"Why can't I beat you..." were the last words the world's strongest hero breathed out, before collapsing on his back in pure exhaustion.

"Don't sweat it Saitama bro, you'll get better in time." said King, trying to cheer up his defeated (what was that, 100 rounds?) friend. "Even I started out a noob after all."

"Ugh, screw this. I'm gonna get a drink." Saitama lazily pushed himself off the floor while King loaded up another single player level.

When the baldy was out of sight, King whipped out his phone, typing in another paragraph of his fan fiction. It wasn't a 'Caped Terror' story, since he started it way before that ever became a thing, but he still rather Saitama not see it. The last story he made the error of writing with Saitama around was embarrassing enough. Earning himself the name "Kinky little shit" beats pissing his pants because of a giant bird by a long shot.

Saitama returned very quickly with some kind of cheap brand soda King couldn't even recognise and sat back down, intent on watching King beat the shit out of whatever is thrown at him, when his phone started to ring. Seeing that there was no caller ID, he quickly rejected it, only to be called back immediately again.

"You aren't gonna answer it?" King glanced back, still managing to beat the enemy into a pulp even without looking.

"I don't want whatever they're selling." Saitama replied, sipping his soda.

"Dude, that's a association phone," the blond pointed at it whilst holding off his opponent with his other hand. "only officials can reach it. Just answer it."

"Fine..." Saitama hesitantly answered the call, hoping it would be important enough for the phone bill. "Hello?"

"Caped Baldy, could you kindly report to A City's headquarters right now?"

"Who is this?" Saitama asked.

"Shouta Yamamoto of the hero association. We need to discuss something with you, so could you-"

"Fine, gimme a minute."

"Thank you Caped-"

"Call me Saitama." The baldy hung up, sighing as he chugged down what remained of his soda.

"You gotta go, bro?" King inquired, having beaten two more levels in the time of the call. Don't ask how.

"Yea, some important thingy they wanna talk about. Could I lend your PSP again?"

"Why?"

"They talk too much." Saitama complained.

King thought for a moment. "That was Shouta you talked to right?"

"I think so."

"He's like, the only guy Tatsumaki can stand. I'm sure he won't talk too much crap."

"You sure?" King nodded, and Saitama seemed to lighten up a bit. "Ok then, guess I'm off. Lock the door if you decide to go first."

"Sure thing bro." King replied as he faced the screen, sighing at the victory screen. "I've become too good..."

Shouta let out a tired sighed as he pocketed his phone. He was not looking forward to this at all, not since that incident was rudely shoved right into his face. He was shocked, of course, to hear that Tatsumaki was in a relationship, even more so to hear it was with the 'fraud' Caped Baldy. Sure the guy seemed decent enough, the Sea Folk incident was proof of that, but he is after all one of the lowest ranking S class, as well as the newest, along with Demon Cyborg.

This however paled in comparison to the shock when some colleagues thought this was the perfect chance to control Tatsumaki. They were all crying in joy about how if they captured "The weak ass fraud baldy", they could manipulate the ESPer to do whatever they wanted, with no repercussions. Of course, he got them kicked out with a quick phone call to Agoni, but it still shocked him that people would actually think of such a thing in the first place. No one deserved such treatment after all.

Still, the two days since that incident he had a lot of work, especially concerning the earlier announced relationship between Demon Cyborg and Blizzard of Hell. With this news, he was up to his neck with workload, and it was only just after he was done with Genus. God, sometimes he hated his job. About a minute after the call ended, the unmistakable eyesore that was Caped Ba-Saitama turned up.

"That was fast."

"I said a minute, didn't I?" The hero replied, dusting off his suit.

"Were you busy with something nearby?"

"Nah, was chilling in my apartment."

"He must be joking right? He lives in City Z..." Shouta thought back to when Demon Cyborg of all people handed the bald man's details to him, stating that updating details 'was not worth Sensei's precious time.' Whatever, that doesn't matter now. "Anyway, I wished to speak to you about your... relationship."

