Disclaimer: I don't own jack!

Pairing: Genos/Kagome

Kazoku

Chapter Seven:

Kagome lightly pulled on Genos' arm, she gestured towards a local burger and shake diner. It'd been a couple of hours since they left the apartment and they spent much of their time wandering around the town. They were both starting to feel hungry and neither of them had known where to go. So once she spotted the place she immediately suggested that they go. The blond obliged, holding out his arm for her to take. She took his queue and allowed him to lead them into the restaurant. He became hyper aware of the way her hand rested in the nook between his forearm and bicep.

"I haven't been here in ages!" The teen laughed as she leaned her head against his arm. "I used to love this place when I was young!" Her expression brightened considerably, "Aniki and I used to go here all the time when I was still pretty small." Genos smiled at her, mentally taking note of the information she was giving him. He would need to take her back here more often. If only to make sure she kept smiling like that. The image of her tears from the previous night had permanently seared itself into his memory. He didn't know why but the thought of her crying made him extremely uncomfortable. He'd pull his teacher aside later tonight and discuss with him all these changes. Perhaps his mentor would know more than him in regards to this subject.

A hostess smiled at the couple as she brought them over to a semi-secluded booth. Kagome took the inner seat as Genos sat next to her. The girl dropped her arm but he casually rested his own arm over the back of the booth. She said nothing to it being there and focused on perusing the menu. Golden eyes watched her softly. It was almost as if yesterday didn't happen. If taking her out to eat was all it took to make her happy than he'd do it more often.

Their waitress approached, "What would you two like to start off with?" The girl asked with a kind smile. She was a slightly older woman with a sparkle of mischief in her eyes.

"Might I have a chocolate shake and double burger?" Kagome interjected. The waitress nodded and gave her a approving stare.

"Good choice!" She then turned her attention to the cyborg, "And for you sir?"

Genos grabbed Kagome's menu, stacked it on top of his and handed it over to the woman. "I'll have the same."

There was a flicker in the woman's eyes, "Coming right up!"

A comfortable silence fell among the couple. The dark haired girl leaned into his chest and a small smile spread across her face.

"It's been nearly five years since the last time I was here with aniki." She began to thread her fingers together, "I was thirteen at the time and I'd gotten into a fight with my stepfather." The girl shook her head, "It seems that I was always fighting with Mamoru-san but Aniki was always there."

The blond listened intently to her story. He was vaguely aware that Saitama and Kagome were not related by blood, however they did have an incredibly strong bond that'd be hard for anyone to break. He was curious as to how that had happened if he were to be completely honest with himself.

She picked up a fork and twirled it between her fingers, "Saitama-aniki and I had been neighbors since I was eight. I think he was fifteen at the time." Her face scrunched in concentration. It was rather… cute. "The first time we met was because I'd gotten into an argument with my stepfather. I don't even remember what it was about. Aniki was on his way home from school and he'd gotten into a brawl with a few bullies as well." Kagome flashed him a smile, "It seemed that we were both having a bad day, but instead of just leaving me alone Aniki sat down and waited until I stopped crying. It was strange but it felt nice to have someone there."

She tilted her head back as her hair spilled over his arm, "I know that we bickered a bit that day. I think I was arguing with him over the fact that I was crying." His brows raised as she laughed at the memory. "Even when I was young I was stubborn as a mule. I just didn't want to admit that I had bawled my eyes out in front of a stranger."

"So after that day Aniki and I spent a lot of time together," Her laugh grew louder, "Though you could say that it was more or less me just following him around while he tried to go about his daily life." She cast him a bright smile, "Even if he wouldn't say it, I think Aniki was grateful for the company. He didn't have too many friends at the time either."

Kagome's smile dropped a bit as another memory came rushing forward. "That day when Z-city was attacked. I was over at Aniki's house. That time I'd gotten into it with both Mamoru-san and my mother." Her brows narrowed, "I still don't remember what it was about. I think it had something to due with the fact that my little brother kept trying to tag along with me and they weren't happy about it." She shrugged, "I never really understood my stepfather or his reasons for doing the things he did." She stopped all movement. Genos wasn't sure of what to do at this point. He knew the city had been attacked and that Kagome had likely been separated from her family somehow but he sincerely didn't want her to be upset at the moment. Perhaps taking her here was a mistake?

