Forever, With You

by El Cato

Tatsumaki & Fubuki Yuki adopted at the age of 10 and 5 respectively, meet their neighbors. She didn't like the neighbor's brat! He was annoying, flirtatious! He constantly embarrasses her in school with his shenanigans! He's a hopeless romantic! She'd never date someone 3 years younger than her! His only redeeming quality is that he never gives up... SaiTatsu (Saitama X Tatsumaki)

Author's Notes:

Hi... I'm alive. Used to be BruhMoment65, but now my name's different. I've had this current handle for years on other sites... So it was fitting to update my FF profile to fit the current me.

It's been what? 7? 8 years since I last wrote anything? I am BEYOND rusty. And it shows. I feel like a fraud.

I AM A FRAUD.

And I'm so terribly sorry for the massive fuckup that was Kanto's Champion. I was a dumb kid thinking I could tackle something as complex as a story. Please do not read my chapters... I am deeply ashamed of my lack of talent back then. I won't make excuses for myself. I will own my mistake.

Vsizzel, if you're reading this. I am deeply sorry for adopting your story and making a terrible mockery of it. I overestimated my abilities as an author and butchered your vision. I am deeply sorry for my mistake.

I will make this right soon. I will give Kanto's Champion the sendoff it deserves. It won't be the ending I envisioned back then as a dumb teen... But your story deserves its solace. I am deeply sorry.

I'm technically writing this Author's Notes on my phone. And I have to go into desktop mode to upload this. This story was never slated to release until I was three to four chapters deep into this story. But certain life events happened that forced my hand into releasing this story 2-3 months earlier than intended. My laptop broke.

I originally wanted to write the final send-off for Kanto's Champion (which as of 8/5/2023, was around 40% complete... I backed it up on Google Drive but that one's only 28% complete.)

I don't want to make this Author's Notes solely about my fuckups and Pokémon. This is a One Punch Man fanfic after all.

I've been so deeply enthralled by OPM. Saitama is my favorite character. Tatsumaki is my favorite character. I love seeing them together in fanart/fan scenarios. I love them so much, I haven't been this in love with a ship since my early days (Naruto x Hinata, and Ash x May). I've grown so much, yet I have distanced myself far from who I used to be.

I'm definitely not the same dumb kid.

Kanto's Champion will have its final sendoff soon. It deserves it.

… It's been a long road for me. I never would have expected to ever come back to this site. I never EVER expected to be so obsessed with a work of fiction since Naruto and Dragon Ball…

And I'm glad I suddenly stumbled into the r/OnePunchMan Reddit a year ago, wanting to read the latest chapter… just for it to be the Saitama Vs. Tatsumaki finale that made me fall in love with the ship in the first place.

And for it to spiral into me meeting all these wonderful people. All are so kind, caring, and accepting. We all share one common goal, one common ship.

We want to see it sail. They are legitimately so cute together! I hope if you're a past follower of mine hoping for a return of Kanto's Champion… I encourage you to take a look at what I can offer.

I'm not the best, hell. I know that for a fact… can't be since I've been out of the game for so, so long…

But I'm back for good. And I'm not going anywhere. Here to stay. Just be patient with me, please. That's all I ask.

Massive AND Special thanks to:

bebe-tatsu on Reddit and Twitter - for proofreading my story and giving me the inspiration to write again. She was also my first-ever exposure to SaiTatsu content. (The "Hmph!" manga page that opened the gates to the SaiTatsu ship).

Kymedi_ on Reddit (AKA: bonfireboy on FF) - for creating "Hmph!" and giving me my first fanfic exposure. A story that I cherish deeply. (I'm on my 5th reread now! Though taking it slow.)

YozoraxOkami on Twitter (AKA: GarouxEiko) - for proofreading my story and guiding me in fixing my grammar mistakes! I'm still not sure if I did it justice... it has been 7-8 years since I've written anything at all. This is my first leap back in.

