Nozomi groaned as she collapsed on the couch. The day was painful to say the least, having visited Mumen in the hospital again after a tiring day at work. He looked absolutely horrible, with the bandages all over his body, as well as his arm in a cast. Yet somehow, he was smiling through it all. It's inspiring to see how determined he is, but it really worries her how he keeps fighting stuff he can't handle.

Like that Sea King thing for example. It was scary to see how injured he was, and it hurt her when she went to see him then. It was also painful when she watched him get sad over how the bald guy took the fall for him, as he beat on himself for not being able to change the people's minds. Yet, Mumen always managed to get through whatever came his way, and come out even more optimistic than before. Yes, he was one tough little fella, just like her cactus. Ah right, she needed to water that little guy.

The cactus had grown a flower recently, and along with the googly eyes the roll that is Mumen stuck on it, it looked cute in its tiny pot. Nozomi smiled. For some reason, the cactus always managed to cheer her up. Maybe it has something to do with life before the accident, but she didn't care. Her life now must be just as good, if not better. After all, she had Mumen, arguably the world's largest cinnamon roll.

Still, she couldn't help but think she forgot something important. How could she not, having only been able to remember about half of her life, but she can't complain. The doctors said she's lucky she remembers anything at all. Stupid monster, giving her amnesia early. Shaking her head clear of such thoughts, she placed the elephant shaped watering can down and went off to make a meal for herself. Mumen wouldn't be back until tomorrow after all, and she's going to need all the energy she could get in order to not clonk the guy on his head.

"He deserves at least a punch on the shoulder." she thought. After all, he wanted out immediately, and if not for Tornado of Terror insisting the doctor keep him in, he would've had his way. The doctor even seemed thankful he was given an excuse to keep Mumen there, as if he's had to deal with this before. Come to think of it, why was she there in the first place? Aside from saving the poor guy's life, she had no other reason to stay there, much less be looking out for him. Maybe she's grateful for when Mumen stood up for her boyfriend? That makes the most sense.

She chuckled to herself. She still couldn't believe the heroine has a boyfriend, considering her reputation. Then again, it was the same baldy who took the fall during the Sea Folk Invasion. If anyone had a chance, it was the guy who drop kicked his pride for the reputation of other heroes, whom she doubted would ever dream of doing the same. Except Mumen, duh. It was a big surprise to hear rumours about it, and then to have it confirmed by Mumen himself.

Speaking of surprises, didn't Tornado seem surprised when she walked into the room? The heroine even seemed kinda shocked when she introduced herself. Or maybe she was imagining things, because there is no reason S Class Rank 2 would be surprised by her. Whatever the case, she decided not to care, as the food had started to cook.

Nozomi hummed a tune she remembered. It was comforting, and she could imagine the exact sounds, as if she was listening to it on her phone. It was nice to be able to remember something from her past so completely, even if she couldn't remember how she found it. She looked around the humble kitchen for some spices, once again taking in the quaintness of it all.

She smiled to herself again as she thought of how coincedental everything was. She had to move after the accident collapsed the whole building, with her in it. It was Mumen who found her that day, sticking around as part of the clean up crew. He had offered her a place in his home while she got sorted, and the feelings just happened over time. In a way, it was familiar. She seemed to remember having a roommate before, but the details are still fuzzy.

Nozomi took in the smell of the freshly made eggs and rice, deciding it needed something more. She reached for the pepper and gave the bottle a shake, finally taking a satisfied whiff. Granted, it was a really cheap meal to make, but it felt homely. Maybe it was something her mum made often, before... right. Of all the things to have not forgotten, it had to be that.

Violently shaking her head, Nozomi ate a mouthful of the dish, glancing in the direction of the little cactus next to her, in this comfy little apartment. This was home now, and she couldn't care less about it replacing the previous one. If she could even count that one as a home.

Speaking of home, the place looks like it could use some cleaning. Has it really been that long since she did some sweeping? Maybe with all the trouble Mumen had gotten into the past few days she really forgot. It wouldn't be the first time her heart prioritised the cinnamon roll over her chores."Tsk, tsk Nozomi.", she scolded herself.

With a determined nod, she picked up her phone to play the song again. The soft piano made her smile as she began to wash the plate she just ate off of. The song accompanied her throughout the day as she swept, mopped, and wiped the floor. By the time she finished, the song finished with the trumpets again, and she ended it before it began once more.

Some of her friends considered her insane for enjoying one song so much. They claimed she stuck to it as it was like a sort of root to her past, something she could not forget. That may be partially true, but she also enjoyed it way too much. Heck, some of her more supportive friends made some remixes. There was a music box version, an orchestral version, some even played a cover on a guitar, or a piano.

Speaking of friend, she should double check her plans with them. They might be disrupted by her deciding to cuddle the life out of Mumen when he got back. Upon checking the calender, she saw that her next meet up was in two days, which definitely leaves sufficient time for cuddling. Unless he got into another-no, he's not that unlucky. He has like, infinite good Karma after all.

