Hey, guys, another chapter, and it is time.

Don't think there's much to say, so let's get into it!

Initial release date: May 6, 2020

"Tatsumaki-san? What are you doing here?" Bang asked, slightly confused as to why the Terrible Tornado had come to his door so early in the morning, and completely sober when he knew full well she was drunk only a few hours ago.

"I need help!" I blurted out, running past him into the room. Who in their right mind, let alone me, the fucking Tornado of Terror, would let themselves fall this hard for someone?! Not only that, I fucking confessed to him while I was DRUNK!

"And what is the issue?" He questioned, but I felt like he already knew. "It involves Saitama, am I correct?" I hesitantly nodded, and I was clearly wearing my heart on my sleeve. Even though I was in a ton of stress and emotional confusion, his calm tone felt like a good change. A welcome one.

"Eh? Silver Fang, what's up?" I heard Atomic Samurai groggily groan while he yawned. "Something keeping you up?"

"Worry not, Kamikaze," Bang assured. "Merely going to a walk." The younger samurai seemed not to really get his motivation, but quickly brushed it off. As he opened the door, I quickly walked outside with him silently while I heard Atomic Samurai as the door closed.

"Fine," he accepted and dozed off again.

"I-I'm sorry," I stuttered out. I felt so disheveled and out of control; I had no idea what to do, and I don't even know what compelled me to come here of all places.

In all honesty, that 'composure' that I wanted to maintain? I did anything but keep it when I knew that Saitama was out of view. My fucking heart dropped. My knees felt weak and my body instantly felt uncomfortable. I had no idea what the fuck to do, and I just, out of instinct, went to Bang for help.

"Do not fret," Bang simply said. "I mean no harm, but I sense that you were disturbed earlier when we had first arrived; more tense than usual, in a way." I couldn't even think properly, and it was all a haze. I had no idea what was going on, but I felt like my heart was the one controlling me at that point. Even thinking that sounded so stupid, but I couldn't fight it. I don't even feel like myself right now.

"Y-You noticed?" I whispered, dejected. I felt like my mood was swinging, but none of it in an angry way. Right now, I just felt...melancholy in a way.

"Indeed I did," He stated. "And I will give you a place to reflect and think, but I will not give you direct advice. These are your affairs, and not mine. I will simply let you make the decision you most want to make in your heart and your mind."

"So what do you mean by that?" I inquired. My body was still closed off, and I certainly wasn't in any position that made me seem confident. I really didn't want anyone to see me right now, especially not Fubuki or Saitama. I just couldn't stand making any decision while my mind was where it was. I just closed my eyes, doing my best to listen.

"Through my years, I have learned that making decisions with empathy and your heart are vital, but without logic, the heart is misguided. They work hand in hand," he simply explained. "I personally believe you are strong. And you are experienced to go along with it.

"However, matters of the heart almost never deal with strength. Do not expect anything of yourself, but instead, understand your emotions. Then, you will know what this means to you," he advised, and I listened. It was like he'd dealt with this before, speaking like a goddamn philosopher.

I blinked, trying to take in what he had said, and it seemed like the world had stopped.

"Thank you," I muttered, and he kindly smiled in return. "I...think I might need some time to think."

"Of course," he spoke. "Oh, and do take care." With that, he reentered his room while I just stood for a moment. Eventually, I went back to our group's home and expected Saitama to just be asleep, so I could deal with this stuff tomorrow.

He wasn't even there.

Well, can't fight it now...

God, was I this tired earlier?

Fuck it.

And before I knew it, I had collapsed from both a lack of sleep and everything that just went on.

"Hm? What're you doing out so early, Saitama?"

Huh?

"Hello? You still alive?"

Oh.

"Yeah, I am," I answered, snapping out of everything. I don't even think I was thinking. I was just zoning out, I think. "What'd you ask again, Fubuki?" She was wearing a bikini, the color matching her hair. She seemed full of energy, and her smile was the same as usual.

That's when I noticed that the sun was just starting to rising. Did I really accidentally pull an all-nighter? Well, I guess it makes sense. The stuff that went on last night...was weird.

"Well, I asked what you're doing out here so early," she explained, sitting down next to me on the bench that I had been on for what was probably the last few hours. I laughed dryly.

"Could ask you the same thing," I retorted, a shrewd smile on my face. She smiled lightly before her eyebrows furrowed in concern.