And best of all:

Everyone in r/saitatsumaki - Fair, Cheekgrin, Allergic, InterestingStrain, Necromancer, Valky... Everyone there! So many people to write down! I love you all!

Thank you all. May one day ONE and Murata make our ship a reality! Till then, let's enjoy the time we have together!

Saitama X Tatsumaki

Forever, With You

-Chapter 1-

The Hopeless Romantic

City A: July 19, 2005

Blast told her to protect her family. He told her to protect herself at all times, no matter the cost. No one would be there to save them, to save her…

She was ten when she was rescued, and when she was forced to save Fubuki. She would be dead without him. Fubuki would be dead without him. They owed their life to him.

He vanished that very day, a hero never stops fighting the good fight. She knew in her tiny heart that she couldn't follow him. No matter how much she wanted to... It wouldn't be fair to him; it wouldn't be fair to Fubuki.

Her tiny Fubuki. Her cute, plump cheek Fubuki, held her in her arms. She cried at night only after tiny Fubuki had fallen asleep.

She would never in her life show weakness to Fubuki.

She created walls to avoid people from getting in, it was the only way to live.

She cannot trust people. Fubuki cannot trust people… they would only inflict the same pain she went through if Fubuki ever opened up. They would use Fubuki like they used her. She would never let that happen. She would not let anyone get close to her, no one can be trusted.

No one, but herself and Blast. 'We… we are strong.'

She was strong, oh so extraordinarily strong. She had scared Fubuki with her power, but it was ok… because she would love her tiny Fubuki with everything! She would heal that fear out of her… She will teach her how to fight! Even if she didn't know how she would learn herself – she would pass down everything she knows to her.

The only one she needs is her. Not her parents… not THEM, ever.

She would – run them off. They don't deserve to have them back in their lives after what they allowed them to go through. The pain that she suffered, what they could have done to Fubuki, what they managed to do…

Not the two adults that had adopted them either. The ones that these strange people had assigned them to. She would not let them in, she would let them get to her little Fubuki. She didn't trust them; she couldn't trust them. She would make their time together hell, maybe they would just leave her and Fubuki alone.

And so hell she made their lives.

She had to give it to them though… these two were persistent. No matter how many glass cups she's broken, plates, furniture. They still treated her with kindness… or at least an emotion close to that so she can lower her walls. They even died parts of their hair green to match hers and Fubuki's, though Fubuki's was a darker green than hers. But it didn't matter the effort they showed, she would not let them in. She knew better, she couldn't trust.

Not now, not ever.

She didn't do it so much. Her little Fubuki often cried when she used her powers, she would react by using her own. All she had to do was silence her flow of energy.

Whenever her baby Fubuki cried and tried to throw her little temper tantrums, she would encase her power and hold her with all the love she could muster! It worked a lot, sometimes it took a little longer than she liked. But she didn't relent… she loved her baby Fubuki with all her heart, and as much as she can give!

Her baby sister didn't deserve the pain she went through, she was only five…

She was the only one she had left, the only one who could understand. That nightmare was done, but it was never over. She wasn't satisfied until she healed the fear in her sister's heart. Until they both healed from the sins of this cruel world.

Her walls would only lower to her and to Blast.

She vowed that.

---

"I… this is becoming impossible by the day Yamato dear." A beautiful woman with flowing brown hair and visible green highlights told her beloved husband. Her name was Sachi Yuki.

She confided in her husband, Yamato Yuki. He was a handsome man, seven years older than her, but all the same, his short black hair served to contrast a few streaks of green highlights.

Both the psychic sisters have fallen asleep. The eldest of the two: Tatsumaki Yuki, had made it her mission for them to torment them with her godlike power. What stopped her from fully caving the house which often needed constant repairs was the youngest sibling, Fubuki Yuki.

That poor cute baby was the only line of defense from Tatsumaki's wrath. The esper did not trust them at all. And with each passing day has become increasingly difficult to have even a semblance of normalcy.