"Even though I lost my family, I can't regret how things ended up." She turned her head up to stare at the ceiling, "Aniki and I spent the next year or so searching for them. We found most of our friends and neighbors but my family just disappeared. We didn't know whether they died in the attack or just moved off somewhere else. Still don't know to be honest." The cyborg moved his arm to wrap around her fully. Kagome sighed as she felt herself being pulled into his side. He was so warm.

"But I don't regret it. If I hadn't been there with Aniki that day then I wouldn't be here now." She smiled up at him, but this one was tearful and edged with a bit of sadness. "I never would've had the chance to get the awesome brother I have now and I never would've met you. Even if I don't ever find my family again, I can't regret the people I was so lucky to meet since then." The teen rested her head in the crook of his shoulder and neck, "I'm glad I met you, Genos-kun." His grip on her shoulders instinctively tightened as a familiar feeling rushed through him. This, he was certain, was the possessiveness that Kikyou had told him about.

"Here you sweethearts go!" The waitress returned, two plates of double burgers in her arms. It was only after she placed the shake between them that they realized what had happened. It was an oversized glass and two red straws sticking out from each side—meant for sharing.

Kagome laughed and took the first straw, "Let's see who finishes it first!"

The cyborg shook his head but took up her offer. He tried not to laugh as she quickly got a brain freeze. He took his own straw and finished the last half of it. The rest of their time at the diner was spent laughing. The waitress watched from her station. Her eyes lit up at the display. It'd been over five years since she had last seen that girl. She was glad that she was doing much better now! The older woman hummed as she watched the two teens play and flirt. Whether they were aware of it or not, they were definitely no longer just friends. That was made clear by the way he was holding her. She smiled and returned to her other tables. This had been one heck of a good day!


Sango huffed as she glanced at the time. Where was that girl? Hazel eyes narrowed as she spotted a pair walking down the familiar path to the theater. A mischievous expression took over her face as she saw Kagome link her arm through Genos'. Not once had she ever seen her best friend get so touchy with anyone other than her guardian. Even then it seemed to be very different from the way she interacted with Saitama.

Her boyfriend wrapped his arm around her waist, "Try not to scare him off, love." Miroku murmured against the shell of her ear. The brunette smirked as she leaned into the young man's hard chest. She wouldn't promise anything right now. It'd all depend on how Genos behaved around her friend. As long as he acted like a proper gentleman there wouldn't be a problem. But one incident of him losing his cool or being a hound and she'd serve him up on a silver platter to Kikyou.

"Sango-chan! Miroku!" Kagome called out, waving her free arm at them. The two approached and eyed the cyborg warily.

"How are you doing Kagome?" The dark-haired male inquired as he took in her features. There were no noticeable bags under her eyes or the haunt of stress upon her face. It would seem that this Genos person had done a good job in helping her move past yesterday's incident.

"I'm just fine, don't you worry about me!" She moved to hug both him and Sango. The blond stood a short ways off, his eyes watching Miroku's every move. Said man felt a small shiver of fear go down his spine. The guy was certainly eagle-eyed! The teen offered his hand to the male. Genos took it casually.

"Genos." Was his simple introduction, "You must be Miroku." The younger of the two nodded at him.

"Ah yes, so it seems that Kagome has been talking about me has she?"

Golden eyes narrowed, "Enough to know that you aren't quite trustworthy with the opposite sex." The girls roared in laughter as Sango's boyfriend flushed in embarrassment.

"What lines have you been feeding him Kagome? You know I only have eyes and hands for my lovely Sango!" He whirled on the girl. The dark-haired teen threw her arms around her stomach and laughed her heart out. Sango clapped her on the back and gave her a thumbs up.

"Well she's not lying! You were always quite the pervert even before we started dating!" His girlfriend chimed in. "Besides, if I recall you tried to grab every female ass in your immediate vicinity." The brunette then winked over at Genos playfully, "You better keep your eye on this one! He's quite the Casanova!"

Kagome wrapped her arms around the cyborg's waist through her laughter. At some point he had tried to grab Miroku by his shirt so she quickly stepped in to put a stop to his advance. It wouldn't do for an S-Class Hero to get into a useless brawl in front of the theater!