"Something's different about you," she accused, pointing a finger at me. She didn't even acknowledge my response, and it was justified. I felt...too casual, like a weird weight had been lifted off of my shoulders. It was like when I had went bald when I was still getting stronger, but in a good way.

"Well," I sighed. "Just didn't get any sleep. Had a lot on my mind."

"Tatsumaki, right?" My eyes widened. Had it been that obvious?

"Genos and I were talking about it last night while we were heading back to our room. Tatsumaki was there when I woke up, but you were already gone. Your bed was already made, too, so I know you didn't even get back. It was too clean to be you," she explained.

"So you know I didn't get any sleep," I deduced. "And you probably came out here because you knew where I'd be. Did Tats get back safe, at least?"

Fubuki nodded, "Yeah, she did, but she seemed way too tired and was still knocked out. Even Genos is still knocked out." I lightly chuckled at that. I didn't think I'd ever see the day that I was awake at an earlier time than Genos, but I don't think this situation counts.

"Well, that's good, at least," I hung my head, before getting up and stretching a bit.

"I'm probably gonna go for a swim, since I'm already out here," Fubuki admitted, but still stayed on the seat. "But, tell me: What exactly are you gonna do if Tats is on your mind like this?"

"Like what?" I rhetorically asked.

"Oh, you know. I know the type of drunk she is. She did it once with me and vowed she'd never get drunk again," Fubuki reminisced, smiling a bit before turning a tad more somber. "Got a lot into her past, and exposed her feelings for everyone there to see?" I raised my eyebrow, a bit surprised that she knew it and a bit curious about the story of how she knew, but nodded anyways.

"So, how do you feel about her?" She asked curiously. I sat back down next to her and tried to think.

After I was silent for a few moments, she interrupted my thought process despite there not being any thoughts to process, "Well, lemme phrase it a bit differently. What do you think about her?"

Honestly?

"Well, where do I begin..." I tried to think, but instead just spilled. "Well, honestly, she's just generally a really awesome person. Even though she snaps and has some attitude sometimes, she's a decently kind person. Plus, she stays true to what she believes to, and not a lot of people really do that. From my jobs before I became strong, I saw that a lot of people were just a bunch of lying snakes.

"And even when I became strong, when I fought, I didn't see many people who had any sort of courage to them. Hell, once, I saw this one dude who wet his pants when a monster was near before I killed it. Well, he was sort of justified. The thing scarred his eye really badly, with like three scratches," I went off on a bit of a tangent before I saw Fubuki, a bit confused and had an incredulous expression, like this somehow related to how I thought about Tats.

"That's besides the point. In reality, she's really honest and nice, and really...just amazing in general. She's one of the most respected heroes, and one of the strongest people I know. I...don't know why she would ever like me of all people. I've never even been in a goddamn relationship, and I don't know how to feel," I continued. "Hell, I don't even know how I feel right now..." I glanced at Fubuki, who had a knowing smile on her face.

"What? Did I just reveal something to you like Tats does when she's drunk?" I asked seriously, my tone tired. I didn't know how to deal with emotions anymore ever since I lost them, and it didn't matter at this point.

"No, not really," Fubuki began to explain, and got up. "Just when you told me that you don't even know how you feel right now...pretty big sign, don't you think? Well...whatever. I'm gonna go swim," Without another word, she just left, leaving me with that cryptic phrase.

Maybe I should...think about the first question...and think about what that meant, too.

"Ah, Miss Tatsumaki, you're finally awake," Genos greeted, with his pink apron on.

Wait. Pink apron?

"What the fuck are you wearing, Genos?" I asked, incredulous, before realizing the fucking headache plaguing me. I groaned, slowly sitting up and feeling every single bone in my body crack like a glowstick.

"Oh, it's just to keep me clean," he explained succinctly. "I noticed that neither you nor Saitama-sensei were home when Fubuki and I had arrived. Did something happen?"

I thought about all the events that went on, and everything that I had said and done. I gulped, my throat dry, and lied back down. My eyes still felt heavy, my body felt sore, and everything just felt like a haze.

"Doesn't matter," I eluded the question. "Hey, cyborg, you got like really advanced technology, right? Can it tell how much sleep I got?"

"About 4 hours," he spoke, and I groaned. Back to my fucking high school days, I guess.