They have had them for over two months, and Sachi Yuki was at her wit's end! She could not conceive a child, she always wanted to raise, nurture and love one with all her heart! When the opportunity presented itself, she was ecstatic that they found two sisters that were up for adoption… which they had previously denied her twice.

From what she had heard – the two girls had gone through absolute hell. And neither one could get adopted individually because of the older girls' unstoppable prowess. She would only allow herself to get adopted alongside her sister. And she refused to let her sister out of her grasp.

She had originally not cared about the girl's reputation… It was an impossibility separating them, literally, she harmed anyone that dared so with her psychic abilities.

She had not cared about the two girls being gifted with powers. She simply wanted to know what it feels like to be a mother. BE, a mother.

But she was at her wit's end, this pressure, this fear that she holds for the small girl grows larger. She scared off every single neighbor, all too scared to associate with them any longer – they had all once shared a respectful relationship with her neighboring companions – it fell quickly due to part of Tatsumaki.

They could not sleep as they dread the morning to come. A repeated process of Tatsumaki waking up and making their choice to adopt them a fatal mistake. They didn't know how to manage such a rare situation, and Tatsumaki made it impossible to get close to her. They were not fully acquainted with what had happened to the two girls, simply that they were rescued from a terrible location.

It was no secret, practically common sense to believe whatever the girls went through was absolute hell on earth. You don't change such a young child to act like an old war veteran. The hatred in her eyes… Was she masking fear? Or was it truly contempt?

Those eyes of hers always made her tear up. It pained her.

Tatsumaki could not make friends, or rather – she went out of her way to make sure no one would think of befriending her. And with young Fubuki glued to her side at all times; Fubuki's reputation plummeted throughout the neighborhood. Kids were advised to return home if they spotted Tatsumaki on and about, she liked going to the park with Fubuki. At the expense of any kid or adult that so happened to have the same idea.

A stipulation that was added when they adopted the two girls, was that their expenses would be government funded. They didn't much care, but they had an inkling feeling they knew exactly why. Regardless, no matter how many complaints they received, they were protected by their government so long as they nurtured and cared for the esper siblings.

Everything was falling apart, friends, family, everything, much faster than… well to be honest – they never expected it to fall apart at all. They knew it wasn't easy; but this?

She felt the hand of her husband clasp her own, he gave her an understanding look but shook his head. "We can't give up on them. She'll… give… we just have to be patient with her," His gaze did not leave hers. And for a while they stood there, frozen in time.

She was the first to break eye contact. She wanted to trust him completely, but it wavered. This was something for which they were not prepared. But she knew he was right.

Their conversation had been interrupted by a light from the outside. Shined through their window, they watched as three storage moving trucks parked on the other side of the street.

"What? Is someone moving in? Why?" her husband asked. The house in front of them had been empty around the first two weeks since they had Tatsumaki. She had harmed the kid that tried to take one of her candy apples. (Which they had introduced her to, it was the first time she had thanked them for anything… but that didn't stop her mood from plummeting every time they were near her.)

When they tried to press charges and failed. They moved out quickly. (Didn't help that Tatsumaki made it very apparent she didn't like them at all). The act of their neighbors moving solidified Tatsumaki's reputation. They themselves couldn't socialize anymore, and that was something that they did a lot before adopting the Esper sisters.

It was also something that they were willing to lose for the sake of the two girls.

Ironic that the young girl made that choice for them.

Sachi and Yamato didn't voice their opinions, they simply watched as men worked hard in the pitch-black night, hauling furniture, utensils, and boxes. Everything, their new front door neighbor(s) probably planned to move in immediately.

It was late at night, they watched through their window, peaking through the covers as the men hauled the last item inside the house. Two of the trucks left, and one remained.