"C'mon nothing to worry about now other than what movie we're going to see." She flashed the blond a smile, "What kind of shows do you normally like?" He stopped to glance down at her, the fire in his hand extinguishing.

Genos curled his hand and looked up at the movie listings, "I don't have any exact preference. I don't generally have time to attend a movie theater."

Kagome turned to look at him, "You look like a guy that would appreciate a thriller. How about that one?" He shrugged at her nonchalantly.

"It's whatever you want." The dark haired girl shook her head at his response. Somehow she expected that from him.

"What about you guys? You good with Night of the Blood Lamb?" Her friends smiled and nodded. That was actually the movie that had been wanting to see for quite some time. It was the top box office hit for several weeks straight. Plus it had freaking Handsomely Masked Sweet Mask as the protagonist! It wasn't every day that man did anything other than romantic comedies! The reviews were quite stellar as well. It'd be interesting to see him in such a serious role.

Kagome grinned, "Then it's settled! Genos-kun would you mind coming with me to get the tickets?" He obliged her, settling his arm around her shoulders as they strolled up to the booth.

Hazel eyes watched them mischievously. She so needed to talk to Kagome tonight about this new development! Sango's boyfriend quickly pulled her into his arms.

"How about we make the most of our time while they're gone, my love?" She laughed as he slanted his mouth over hers feverishly. Miroku was so insatiable!

The two were forced to part as Genos cleared his throat. His expression was dull but there was a glint of distaste for the display of public affection that they had just put on in front of their friend. The dark-haired girl's face was a light shade of red but she chose not to say anything. Instead her eyes darted between the ground and the blond's face. If Sango didn't know any better, she'd say that she was thinking about him in ways that didn't include friendship as its basis.

"You guys ready? It'll be starting soon." Kagome mumbled as the cyborg gripped her shoulders. The flush on her face increased. Ever since the other night he had gotten quite handsy with her but it wasn't all that uncomfortable. Unlike with Kouga or Inuyasha, she didn't feel the need to flee from the contact. Rather, she felt that she might have enjoyed the sensation a little too much! It was bordering three weeks since she broke up with Inuyasha. She still needed a bit of time to adjust to everything before jumping into a new relationship. Burdening Genos with all of her emotional baggage before she was ready to deal with it herself would be unfair to him at best.

The two couples walked into the theater, the two girls at the center of the group. Genos refused to remove his arm from Kagome as they took their seats. He wasn't quite sure why but his sensors kept going off. They buzzed constantly of a minor danger that seemed to be hanging around. Golden eyes surveyed the seats around them. As far as he could tell there was no significant dangers to be had. Perhaps he needed to tune up his warning system the next time he visited the doctor? This was putting him on edge. The lights dimmed as the girl under his arm leaned close to him. The familiar pull of possessiveness rose within him. For the first time, he chose not to fight against it. Instead he encouraged her to rest her head against his chest as the first of the previews began. Even if he was still confused about the depths of these new emotions, he'd still partake in them as much as he could. Being around Kagome had helped him in ways that he was sure even he fully understood yet.

Said girl fought the blush that threatened to expose her feelings. She only knew Genos for about a week now! It was way too early for this! Though the sensation of his arm around her left the teen unable to deny that she felt completely safe. She didn't know what it was about this particular guy, but he always seemed to know how to make her feel at ease. Kagome let out a soft sigh and rested her head against his breastplate. She could hear the soft humming of mechanical parts within his body. It was a strange sound, but not one that was entirely unpleasant. The hum worked like a soothing bell, calming the girl's frayed nerves. What was she so worried about before? She couldn't remember.

The blond watched as her body relaxed into him. The intro was just starting when his alarms went off again. This time he threw a glace a few rows up from them and found a familiar pair of golden eyes glaring down at them jealously. It was Inuyasha. Apparently the last beating had not left him hospitalized as much as he hoped. The cyborg began to wonder if the male was taking some kind of steroid to increase in healing abilities. That was the only way he could explain his current presence within the theater. The other male almost seemed unharmed save for the few unsightly bruises on his cheek and body. The blond came to the decision that he needed to fix the hound's intrusion in Kagome's life immediately. Apparently beating him wasn't going to be enough this time. Perhaps he needed to permanently remove a limb to make his message clear?