Nozomi laughed to herself. Mumen, you big hearted bastard, making her think so cheesy. It was at this point she heard the door open, and she was surprised at the sight of Mumen, looking quite well.

"Mumen? You were supposed to stay in the hospital for today!" Nozomi rushed over, putting her hand on his cheek. "Are you alright?"

The poor hero turned red, and if Nozomi wasn't used to this by now, she'd have forced him back for a high fever. "I'm fine, Nozomi. Turns out the new scientist guy made this thing that heals injuries super fast!"

It was hard for Nozomi to contain herself. If what Mumen said was true, and what he says always is, then she wouldn't have to worry so much anymore. Still, she had her doubts. This wasn't like a game where a healing potion exists. What if there were side effects? Then again considering the things she has seen, it wasn't that hard to believe.

She must have really been tired, because Mumen somehow managed to notice her doubt, and tried to convince her he was fine by requesting the strongest hug she could give, and even offered to take additional punches to areas other than his shoulder.

She knew she could never do anything to hurt him like that, but she gladly slugged him, scolding him for being reckless again, despite knowing he'll stay this way, before giving him the strongest hug she could muster. It was comfy, like a cinnamon roll should be, and they soon ended up on the bed in each other's arms.

"Welcome home, Mumen."

"You always say that Nozomi."

Nozomi tried to look confused. "Since when, hospital lover?"

"Hey," Mumen pouted, "I don't even like hospitals. All my love is for home."

Nozomi giggled. "And why is that?"

Mumen smiled, practically radiating sunlight. "Because you're here to greet me."

They fell asleep soon enough, buried in each other's embrace, smiling.


Tatsumaki sighed as she placed her toothbrush back in the cup. The talk with Saitama was tiring, but in a good way she supposed. For once in a long time she felt at ease, comfortable in someone else's presence. It was disgustingly easy to let her emotions overflow, and she would most certainly be murdered by the old her if she ever found out.

The old her. Funny, it's not as if it's been a long time. She first met Saitama... what, a month and a half ago? That was one hell of a way to meet the person you'd eventually fall for. It was like something ripped out of a child's imagination, being saved by the knight in shining armour. Knight with shining bald head in her case.

Yup, Old Tatsumaki definitely would never have guessed things would turn out this way. Even still, she thinks-no, knows she likes this. The stupid smile she made earlier was proof enough. God, it was embarrassing. Good thing he didn't seem to notice.

Who was she kidding, Saitama definitely noticed. He's not as dumb as he seems after all. Though she made fun of Genos for it, she couldn't help but see the wiser side of Saitama now. A walking fountain of wisdom, even if the source is a bit tainted by his laziness and unwillingness to put much thought into anything.

Tatsumaki shook her head with a chuckle. Great, now she was starting to think like an old person. Bang would have a field day if he found out. Joke about her growing up. Thankfully, the one person she won't murder for height jokes would never know. No one could read minds after all.

Really though, she didn't expect this much change in such a short amount of time. To be fair, who would? In the time since she met Saitama, she has not only managed to somehow fall in love with him but also allowed herself to be more open, albeit only a little.

Tatsumaki shuddered at that thought. She was still afraid it seems. Afraid of what this all meant. Afraid that this new her would be vulnerable. Afraid she wouldn't be strong enough to protect the ones she loved. Afraid she wouldn't be able to protect Fubuki again...

The esper groaned. She already talked to baldy, why was she talking to herself now? Maybe she needs to talk more. Didn't Saitama say he would always listen to her? Against her better judgement, she dialed his number, hoping he has yet to fall asleep at this time.

She expected the call to either end up ignored or for him to be woken up. What she did not expect was for Genos to pick up on the fourth ring.

"Tatsumaki," he quietly greeted. "my sincerest apologies, but Sensei will be out of commission for a while. Not even the ringtone woke him up."

She sighed. "Forget it. I figured he'd be drained. I don't even know why I called."

"I assume Sensei had a heartfelt chat with you, and thus you have come to the conclusion that he would lend a listening ear once more."

"Hmph. Don't think you can get away with acting smart just cuz you're with Fubuki." she scolded. "Who even told you that bullshit?"

"Sensei's costume did." Genos replied.

Tatsumami growled. "If you tell anyone, I'll make sure what's left of you isn't even worth recycling, you hear me?" Of all the people to know she let herself be vulnerable...

"I would not have dreamed of doing so, threat or not." Genos calmly stated. "I would never do such a thing to Sensei's significant other, nor would I ever betray Sensei's trust."

Tatsumaki let out the breath she didn't know she was holding. If it was anyone else, she wouldn't believe it, but Genos did seem to be... extremely loyal. At least she could be certain he'd never hurt Fubuki.

"You know what, I'm tired. I'll talk with Baldy tomorrow. Now fuck off."

"Would you like me to delete this conversation from the phone and my own memory, Tatsumaki?"