It didn't take long, but two separate cars parked in the driveway (one black, the other red). From the jet-black Sedan emerged a tall fierce lady, her eyes were sharp and could cut through anything that she laid eyes on. Her jet-black hair flowed beautifully to her shoulders; it sparkled through the dark night. She was a beauty and the looks that could kill a man with a simple gaze. She looked like she always had a perpetual frown.

She looked at the newly acquired house and simply gave it a nod. She was interrupted by one of the men that hauled (most likely) their belongings inside. She had told him something, but too far away to discern what she said. She was given papers to sign, and with quick elegance, she did so.

From the red Honda, emerged a just as fierce man with dark hair – he was shorter than the woman, but he walked with an air of unmatched confidence. His eyes were completely black, onyx – almost devoid of color. The man asked the worker something, they could only surmise that he had questioned about the placement of their belongings. The worker responded. The couple nodded and bided the worker goodnight.

As the worker returned to his truck. Both adults gazed their eyes at the passenger seat of their black Sedan.

And from their fierce gaze, their eyes softened. Opening the car door, the man placed into his shoulder a sleeping child. The boy slept peacefully over his father's shoulder. The mother cooed and gave him a soft peck on his cheek.

The boy's jet-black hair covered his left eye. The boy looked peaceful. He looked like a regular kid; he looked more like the tall woman. The young boy looked older than Fubuki, but he was smaller than Tatsumaki. He shook slightly under his father's(?) grip but was inanimate moments after.

The (supposed) married couple entered their newly acquired home. A few lights flickered, but after a few minutes, the lights had turned off.

The Yuki's stared at each other, not fully knowing how to process their new neighbor's arrival. They simply hoped that they wouldn't cause problems… OR a much more believable scenario is Tatsumaki not liking their new neighbors and causing more trouble for them.

They already had so many enemies, adding another to the roster would destroy their already shattered morale.

Sensing that her mind was wandering into somber thoughts, she heard her husband speak up. "It's late Hun… I think we've stayed up long enough," Yamato said as he kissed the top of her head. He stood up and walked upstairs towards their room.

Sachi didn't respond immediately, but eventually, she followed suit.

As she lay In bed with her husband, her thoughts wander once again to how it had all started.

She would hate herself if she failed these two girls. She always wanted kids, she couldn't have them – and the obstacles the girl had presented her tested her faith, and assessed her will. If she failed now, she would not live with the shame of abandoning two girls in need of love and affection.

She simply didn't know how to express it to them… in a way, Tatsumaki can compromise with. She didn't know how to show her, them. Every time she tried; she was pushed away.

It hurt; it really did.

But her husband was right, they just had to be patient with them. They could not abandon two girls that screamed for help, screaming to be loved. To be accepted.

She was bound to change just a bit, and even though she knew it could last an eternity, she was willing to be patient. She just had to show the girl that she cared for her.

---

City A: July 23, 2005

Saiki Kageyama had been raised to be no-nonsense. Her mother was kind and understanding, but her father was a tycoon, borderline uncaring, and determined. She was taught by him to grab the world by its horns and dominate it.

She valued perfection, success, and grit. Her husband complimented her well. Sato Furukawa was equally determined.

He was raised with those same values, with even stricter parents than hers – they were both successful in their own way. When an opportunity to live closer to their respective jobs opened up, they immediately took that option. Rent was also cheaper for some unexpected reason…

The neighborhood looked nice and clean; they had visited the interior of the house before moving in – it looked nice. While the full decoration of their home was incomplete, it already looked genuinely nice.

That left her with the only dilemma: Saitama Furukawa.

Her bundle of joy, her pride, her love in this bleak world, her seven-year-old son – unlike Sato or her, who were perfectionists at heart, and valued smart and arduous work – he was anything but.

He was beyond the laziest child she's ever met in her long life. It made her blush out of embarrassment that it was her son of all people. But he brought her joy in such a monotone world.