Inuyasha suddenly rose from his seat and made his way down to them. He glared at Genos momentarily. Should he risk sitting by the volatile robot? Or would it be better to chance a spot next to his friend? The silver-haired teen grunted as he sat next to his old friend. Miroku cast him a scathing glance but returned his attention to his blissfully unaware girlfriend. Now was not the time to be making a scene. He'd deal with the situation after the movie ended.

Kagome's mouth hung open as Sweet Mask epically slashed at a shadow shifting the darkness. The killer had managed to escape him and was now after an innocent! She bit her nails nervously and leaned further against Genos. Said male pulled her tighter to him but his head was cocked to the side—refusing to take his eyes off of the intruder. There was a scream from the film and Kagome buried her whole face into his side. Inuyasha growled under his breath at the way she clung to the male. She had never held onto him like that. Hell, she barely let him do anything other than hug her and hold her hand! He shot an envious glare over at the cyborg. Golden eyes darkened as Inuyasha watched Genos lean down and whisper something softly into the shell of Kagome's ear. It was such a minor action but the intimacy of it spoke volumes.

"Get your damn hands off of her!" The silver-haired teen roared when he could no longer stand to watch another man paw at his ex-girlfriend. Damn it all, why'd he have to be so stupid and break up with her for a whore?

Kagome's eyes snapped and she stared at the newcomer in shock. Her face paled but her eyes darted to her teacher's disciple for help. The blond quickly switched their seats and pushed her as far away from the intruder as possible. The crowd above them booed and some threw bits of popcorn down onto the loudmouth. Served him right for trying to make a scene!

If Genos thought that he couldn't feel anymore possessive than he already was, he was certainly proven wrong. Another wave shot through him, causing him to pull the girl flush against his side. The dark-haired teen buried her face at the crook of his neck. Puffs of her breath glided against the false skin that was there, creating an effect that he wasn't quite used to experiencing.

"Just ignore him. We came to watch a movie," Kagome began as her hands curled gently around the blond's face, "What's the point of spending that money on the tickets if all we're going to do is argue with an idiot." He felt the beginning of a smile spread across his lips. "Besides, I'll let you deal with him outside when this is over." That was all the encouragement he needed. The girl under his arm went back to resting her head on his chest though her posture was noticeably less relaxed than before. Her hands fisted themselves into tight knots over his shirt. His free hand came up to grab the one clinging onto his collar. She turned her face up and grinned happily at him. This time another emotion flooded him and it wasn't possessiveness—it was much softer, kinder even. He enjoyed that one much more.

Another hour through the movie and the climax was coming to a head. Sweet Mask had managed to track the killer down to remote location. A figure dressed in a black hoodie and white lamb mask streaked with blood stood under a solitary light at the arranged meeting place. Sweet Mask glared as the killer exposed a long blade. It was the murder weapon that had slain the previous victims. Kagome turned her head and buried her face completely into his neck this time. It was good thing too as the killer had managed to lop off an arm from the protagonist. Though the battle shifted as Sweet Mask pulled out his own secret weapon and shot the killer in the face with a 45 Caliber pistol. An epilogue scrolled across the screen as the lights began to raise.

"That," Kagome began, "Was unexpected." The blond nodded in agreement but his eyes were glued to the unwelcomed guest. Now, onto the promised fight.

"You can say that again." Inuyasha snarled. Now fully aware of the intruder, Sango pointed a long finger at him and tried to push past Miroku. Her boyfriend slung his arm around her waist and held her back from him.

"You better run before I catch you!" She hissed, kicking her feet up at his shins, "Otherwise I'll cut your balls off with a rusty knife and force feed them down your throat!" The cyborg watched as she humorously tried to pry her protective boyfriend's grasp from her in an attempt to do just as she said.

"Damn woman, calm down!" The silver-haired teen growled as one of her fists collided with his skull, "Why is it that no one believes me when I say I just want to talk to Kagome? Seriously, cut the bullshit already!"

A dark aura surrounded Genos as he leveled his glare with the male, "Because you are nothing more than a pest. Get lost before I use my full strength on you." Inuyasha paled slightly at the threat. Despite his fast healing, his body was still aching from the beat down the other day! Damn he needed to fix this quickly!