"Ha. Real funny cyborg." It was awkwardly silent for the next few seconds as the esper slowly realised Genos was being serious. "You know what, don't bother. I doubt Egghead would even check or care, and this gives me a reason to trash you if needed. Now go away."

Genos very carefully put the phone back where it belonged as the call was ended. Whatever Sensei had done, it somehow made Tatsumaki trust even him, at least with this secret. Genos chuckled. Truly, Saitama was a great man. A good one at that.


Some time before

Time passed by slowly as the two stayed in relative silence, with only the occasional sniff from Tatsumaki. Saitama was thinking of what to say to his girlfriend, while constantly reminding himself to not look at her as some victim in need of pity, but rather someone in need of help. He wanted to look determined. "For Tats." he commanded himself.

After what felt like an eternity, Tatsumaki cleared her throat, lifting herself off of Saitama. "The food's getting cold. We should eat."

Saitama nodded in agreement, and was about to walk to the table when the food came flying to him. Sitting down next to his girlfriend, Saitama couldn't help but smile at how Tatsumaki seemed happier as she ate.

"What?" Tatsumaki asked, noticing her boyfriend's smirk.

"Nothing Tats. The pancakes taste great is all."

"Oh... w-well, of course they taste great. I made them." she replied, stuffing down another piece of cake to try and hide the pink on her cheeks.

"I didn't even think you could cook so well."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Tatsumaki glared at Saitama. "You think just because I look like a child I can't cook?"

"Eh? No no, nothing like that!" the baldy waved his hands frantically. "I just thought with all the money you probably make you prefer eating out. Cuz you know, cooking takes time."

Tatsumaki looked a bit embarrassed by his response, but she relaxed quickly. "You know how I told you I hate crowds?" Saitama nodded. "I learnt to cook because sometimes I just want time to myself. Besides, I can make as much as I want, however I want."

"So like... you make customised pancakes?"

"Really?" the esper frowned. "We had a moment just a minute ago, and you want to talk about the pancakes I make."

Saitama snickered, causing Tatsumaki to frown even more before they both gave up holding in the laughter.

Wiping a tear from his eye, Saitama took Tatsumaki's hand, interlocking their fingers. "I'll always be there for you Tats. Anytime you want to talk, I'll listen. Whatever you need help with, I'll be there."

"Hmph. As if I'll need your help," she said as she squeezed Saitama's hand, "but I appreciate it." Saitama squeezed back.

"Could we... talk now?"

"If you want. Use as many words as you need to."


Hey guys, this is a short update to let you know I will be busy for the next few months. This is due to national exams coming up, so future updates will take a while. I am not leaving this story unfinished, I promise that, but I will be giving it less of my time. Sorry!

Also, please let me know what you think of this writing. Someone told me I should write more about what characters are thinking but not in dialogue. I'm not very sure what they meant, but I gave it a try here. Again, be as blunt as you want, I don't mind as long as it helps me improve in some way.

Also, someone else told me to only respond to reviews that have criticisms instead of every review, so yea.

That's really all for now. See you next time.


the reformist: Yeah, I suppose Saitama wouldn't be the type to pursue a relationship, so I think I'll come up with some explanation in a future chapter. Also, thanks for the suggestions! I'm going to not capitalise ESP from this chapter on. As for doing stuff like "baldy", "blond", it's because I somehow find repeating names over and over slightly annoying. Please tell me if that's just me, and what I'm doing is worse.

R0ck3tFiRe and gwb620: It's back to bite me... as I've explained before, I wanted to make it so they yell at Saitama for stealing an S Class' credit, but watching the anime to get a feel for things made me write it like the original like an idiot. Sorry.

Guest 1: I disagree. Based on how Saitama was affected by both their powers in canon, as in Tatsumaki could lift Saitama while Geryuganshoop could not, Tatsumaki overpowers Ger by a longshot, even if I boost him slightly to have it make sense in this universe.

RachneeBestGirl: I am not shipping King with Mosquito Girl! Why would anyone ship anyone with Mosquito Girl?!

KillingFiendCorp: I suppose I should have a timeline written out for when I'm finally good enough to rewrite this damned story. Thanks for the idea.


.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Silver Fang was sipping away at his tea when there was a knock at his door.

"Shishou!" Mutsuko yelled. "There is a call for you!"

"I'll be right there." Bang sighed as he placed his cup down. He just wanted to relax after his exercise.

Mutsuko handed one of those newfangled smartphones to him, and he swiped the green icon, bringing the phone to his ear.

"Silver Fang." Shouta. If he's calling, it must be something bad. Really bad.

"What is it this time Shouta? Another dragon level threat?"

"Worse. Sitch tried to get villains to work for us with the latest news, but..."

"But?"

"One of them managed to put almost everyone out of commission, including the heroes there. He claimed he was a human monster."

"To the point my friend."

"He said that... his name is Garou."

The phone dropped to the floor, cracking the screen.