He wasn't fond of the move. From the moment her little man turned four, he barely talked – he had made no effort to make friends. It made raising him so easy, he never seemed to complain – she knew kids were supposed to be extremely difficult to manage. She was glad she and her husband didn't have much struggle raising him. They believed his lack of communication meant he had some sort of hidden talent.

Nope.

Their son was dull and uninterested. And extremely lazy.

He could be cunning, and he had his moments of brilliance… However, being lazy and having zero motivation was the worst combination of traits any person could have. Sure it made for a relatively easy child to take care of, but it meant that his place in the world would be hampered unless they found something that he was passionate about.

No one was born perfect, and she was confident they could teach him to be better. She was sure of it. They just had to find the one thing that called to him. Each and every person had that one thing they were so dearly passionate about… so the search for it was still within their horizons.

Her husband wasn't all fond of their child's laziness, let alone his limited knowledge (or lack of interest in learning). But Saiki was just as patient as she was. They had long discussions about their son's future. Sato, like her, surmised with discipline they could mold their little one to be a bit more productive.

It was already nine in the morning, and her sweet boy had yet to wake. She had the food already prepared, she noticed that her husband was already sitting at the table with a cup of black coffee, she walked to him and gave him a peck on the cheek – he grunted, with a smile.

"I'm gonna go check on little Sai," she said, he nodded. So she walked upstairs and found her bundle of love completely and utterly asleep.

He had his mouth wide open, drooling, and somehow managed to push the bed sheets to the ground. One pillow was on the ground as well, he was hugging a hero plushy that she had gotten him on his fifth birthday. One of the few gifts he adored. He looked peaceful…

She sighed and as soft as he could, pinched his cheek.

"Owwww… Mooooom, why?" her little boy groaned out, his eyes were half-lid and glazed. He sent her a small frown, and she simply pinched harder, "Ow! Ow! Okay, I'm up mum!"

She gave him a kiss on his forehead, "Wash your face, then come downstairs to eat – you can brush your teeth after. Shower after that, we're going to introduce ourselves to our neighbors today," she told him while she released his cheek. She patted his head.

"Ahhh… do we have to mum? I don't wanna meet new people. I'll just, end up not doing anything," she saw him scratch the back of his head. She gave him a serious gaze; she watched as he immediately responded to it with him stiffening his posture.

"Lazy child, you'll never make friends if you continue to act that way," she stared at him and grew annoyed at his uninterested sleepy gaze. "Wash up, don't make me repeat myself," she warned as she walked out of his room.

It didn't take long for him to reach downstairs. Breakfast was uneventful, all three of them were silent as they ate – her little boy would occasionally ask a question to Sato, who either replied with a grunt or a pat on his small head. It was always amusing to see her normally unamused boy glare and show emotion. It was odd how reserved he was. She didn't remember herself being like that. Or Sato whenever he would recall his escapades as a kid.

Such an odd little one. Showing emotion only when he was annoyed or fearful of his parents' wrath (which wasn't often). She hadn't seen him show a genuine smile in a bit. The only time he's ever smiled was when he was twirling her hair, which she didn't like at all… took too long to fix her hair.

After morning pleasantries had been over, she instructed him to clean the dishes – predictably (and like usual) he tried to protest, but a sharp gaze ended that thought… Lazy kid.

His cute grumbles could be heard through the running faucet, she giggled as she softly bonked his head with a fork he had left forgotten about, she gave him a kiss on the back of his head. He sighed and gave her a cute smile.

She couldn't help but squish his face and cheeks.

"We're going to be visiting our next-door neighbors soon," she reminded him, her little one didn't say anything, but he gave her an expected look. "Yes you're coming with us, you need to socialize," she heard him sigh. "You're too dependent on your cube console."

"It's just," he started.

"Just nothing Saitama," she cut him off. "At 12, we'll go. Shower and dress well. You've got two hours. The quicker you get better; we'll probably be socializing all day." She heard a little gasp escape him, but she didn't bother looking back. He already knew he had to look presentable.