"Tatsumaki-san, neither Saitama-sensei nor Fubuki were here when I was awake," Genos explained. "I can understand Fubuki, since she got up earlier to shop or do whatever she wanted me to do while we just hung out. But Saitama-sensei? His bed was made. Pristine, even. After a temperature check, I could tell that he didn't even make it home in the end. Did something go on between you two, or something?"

I stayed silent, before Genos spoke again.

"Did it have to do with your feelings for each other, or something?" I sat up as fast as I could and glared at him.

"And where the fuck is this coming from, cyborg?!" I snapped, before he turned off the faucet and sat at the table. "Fine, I'm coming."

I quickly got out of the bed and walked over to where he was sitting, going directly across from him and taking a seat there.

"So, Genos, where the fuck are you coming from with me having feelings for your 'Sensei?'" I quickly questioned, crossing my arms over themselves. I leaned back in the wooden chair and stared intently at Genos, who was coming up with his response. Well, at least he hadn't made up a stock response beforehand.

"Hmm...how do I phrase this..." he thought out loud. "Well, I suppose I could just be blunt with you."'

"Long as it gets to me before the end of the year, please," I sarcastically remarked, dryly laughing.

Genos rolled his eyes as he explained in a newly concise manner, one that I wasn't used to, "For the sake of simplicity, two reasons. One, Fubuki and I were discussing it yesterday while you and Saitama-Sensei were dealing with your drunken manner. Secondly, because it's incredibly obvious, in a sense."

"And what do you mean by that, cyborg?!" I lectured, nearly smacking him on his head. I was able to contain it though, and simply flung one of the bedsheets at him. It hit him spectacularly, if I do say so myself.

"Ugh!" He grunted, before taking the bedsheet off only to meet my smug-ass smirk. "Well, as I was saying before I was so rudely interrupted..."

He got up and tossed the bedsheet back onto the bed, planning to fix it later, probably before continuing with a bit more of a playful smile, "It was decently obvious from how you acted around him. From sharp and moody to happy and playful. Your heart rate spiked, your bodily manner changed into something more friendly, and your voice became higher."

I got defensive, "And?! So what?!" I blushed a bit from that, especially since all of those signs were so apparently obvious. Jesus fuck, I must have been like a lovesick teen, one of those disgusting ones.

"All clear signs of romantic interest. Most likely not my place to speak, since I don't even think I'm half human at the moment," Genos alluded to his cybernetic body. "Though I am still observant. So, I suppose it may be none of my business-"

"Which it isn't," I interjected before letting him continue.

He cleared his throat and restarted his statement, "It may not be my place to speak, nor my place to make a suggestion, but I advise you speak to Saitama-Sensei. I've no doubt he's had this on his mind for a while too."

"And what exactly do you mean by that, cyborg?" I questioned, leaning in a bit. What, does he have emotional notes on everybody or something? It's uncanny, and I hate to admit it, but he was right with my emotions. But who knows if his advice is strong or not? Not me.

"Whether or not something transpired between you two, I am certain of two things regarding both of you: First, your actions towards him," he noted before his expression became more serious, yet a bit happier, as if relieved. "Second, the changes in Saitama-Sensei."

"Changes?" I urged him to elaborate.

"Well, I believe I shall get back to work," Genos spoke, putting his apron back on and heading back to work.

Goddamn it, he's not going to tell me anything. I guess I gotta do it myself, don't I.

So without hesitation, I put on a decent-looking vacation shirt to fit in, one of those stereotypical Hawaiian ones, put on a skirt, and went to find the Baldy.

As Genos finished cleaning and doing all of the chores, he picked up the phone and realized that he had received two notifications. One was from Fubuki, nothing new to Genos, but the latter was surprising. It was a text from Saitama, which was odd for the reason that he never reached out to contact somebody unless he needed to ask about groceries or a sale, of which he worried about neither for the moment.

He read the text from Fubuki, only to notice that it was just another thing about his Sensei and her sister's emotions and disregarded it for the moment. However, once he read the text from Saitama, he responded instantly, saying only what he truly believed was right.

Huh? A response already? Well, Tatsumaki's not here, so that's fine for now.

I sent her a text a few minutes ago, and then sent one to Genos, and here I am now waiting for Tats just on the same bench I had been on for the past few hours or whatever. I hadn't got up. I had a lot on my mind, and I still have a lot on my mind.