"Oh, me and Tats?"

"A nickname? Oh dear lord." Shouta inwardly sighed. This was going to be difficult. "Yes, that. Let's get the obvious out of the way first, shall we?" He took out a notepad, "Is this relationship real? As in, this isn't for ra-"

"No." Shouta jotted down his response, noting there was some anger in the hero's voice, as if the question itself seemed insulting, which it is. Too bad it has happened before.

"How long have you two been together?"

"Eh," Saitama scratched his temple. Good, a sign he didn't come prepared with lies. "since the second day of that vacation."

"Ok... why did you two get together in the first place?"

Saitama shrugged. "I dunno. I felt she was a good person, and I guess she did too."

Seemed about right. "Alright, so there are a few things you have to know, Saitama." Shouta flipped to a page near the back. "First of all, you and Tornado of Terror must sign some papers to make this official. Second-"

"I'm sorry, repeat that?" Saitama seemed to have tensed, standing straight up instead of slouching, his glare burning into Shouta's soul, daring him.

With a gulp, the bearded worker managed to open his mouth again. "Apologies, but the association insists-"

"Who the hell do they think they are?" The hero clenched his fists. "I'm not signing a permission slip for a relationship. What do they think this is, a business deal?" his glare became more threatening, and Shouta moved back a step. "What do they think Tats is..."

Shouta remained silent before releasing a sigh, much more tired than before, because if he thinks in that way, then surely this relationship need not go through the trials like the others... but he had a job. "I'm sorry. This is to prevent any incidents like before from happening. Please understand I have the utmost respect for Torna-"

"Tatsumaki."

"What?"

"Her name. She's not an asset of the association."

"That's not-"

"Believe me, I know the difference between formality and... whatever this is." Saitama crossed his arms. "I've done too many odd jobs not to."

Shouta paused, choosing his words wisely. "... I'm sorry, but I always refer to heroes as whatever they insist on, Saitama."

Saitama's glare weakened in understanding. "Sorry... but she needs to be treated properly before she thinks herself as something other than... you know. I mean, at least when talking to me, you call her by name."

And that, was all he needed. This was no fraud, nor was the Sea Folk invasion a one time thing. He was definitely staring right at a hero. After all, if he already learned of the way Tatsumaki sees herself, surely that meant that he earned her respect and trust. He would know, after all, since it took him forever to get even the smallest details from Bang, not the ESPer herself.

"Of course. As I was saying, aside from the papers," Indeed, right on cue the hero tensed again, "you and Tatsumaki must also make a public statement. Furthermore, you must openly agree to specific conditions." Shouta shook his head in dismay. Or perhaps disgust that someone who has already earned his utmost respect is to be treated this way, along with his significant other. "I am sorry, Saitama, but my job dictates that I-"

"Yea yea, I know how jobs force you to do stuff you hate. Don't apologise for that." Saitama started to dig his ear, "But unless Tats willingly agrees to this, I'm not gonna bother."

Shouta was having one hell of a war on the inside. Why must ghis be a part of his resume? "And if she doesn't?..." he hesitantly asked.

"So what if she doesn't?" Saitama asks right back, his bluntness making him seem rude, though to Shouta at least, it wasn't. Even if it was meant to be rude, it was well deserved.

"The association will break you up and charge you both with treason, along with any punishment deemed fit."

Whether it was because the man understood the situation as he too worked such jobs, or because he gave up trying to argue with the world and its flawed logic, Shouta wouldn't know, as Saitama sighed, slumping forward.

"Can I talk to the boss?"

"I... will try to arrange a date. Mr Agoni is very busy."

"Alright. Anything else?"

"Well," Shouta flipped through his notepad, finding the right page quickly, "Dr Genus has requested your presence, very specifically, with no other heroes accompanying you."

"Who?"

Shouta raised his eyebrows. "You... don't remember?" The bald shook his head in response. "He claims you destroyed the House of Evolution, and inspired him to change."