He raised his hands up, "I'm not here to fight. I really do just want to talk."

The blond narrowed his eyes at him, "No. What you want is for Kagome to come crawling back to you," The teen's voice dropped to a dangerous level, "Though that won't happen. Neither myself nor sensei would allow it."

The flush on the girl's cheeks returned. Any other day she would've hissed and yelled at someone for presuming to make a decision for her. But there was something about the way Genos said that, that kept her from lashing out at him. Her body heated at the thought. She really needed to get herself under control! This was embarrassing! Perhaps she needed to talk to aniki about this? It was starting to get a bit strange. Though she wasn't sure how well her guardian would take to the news that she was crushing on his unwanted disciple.

"You can't make that decision for her!" Inuyasha roared. He puffed his chest out and tried his make his way past Miroku and Sango (who was still beating her fists down on his skull). "You're not her keeper! You can't tell her what to do!"

Kagome took a deep breath, "Genos-kun is right." The two turned to stare over at her. Though Inuyasha was incredulous, Genos was satisfied. "I won't be going back to you and I'd be stupid if I did." Cobalt eyes hardened at the intruder, "You made your choice and I've made mine. Why can't you be happy with that and move on?"

The young man opened his mouth before closing it again. He had no answer to that. Hell he didn't even have an answer as to why he left in the first place. He looked to the ground guiltily. The only thing he remembered was being horny as hell and Kagome just wasn't giving it to him. His face resembled that of a kicked puppy. Had he really dumped her over something that stupid? Was that the only reason he tied himself up with that forsaken whore, Hotaru?

Seeing that the he had no comeback, Genos turned his attention back to Kagome. He brushed his thumbs under her eyes and asked if she were alright. He was still concerned given Kouga's reappearance the other day. Seeing Inuyasha for the third time like this was bound to trigger something negative within her. The girl in his grasp gave a small smile and placed her hands over his own. In that moment, the brief image of pressing his lips to hers crossed his mind. He stilled his body. Now was not the time for such things. His eyes looked to hers in concern. Instead of the torn expression he had expected, she was fixated on him. Her face was flushed and he realized that she had thought of the same thing. The cyborg's breath hitched a notch. The moment was killed when she turned away, her face beet red from embarrassment. He released her in favor of pulling her to his chest. The young man promised himself then not to push her. Whatever happened between them would happen. However it'd all have to be on her terms. He had no right to ask anything from her.

Inuyasha growled under his breath, "Feh. Looks like you already moved on anyways," His silver hair flicked over his shoulder as he turned his back petulantly, "And you said I'm bad. Looks more like you're looking for a rebound in that one."

Kagome tore herself from Genos and grabbed her ex by the back of the neck. Power rose from within her as she burned the skin within her grasp, "Mind yourself!" She hissed before pushing him away again, "What Genos-kun and I do is none of your business!" She didn't have the heart to deny that what they had was only friendship anymore, but the thought of him just being a rebound made her furious. She didn't want to use him like that! Genos deserved better! "Besides, I'm not like you! I don't abandon the ones I claim to care about just because of selfish reasons!" Inuyasha's shoulders dropped. He couldn't deny that statement either. He was selfish. Even now he was acting only in his best interest.

"Leave." The cyborg snarled as he came to stand beside Kagome. Their faces were a matching expression of fury and discontent. With a deep sigh, the teen walked away. He'd go home for now but he wouldn't stop. One way or another, he'd win her back. He just have to show her that he was the better man. Golden eyes narrowed as he saw Genos pull Kagome back to him. The way he wrapped his arms around her spoke of a possessiveness that was more than just a simple reaction from an overprotective boyfriend. Perhaps he could use that to his advantage?


Saitama stared blankly at the wall, "Oh?"

Why was this so damn difficult?

Kagome's voice rattled off from the other end. He felt a headache begin again. Where was their aspirin again? Had Genos moved it during his cleaning spree this morning?

"You don't say," He responded coolly as she reiterated what had just occurred. He had only called to check in with them, not to have a blow-by-blow of how Inuyasha had, yet again, tried to get back with her. Though this time he tried to crash her 'group date' as she had called it. A black brow twitched. He didn't like the sound of that one bit. Maybe he needed to speak to Genos again? Perhaps his warning wasn't quite clear enough the last time.