As I read the text from Genos, I feel a bit assured as I read, Do not worry, Sensei. I believe that Tatsumaki would not be angry at you for asking her out. And I advise you do not worry about the setting. It matters most about you two rather than where you are. Well, at least somebody else thinks it's not a bad idea. I can't be completely insane then.

God, is this what emotions feel like?

It's super awful cause my heart rate is feeling higher than ever, but it feels amazing in a way that I can't really describe. You know the type of feeling that makes you happy in an unusual way, one that you can't describe? That's the sort of feeling I feel right now, so that's new.

"Oh, there you are, Saitama," Tatsumaki notices me as she walks towards the bench I was sitting on. As I scoot over, she takes a seat next to me. I notice that both of us are way too calm for what happened last night, but I feel like we're both ready to have this conversation.

Heh, that's weird. Me putting thought into being ready for a conversation. I think that in every other conversation, I would've just talked without doing a thing. But this talk the two of us are about to have? I think it's way different, and I personally feel like I need to be prepared. Maybe Tats needs to, also, so I'll give her that time to think.

"So, last night," she starts. "I know that I told you that I was interested in you, that I liked you, whatever you want to call it." I nodded, and took a short breath.

I build off of what she said, "And that's the talk we're having." She nods, slightly glad that I understand her.

"And honestly, I didn't come here for a few minutes after you texted me just because...well, I was sort of afraid," she chuckles lightly, probably a bit because I was surprised; I doubt that she could ever be afraid in general, even in danger. "I...I've never been friends with anybody, let alone close friends, or even a relationship, for crying out loud.

"So, this is something that I really haven't done. Ever," she explains. Before she continued, though, , I interrupted.

"Yeah, me too. I wasn't really liked in school so I didn't make friends. Hell, I think the first actual close friend I've had is you," I admit.

"Yeah, yeah," she trails off, before a determined look appears on her face and I lock eyes with her. "And, Saitama?"

"Yeah?" I question, the world around me slowly turning into nothingness. All my attention is on her, and I notice something new.

She's really nice about it, somewhat sweet.

Well, we're talking, so it's not the best time to think about it.

"I know that I told you a lot about myself; I told you about my past, the things I went through, the things with my parents, everything," she recalls, oddly rational for what she's talking about; slowly, a sad smile makes its way onto her face from it. "And I wish I didn't. I really wanted to keep all that stuff deep within me, and even if I did tell you, it'd probably be somewhere in the far, far future. You know what I mean, right?" I nod.

"Yeah, I remember all that. I don't think you're any less...you because of it, though," I assure, and she seems to relax a bit from it, as if a weight's just been lifted off her shoulders.

"Thanks. Anyways...I don't want you to think I'm weak or anything because of my past. You know how I got my powers, why I didn't trust people, and I just don't want you to think less of me just cause of my past.

"I may have not really shown it before...but I care about you. And your opinion," she says that part very slowly, clearly trying very hard to convey her emotions. "it means a good amount to me. Not the entire world, but a decent amount."

"Mhm," I nod, just letting her monologue.

"And...fuck it. Lemme cut the crap," the way her tone suddenly becomes sharp. "I...may be really strong, but I keep a lot in me. You have no idea how hard it is for me to even talk to you right now. Fuck, Genos had to convince me to see you, practically."

I raise my eyebrow, and she just continues, speaking more to herself than me, "And...I don't wanna really bring you down."

"You wouldn't bring me down if we were in a relationship, Tats. I'd be-" She cuts me off, completely ignoring the fact that I practically admitted that I'd be fine being with her.

"Baldy, I don't wanna be vulnerable around you. I want to be strong, to never break, but I can't if I'm in a relationship," she starts, but decides to get to the point.

"I don't want to rely on you," she states calmly.

I retort, "And you wouldn't have to."

"You don't get it!" She slightly snaps, but takes a bit of a breath. "I don't want you to have to comfort me or keep me company or just deal with me breaking down, because I've had my own methods in the past. Whether they're the best or not, I don't want to have to deal with the burden of bringing you into this. Do you know how fucking guilty that would make me feel, bringing my boyfriend into my past and my personal issues?"

"Tats..." I whisper.