Saitama knocked his head a few times, before raising a finger in triumph. "The guy who created those guys!"

Shouta shuddered at the mention of the doctor'a creations. They were a huge pain when it came to the paperwork, what with monsters being heroes and all. It took a lot of interviews involving how they were changed due to the very man in front of him, as well as Bang's word to finally get it through.

"Yes, him. He's been meaning to speak with you for a while now. Do you have the time?"

"I guess. Where is he?"

"Just follow me, Saitama."

A few minutes of walking past display after display of money and a massive ego, the two of them arrived at the canteen where a few stalls stood. The most prominent being "Reformed Takoyaki", with the massive sign on the side stating "This stall was created by Dr Genus to provide free food for the less fortunate as well as a job for reformed criminals."

"That sounds like a nice thing to do." Saitama said, pointing at the sign.

"It is. I was quite surprised when the first thing Genus asked me to do was to make this idea work. Not funds for some experiment, but this."

"So if there's no profits, how do you guys pay for stuff?"

Shouta chuckled at how ridiculous the answer still was, even after repeating it countless times. "Genus found a way to mass produce octopus with barely any costs for the product. The staff is entirely comprised of Genus and a now reformed criminal named 'Hammerhead', so wages are cheap."

Saitama actually smiled at this. "Cool."

Shouta nodded in agreement. "Alright, let's get this over with. Genus! I've brought Saitama!"

"Give me a minute! Hammerhead! Prepare a meal for our esteemed guest!" A while later, Genus walked out of the stall, wiping his glasses. "Ah, Saitama. At last you have come. Sit down, we have much to discuss."

Saitama suddenly slacked, groaning. "Please get straight to the point." he said while sitting down.

"Yes yes, whatever you wish." Genus replied with a smile as he took his own seat across the bald hero. "Shouta, if you wish to, you may leave."

The bearded worker checked his watch. "I think I can have a little break."

"Anyway, Saitama, let me start by thanking you." Genus pushed his glasses back up. "Your impressive performance has really changed me. Were it not for you, I'd still be wasting my life trying to bring humans into a new age."

Saitama only shrugged. "Eh, it was you who made the choice in the end."

"How very wise of you." It was at this moment the Hammerhead guy walked out of the stall carrying a try of steaming Takoyaki and some tea.

"Here we are, freshly made TakoyakAAAAH!" The huge man dropped the tray, screaming like some terrified child. Were it not for Saitama and his insane reflexex, the food would've been wasted.

"Dude, you almost wasted all this." Saitama stated, placing the tray on the table.

"Y-Y-You! Please don't kill me! I'm a good guy now!" Hammerhead got on his knees, pleading with his hands together.

"Eh? Do I know you?"

Hammerhead's eyes widened in shock. "You d-d-don't remember me?"

Saitama squinted at the man before shaking his head. "Nope."

After Genus and Shouta calmed the man down, they were all seated at the table, with Saitama and Shouta on one side, and Genus and Hammerhead on the other. Hammerhead was sipping at some tea to calm his nerves as he recounted how he met Saitama, while the bald hero simply nodded whilst he enjoyed the Takoyaki. Genus and Shouta were doing their own thing to pass the time, with one writing down recipes for what seemed to be new Takoyaki flavours while the other kept poking at his phone.

"So because of you, I'm trying to change. My life has really gotten better, and my mum looks a lot happier now."

Saitama swallowed another mouthful, washing it down with some tea. "Good for you dude." he said, rubbing the back of his neck. "I don't think I did much though. For you or the Genius guy."

"No way, you basically saved us!" Hammerhead exclaimed, banging the table in excitement.

"Alright Hammerhead, get back to work. I must speak with Saitama." Genus commanded, and Hammerhead complied with a nod and one final thanks to Saitama. "Ahem, Saitama, this is what I wished to speak to you about." Genus slid a note across to Saitama, which had a few drawings and lines of science terms. "Essentially, I wish to take some of your DNA so that in the event of death, we could always bring you back."

