. "Huh?"

"Why do you care so much?" Fubuki repeated. "None of this really has anything to do with you. Why are you encouraging me and giving me advice like this?"

Saitama just gave her a blank face. "I'm only looking out for you," he said simply. "Somebody has to tell you these things before you end up getting yourself killed."

Saitama then paused before giving a shrug. "And besides, I guess we are friends, in a way."

Fubuki thought about this for a second. "I suppose…"

Saitama gave her a small smile. "You know Fubuki, I really can't say that I have any interest in being a part of your Blizzard Group, but truth be told, I really don't mind the two of us being friends."

Fubuki stared at him curiously. She wasn't quite sure what to say to this, so she just remained silent. Eventually, Saitama returned to looking out at the city. She quickly followed suit.

As it turns out, the idea of being friends with Saitama brought a small amount of comfort to Fubuki. Even if she couldn't have him as an asset, perhaps she could rely on him as an ally? This thought made her smile, but she made sure that the bald hero did not see it.

They spent the next few moments in silence, listening to the distant noise of the city and watching the lights. It was actually a rather pretty sight to look at. Fubuki was still thinking about Saitama's words, but it seemed like she was having trouble concentrating. Eventually, she stood up straight with a frown.

"I think I'm going to head out," she told the hero next to her. "You've given me a lot to think about. I'll consider what you have told me tonight."

Saitama just glanced at her before he also stood up. "Alright then. Are you sure you don't want to stick around for the games?" he asked, gesturing to the party inside.

Fubuki just shook her head. "No, it's too crowded and noisy in there. Besides, I don't really care about video games."

Saitama gave her a single nod. "I see."

Saitama then paused as he started thinking to himself. You know, she kind of has a point. This party really is crowded and noisy. I think I might head out too…

Oh wait, this is where I live…crap…

"I guess I should let them know that I'm leaving then," said Fubuki as she turned around and slid open the door. Saitama just watched before following her inside. They were greeted by loud cheers and a lot of shouting. Apparently, King and Piko were in the middle of an epic rematch.

It took a while for Fubuki to find Eyelashes and Mountain Ape among the crowd. When she finally did, she called their attention. "Hey, Eyelashes, Mountain Ape."

They both noticed her at the same time. "Ah, yes Miss Blizzard!" they said in unison.

"I'm heading back to headquarters. I just wanted to let you guys know."

Mountain Ape immediately looked disappointed. "Aw, but this is actually a lot of fun! Do we have to leave now?"

"You guys can stay here and keep playing if you like, I don't care," Fubuki told him indifferently. "But as for me, I'm leaving."

Eyelashes also began to look a little upset. "You mean, you're not going to stay and help represent our Group, Miss Blizzard?"

Fubuki shook her head. "No, you don't need me for that. You guys can represent yourselves just fine. Anyways, I'll leave you two to be responsible for the Group here while I'm gone, so take good care of them, okay? Make sure that everyone gets back to Headquarters after this, and don't stay out too late. Understand?"

"Yes, Miss Blizzard!" the two men shouted in unison again.

"Good, I'll see you all when you get back then," she said with a small smile. "Enjoy yourselves."

Saitama just watched this scene from a distance. He surprisingly found it a bit peculiar.

Huh, I didn't know that Fubuki treated her Group like this. It almost seems like she's acting like a mother to them, even being a little protective. Does she really care about her subordinates that much?

Saitama suddenly stopped thinking when he realized that Fubuki had turned back to face him again. She was no longer smiling, but was now carrying a straight face instead. She simply raised up a hand in farewell.

"See you later, Saitama."

Saitama just raised his own hand in response. "Yeah, see ya," he said.

And with that, Fubuki turned to leave. Saitama just watched her as she began making the tedious journey through the crowded apartment towards the exit. Even though most of the Blizzard Group was trying to clear a path for her, it still left barely any space to move.

"Hey, Sensei!" shouted Genos as he approached his master. "I saw you go outside a little while ago with Fubuki. What were you guys doing out there? Was she trying to get you to join her Group again?"

Saitama looked at him. "No, we were just talking. I gave her some advice."

Genos's eyes widened as he slapped a fist into the palm of his hand. "Of course, I should have known of Sensei's good intentions! He always tries to help out those who stand beneath him!"

"Yeah, whatever," said Saitama, clearly not listening. "Listen, Genos, I need you to do me a favor."

"Yes, Sensei, what is it?" the cyborg asked curiously.

"Remind me to keep an eye on Fubuki."

Genos became even more curious upon hearing this. "Why?" he asked. "Do you think that she is still a threat to you?"

"No," said Saitama, staring at the exit where the woman had just disappeared. "I just think that she might end up needing some of our help."

And that was chapter 2! I hope you liked it. I know I said that the future chapters might not be as long as the first one was, but this one ended up being pretty lengthy. I'm considering just writing longer chapters from now on, but I'm not sure.

As for the story, I'm happy to see that it has started off with a fair amount of popularity! I guess people just really like Saibuki (yes, that's what I'm going to call it). Well good, because I do too! Thank you to everyone who followed, favorited, and reviewed after that first chapter! I really appreciate it!

Anyways, I hope you guys liked that scene with Saitama and Fubuki talking on the balcony. It heavily reminded me of a similar scene from early on in my other story :) I hope that doesn't mean that this scene was unoriginal because of that though XD

A quick note on the topic of future updates, I'm thinking about going with a rhythmical kind of release schedule. In other words, I'll plan on updating each of my stories one at a time. For example, I'll upload a new chapter for this story, then one for my other story, and then one for Love is like a Blizzard again. This is just something that I'll try for now, and if I like it, I'll go with it! I think that sounds pretty fair. So yeah…this is what you can expect unless I decide to focus on only one story for whatever reason. I won't promise anything for now though! XD

I already posted all of this information on my other story, so now everybody should know what's going on! If you ever have any questions, feel free to contact me! I almost always answer, unless answering a question reveals spoilers for the story of course XD

And yeah, that's it for now! Please feel free to leave a review with your thoughts on the chapter and look forward to the next one! See you then!