"And what's more? I know damn well that if I were to be in a relationship with you, I would eventually rely on you! I'd think that you're the one I need to go to and I don't want that! I know that this...this isn't right! You're better off-"

I hug her.

I don't know what even moved me. I don't know what sort of instinct took over, why I'm doing this, and especially why then of all times.

But it made her quiet. It silences her. I really did expect her to just move away, to push me off, to yell at me, but she doesn't. She stays quiet.

"And I'd be there to help you. I'm not good at being a relationship, and I don't think I ever will be," I admit. "But no matter what, I'd help you. I'd be there for you. I won't think you're a burden, or weak, or anything but one thing: you."

"God, that's corny," I see her scoff dryly as I slowly pull away from the hug, but with a slight smile on her face.

I keep going, "Maybe it is, but I don't care. I want to know more about you. I want to be there for you and keep you happy. I want to help you through all of this stuff, no matter how long it takes. You wouldn't have to rely on me. I could just be there for you when you need me, and that's okay. I will never dictate how your life works, promise."

"And maybe you won't believe me. Maybe you'll think I'm lying," I'm absolutely crushing that 20 word count thing right now. "But I don't care. I'll say it again and again, because the truth, my truth will always remain the same. You're never going to be weak to me, I'll always be here for you, and nothing you will ever say or do with your past of with your emotions will ever burden me. Okay?"

She's absolutely silent. She seems to be taking in everything. She seems to just register the words, and she opens her mouth, as if about to speak. But she stays quiet for a bit.

We let the silence linger, the world around us nonexistent. Even though we're in a resort, the only thing that we know is happening is our conversation.

Eventually, she seems far calmer and seems a bit more confident, reserved in what she says and far less aggressive.

"I wasn't lying when I said that I liked you last night," she intently says, keeping eye contact with me. "And, I wanted to ask: Do you want to go out with me?" A light pink blush makes its way onto her face, and I think it might be the same for me.

My heart skips a beat.

Oh my fucking god. I really just asked him that.

I blush a bit, more than I thought I could, but it feels great this time. As we stare into each others' eyes, to me? It feels like the world is amazing, but in the weirdest way. I feel...not alone right now.

"Well, Tats, I'd love to go out with you," Saitama admits with a soft smile, and I can feel everything start to melt. "But I have a question." I snap back to reality and intently listen.

"Yeah? What's up?" I wonder out loud, even though it's clearly directed at him. If he wants to go out with me, why's there like a clause?

He explains, "Well, do you really think we'd work together? And...I'm glad to be with you and whatever, but...what about everyone else? Everyone seems to think of you as this super powerful heroine, this person to look for when justice needs to be delivered, the savior of the people. And I'm...well, I'm just me."

I don't even interrupt as he just automatically elaborates, "I don't think the public likes me at all. You know what I mean."

I mean, the issues he brought up were much less...intense and personal to him than mine. Hell, his were concerning me rather than him. That was...pretty flattering. But regardless, I register what he says.

I do. Everything comes to mind. The Deep Sea King, the Meteor, the Tank Top Brothers, all of it. He's right. The public really hates him, and I come up with an idea.

"Well, if it's okay with you, we could keep it private. Just between me, you, and maybe Fubuki and Genos," I offer, and he seems to think about it. "I...really like you, Saitama, and if you're uncomfortable with 'bringing down my reputation' or whatever, we can take it slow. We don't have to tell everyone about it."

Before he tries to interject, I steamroll, "Besides, you were the one who taught me a bit more about why I don't have to care about the public's opinion, and to just be a hero.

"So, what do you say, Baldy? Will you go out with me?"

He smiles, and hesitantly holds my left hand. I blush a lot, but with a smile on my face. I glance at him, and he's smiling a bit too. A pure one.

"Yeah. Yeah, I will."

y e e t

So, mates, how was that? That's really all I gotta ask. I was actually really nervous about this chapter while writing it since it's such a pivotal moment, but after a bunch of time, I'm decently satisfied. I'm a bit disappointed that I couldn't really convey the emotion how I would have liked to, but it just sort of doesn't work with how I write in addition to how my writing lacks in certain categories.

Hope you guys enjoyed it!

Sort of but not really big note: I started my SaiTatsu One-Shot Book! It's on my profile if you haven't seen it and this is also a shameless promotion of my own other story!

Sincerely,

SpiritBloodDragon