"Eh? Why?"

"Simple, really. The world is in constant peril, and I'm sure you know how little heroes are out there who are willing to take such beings on. And even less who can." the Doctor sighed. "You are by far the strongest I have ever seen, far surpassing the other S classes if my calculations are correct. Therefore, you-"

"Yea, no."

Genus seemed shocked by the bald's answer. "Why? Would you rather watch as the world burns?"

Saitama shook his head. "Nah, I just don't like the idea of being alive when everyone around me is dead."

"We could always extend the offer to those you care for, Saitama. Your lover, for example."

Again, Saitama denied it. "Then you'd have to extend it to whoever she cares about, then again, and again. It won't work."

Genus nodded solemnly. "Very wise. In that case, how about the ability to clone you? I could have it so that the clone ages normally, so while you won't outlive your actual lifespan, you won't have to deal with an early death either."

"Same issue." Saitama simply stated, shrugging.

"Hmm. I suppose I'll have to come up with another way then. Very well, I apologise for wasting your time, Saitama."

"Nah, the food was good at least. The amount of cheese could be less though."

Genus nodded with a smile, extending a handshake to the hero. "I'll take your criticism into account."

Saitama waved goodbye to the two, before disappearing through the canteen door. Genus was about to head back to work when Shouta pulled him back, his face curious.

"'Far surpassing the other S classes' you say... What do you mean by that?"

Genus stuffed his hands into his pockets, shaking his head with a chuckle, as if the question was absurd. "Exactly what I said. He is beyond all the S classes combined. Beyond all of the association combined."

"And what makes you say that?" On that day, Shouta was given a lecture by the Doctor, one he apparently gave to Zombieman a few days after he was approved by the association, and gained even more respect for the Caped Baldy. That is, if the limiter theory is true.

On the way back, Saitama managed to snag a few things from City A he would never find at City Z. His haul included some manga, some product that is only delivered to City A, and even a great brand of tea. The best part was, he got it all at a discount, even though there was no sale. Not to mention, some passer-bys actually came up to him and said nice things. One girl even asked for an autograph on this really sweet picture she drew of him and Tats. And to think all it took was getting into a job that pays him to do what he always wanted with the help of his now girlfriend. Life really is full of surprises.

As he debated on what to eat, his phone started ringing, and Genos' voice acted as the ringtone. A very loud "Sensei, do not anger Tatsumaki by ignoring this phone call. Please pick up." Saitama managed to answer it before it started to loop.

"Baldy!" was the greeting he received. "Why haven't you called these few days?!"

"Uh, I figured you'd call when you were free." Tatsumaki gave an annoyed huff in response. "Did I do something wrong?" Saitama asked.

"Forget it. I'm free now, so get over here. I need to tell you something."

Well, at least the talk is with Tats. He should be able to survive this. "Sure, just give me a sec to put some stuff at home."

"I'll send you the directions. Hurry it up."

He tried to not get lost, he really did. But he got lost anyway. Even running as fast as he could without breaking stuff along the way, he only made it to Tats' apartment in 5 minutes. The door opened almost immediately after he rang the bell, and he was greeted by what smelled like freshly made pancakes. He quickly removed his boots and walked in, admiring the decor of the rather expensively furnished place. At least his girlfriend had style, and wasn't just trying to boost her ego with the most expensive stuff ever. Heck, he even recognised some cheaper brands from when he lived with Nozomi.

"Hey Tats, you cooking?" Two plates of pancakes flew past him in response.

"Sit down." Tatsumaki commanded, bringing two bottles of syrup and packets of milk with her. "Try to understand what I'm about to tell you next, okay?" She sounded angry.

"Sure." Did he do something wrong?

Tatsumaki cracked open the syrup bottles and began pouring some onto both her and Saitama's plates. "Basically, the idiots at the association are going to make us do some shit. I know because I've seen it. I want you to say no to all of it, and let me handle things."