"Although," Kagome began, "I… I think I'm…" She paused slightly as her breath began to hitch. Oh boy, he knew where this is going.

"Kagome-chan do me this favor would you?" Saitama asked as his mind slowly concocted all the different ways he could 'talk' to Genos about his behavior. "Don't jump into another relationship just yet. Besides you two are living together now and I'm not exactly comfortable with that idea." There was a nervous laugh on the other end.

"Yeah that's what I think too. It's just that…" He could almost hear her face flushing. Great now he needed to play chaperone. Just what he needed. "I don't know, I think it's because Genos-kun is the first person I've really trusted since I met you aniki." Now that was a shocker.

"How so?" He questioned.

"I told him about Kouga the other night. Not just the glossed over version either." Something rustled on the other end of the line. He felt the hair on the back of his neck raise. Right, that bastard. The night it happened he found her with her shirt ripped around the collar and her breaking down in frantic tears. He didn't have the heart to ask her what happened but he knew who was responsible when the guy refused to leave his baby girl alone. Sick bastard.

"Is that what happened last night?" The bald man put away his manga as he leaned against the wall of their livingroom. The intervention was now in progress.

"Yeah," Kagome's voice was low but not meek like before. This time it was soft, as if remembering something good. He fought the urge to sigh.

"Do you remember what I told you before Kagome-chan?" He queried as he flipped through a few old picture books of theirs. He stopped at the one that included them posing together. Kagome was thirteen at the time and he was around twenty. He had his arm resting on top her head comfortably while she laughed and held up a peace sign. They snapped the photo just outside of the Z-City zoo. He remembered that day quite well. It was the day that she had one of the worst fights ever with her stepdad, Mamoru, and wouldn't stop rambling about how she was the burden to everyone until he took her out around town and stopped at the local burger and shake diner. The finished their outing by going to the zoo. She had begged Mamoru to take her nearly every year for her birthday but he consistently refused—citing the lack of funds. All the while dumping hundreds into her brother's unnecessary sports fund.

"Don't rush in, don't give in and definitely don't give up." He nodded appreciatively at he response. Good.

"That's right, now use that here as well. You mustn't rush into a relationship yet. Don't give into anyone pressuring you. Be it Kikyou, Sango or even Genos. You're the one who gets to decide who you want to date," His face grew dark at the next bit, "And definitely don't give anything up. Nothing! I might have to have some cyborg for dinner if that's the case."

He heard his ward's light laugh, "I don't think that'd taste very good. Too much metal. Though I doubt he'd do anything like that as well." Saitama's brow twitched. Sure he'd wait for her go ahead on such an important matter, but as soon as she said yes, that boy would be all over her. He didn't much fancy the idea of watching his student paw his sister-figure in such a way. They were just a few steps away from bridging that gap between 'friend' and 'lover' that they hardly recognized the difference themselves. But he did and he wasn't about to allow such a thing to occur under his roof.

"Alright I'll talk to you when you get home." He moved to turn on the TV, "Oh and let Genos know that I want to talk to him when he gets here."

"Yes sir!" She bit out through her laughed. The call ended and Saitama was left to watch the news on his own. Great, now he had to give his student a long talking to about appropriate behavior. He was too damn young to be giving speeches about birds and the bees to teenagers. His dark eyes narrowed at the screen. There was another disaster in a far off city. How he wished he could go there instead. Settling into his usual routine of waiting for the kids to return, his mind went over all the things he wanted to say. Either way by the end of the night new boundaries and rules would be established. Satisfied with that thought his gaze turned to the clock. Just twenty more minutes.

A/n: Hey guys I absolutely adore all the support you've given both Beautiful Phantom and myself but twice in a row I've been spammed. I appreciate that some of you want us to update our stories, which is fine. However posting the same word over and over many times does not constitute a review—its spam. Please do not spam me as I do not appreciate it. For the rest of you awesome reviewers, I love you guys! Not creepy weird just pure awesome love. Anyways just as a heads up, my story line doesn't follow the original One Punch Man to the Tee as I need to provide time to develop the relationship between Kagome and Genos more. I also do have a lot more planned as well that would fall in between the normal plot points of the OPM universe so please do be patient. In the mean time I hope you all enjoyed 'the date'! Let me know what you think!