Saitama sighed in relief. "They actually called me down today. I handled it, and the guy said he'll try to get me a time to talk to the boss."

"Huh? They called you first?!"

"Is that weird?"

"It... it is weird. They usually call the one with a higher rank, expecting us to spill the beans because we're afraid we'll be dropped or something. What the hell..."

"Ah, the guy who asked me stuff seemed to know you it that helps."

Tatsumaki clicked her tongue in response. "Caveman. I should have known."

"Caveman?"

"His stupid stubble, duh." the ESPer pointed at her chin to emphasise her point. "At least you managed to get the one with brains."

"You make it sound like everyone else is an idiot."

"Most of them are." Tatsumaki sighed. "Okay, that's one thing out of the way."

"And the other?" Saitama asked as he ate some of the pancake, noting how sweet and fluffy it tasted.

"So... I saved Mumen yesterday..."

"I wonder how he's doing?" Saitama cut off another piece. "And?"

"I brought him to the hospital, since he's basically the only guy who treats you nicely, and I met his girlfriend..."

"Cool, I thought he had one." Saitama smiled, remembering the hero's slip of the tongue at the carnival.

"... Her name is Nozomi, Saitama." Saitama stopped chewing, almost dropping his knife as he felt... something.

"So?..." Why would she tell him this?

"She's... the same Nozomi." Tatsumaki's voice dropped, and it sounded like there was some pity in her voice. "I recognised her from what you told me. Opposite hair and eye colour, roughly the same size too."

Oh. That's why. "That's cool I guess."

"That's it? I tell you your ex hooked up with probably your only other friend and that's all you got?"

"Did you expect something else Tats? Mumen's a nice guy. He deserves someone nice. Plus, I have you, so why would I care?"

"You literally froze when I mentioned her name. You said it yourself, you're starting to feel again." Tatsumaki reached her hand out, only to hesitate and withdraw it. "Do you... really not feel anything?"

"Course I do. But it's proof I'm still human, so I don't care." the bald looked up, and sure enough, there was some pity in his girlfriend's eyes. "Is something bothering you?"

"I just... nothing."

Saitama put his knife and fork down. "Come on Tats, you can tell me."

"Forget it, eat, and then go. We'll have a date tomorrow." Tatsumaki started to cut away at her pancake, and only just did Saitama realise that she literally has yet to touch it. Something is wrong.

"Please tell me what's wrong Tats." Saitama asked, more insistent.

"You said you wouldn't force me if I don't feel like it, so stop it."

He didn't have a counter to that, so he just nodded and continued to eat. Man, sometimes he wishes he was as smart as Genos. The guy would probably have found a way to dig the truth out without making it seem forced. Maybe he just wasn't as good at reading people as he thought he was.

To his surprise, Tatsumaki stopped eating after a minute of silence. With a sigh, she looked up. "I was worried." She paused, as if waiting for Saitama to say something, then she continued. "I thought if we ever met them, you'd end up getting all depressed again. I didn't even want to tell you this in the first place because..." Tatsumaki furrowed her eyebrows, thinking. "I hate to admit this, but I thought I'd lose you. And only after we just... I mean..."

It was really hard to resist the urge to hug her, but Saitama did. He put on the most genuine smile he could, because if it was this difficult to admit what was probably in her eyes a weakness, the last thing she needed was pity. "It's fine Tats. I'd be worried about losing you too."

"You don't understand. Mumen told me she was involved in a monster attack, and lost quite a lot of her memory." Tatsumaki turned her head way, "The woman who brought happiness to your life forgot you. Someone you loved forgot you. How would you have reacted? I don't even know why I'm telling you this. I'm confused. I'm worried. I'm everything I told myself not to be, and it's because of you." She shut her eyes closed, forcefully holding back something. "What do I do?"

Saitama moved over to where the ESPer sat, trying very hard not to lunge at her with a Serious Hug. "You're doing great so far, telling me your problems. I think next you should let me help you."

"How?" How do you let someone help you? How do you let yourself accept the help? How do you change the way you've lived for so long?

"Uhm... I'm not an expert, but I think you first need to trust that I won't let you down halfway. You have to trust that I'll help for the sake of helping." Saitama reached his hand out. "We could start with you accepting your feelings I guess?"

Tatsumaki opened her eyes, and Saitama noted how they seemed to shine. She looked at his palm, seemingly unsure, before she took hold of it. Her grip was weak, she was still unsure. Saitama smiled softly, extending his other hand. She took that one two, her grip tightening ever so slightly. Saitama gave the small hands in his a gentle squeeze, and they followed suit. Tatsumaki was still frowning, and he swears he could see her mouth quivering. How scared was she?

"I guess the next thing to do is... let yourself get close to someone? To me?" He gently tugged, yet Tatsumaki stayed still. "Take your time Tats. I don't mind." He assured her, his eyes meeting hers. Eventually, she got closer, bit by bit, breaking eye contact multiple times as she seemed to have an internal struggle. Slowly but surely, she neared him, accepting him.

"And... I guess the last thing is to embrace it? Embrace your feelings?" Saitama slowly released her hands, opening his arms. This was her choice to make. Her own strength must be what pushes her. The ESPer moved forward, but hesitated when his skin met hers. He could definitely see her quivering now, but he stayed still. "Would you trust me, Tatsumaki?"

The resulting hug was strong, yet soft. She had thrown her arms around his neck, burying her face into his shoulder. Saitama could feel his suit getting wet, and he knew for a fact she was shaking. "People don't change overnight." he hugged her back. "But I'll wait all my life if I have to." Saitama patted her back, whilst simultaneously stroking her hair.

"You won't." She promised.

It was late when Saitama returned to his apartment. Genos had returned, and King was still there, freeloading and enjoying the quiet. Both blonds greeted him. They both glanced at his tear stained costume, and exchanged a nod. After Saitama had a quick shower and changed into his pyjamas, King was aleady placing the last of his stuff into a bag. He waved goodbye, promising to play again when Saitama had free time. Genos was standing at the side, and basically commanded Saitama to go to sleep whilst he did all the cleanup.

Without the energy to object, Saitama shuffled over to his futon, collapsing on it. That night, Saitama dreamed of something other than the fight he was looking for. He dreamed of the life he never thought he could have. One his parents would definitely be proud of. That night, Genos managed to capture an image of his Sensei sleeping, smiling. Fubuki would certainly want to see this, if only to mock Saitama for how much her sister could affect him.

OOC, so much OOC. And I have no regrets.

I dunno if I managed to convince you that the change in character was justified, but I hope I at least managed to write something sufficiently fluffy to make up for my previous chapters. I tried to write something more than just dialogue, and it was hard. I'm baffled by authors that can do this in a blink of an eye. I have much to learn, and I thank all of you for bearing with me, as well as for your kind words. (Seriously, I'm still trying to get over the fact that amazing writers read this)

In any case, I hope this was worth the weight. Sooner or later I'll have a consistent schedule. Until then, I bid you adieu.

Elfetrange: This chapter is lacking in a certain green haired ESPer too, but I figured I'll make up for it next time. Thank you for having this story as one of your favourites. I'm honoured, and I hope this chapter is enjoyable to.

Hektols: ;)

Iynxx: Oh you mean the one with great artwork and an interesting story? I've read it.

FaolenBookWolf: I'll never abandon it by choice, that is a promise. I'm glad I've managed to write something you enjoy, and... you do wha- Okay, wow. I'm uh... thanks. And trust me, I look forward to that arc too.

Ander Arias: It's hard to find a balance, but I'll definitely keep trying. Hopefully this one is more quality than quantity. Please tell me if the quality ever drops.

Scarletrailgun: I've read it, and I enjoyed it, thanks. Here's the new chapter, hope you enjoy it.

R0ck3tFiRe: Nani? Eh, yea I'm gonna be here for a while.

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