She left him to finish up. She had gone to her room to look presentable. Her husband was in the room as well, but he was simply watching the news. After a good few minutes of remote silence from him and the sounds of boring news reports – she could no longer hear the water running from downstairs. She hadn't been aware she'd been attentive to Saitama's chore.

And to his credit, when he showered and prepped up, he look like a little handsome man – her little one then proceeded to play his damn purple cube console for the remainder of the hour. She occasionally took glances at what he was playing whenever she passed through his room. He was playing a beach game with an Italian man strapped with a water nozzle spraying everything in sight.

Her little one had weird taste, but it kept him entertained.

Unfortunately (or he tried to plan it), around the final minute before they'd leave the house, Saitama left his room and tried to walk directly towards the restroom.

"Saitama," she called to him. He turned around to see that she had a serious and threatening aura. He was sweating profusely, "you could have gone at any point when you were playing your game. You're not going to bail."

"I uhm- promise I won't take long," he said through a strained voice and wandering eyes. "It's going to be the ones in front of us right? The ones across the street? I'll just knock promise," he said as he closed the door before she could give him a response.

… 'Whatever,' She thought. She had planned to introduce themselves to the one's next door first – then cross the street to greet the others.

"Fine," she voiced in a higher tone, to make sure he heard her. "Do not take long, the keys will be outside – don't forget to lock the house." She instructed he heard her 'yeah, yeah,' her. She huffed and walked downstairs.

Her husband's normally stoic face cracked a smile when he saw her. She kissed him, which he returned. Her arms were on his as they walked out. She left the keys inside the doorknob's keyhole.

Her husband tried to guide her to his right, but she had a firm grip and halted his movement. His face showed a hint of surprise, he looked at her curiously. "Yes?" he asked.

"Front neighbors," she pointed. His eyes now quirked upwards.

"What brought this change?" his question didn't hold much inflection. His tone sounded curious rather than suspicious. His dark eyes complimented her amber ones.

"Does it matter?" she grumbled slightly. He stared at her for a moment, looking down at the ground with his hand on his chin.

"No. Let's proceed," he smiled and allowed her to guide him.

Crossing the street. They stared at their neighbor's home, as they walked she noticed an electrical doorbell chime. She reached out with her right hand to press the chime – but before her index finger could press it – the door opened violently.

Their shocked expression was evident when they saw a couple, sleep deprived, and their faces filled with… fear? Why?

"Hello," the tall man said, almost in a whisper. "Sorry, we weren't expecting anyone – you must be our new neighbors… sorry we can't invite you in, it's a total mess inside," the man rapid fire his responses. If they weren't awfully close to him – they probably wouldn't have heard him. "We can invite you to our backyard – we can accommodate you while we… clean up. I'm very sorry for the inconvenience!"

Sato and Saiki looked at each other. Unsure of what to do. They couldn't help but shake an uneasy feeling about them. Despite their less-than-stellar looks, they look friendly enough. Though the way the man acted was unnerving, and the woman not saying anything but simply nodding was also incredibly weird.

They nodded tersely. The man came outside and guided them to the back.

When they got to the family's backyard, it looked fancy. Definitely decorated for guests, it looked like they rarely got any guests over – but it still looked tidied up.

Both Saiki and Sato sat on fairly exotic wooden chairs, Sato resting his arms on the wide dark wood garden table, a large and beautiful sunshade palm thatch umbrella provided them shade in the relative mid-day. It would start to get hotter soon, so the shade was nicely appreciated.

The man excused himself, saying he'd be back quickly and wouldn't take long. He rushed back inside and entered through the back door. There was a single window that somewhat peaked their front door and the stairs to the second floor.

A few moments passed, and they stared at each other – for their brief silence, they could tell what was on each other's mind.

"That was odd," Sato spoke first. She closed her eyes and hummed to herself, shaking her head in agreement.

"…" She stayed silent for a prolonged moment. "Do you think we should go?" she looked at him, and he stared into her amber eyes. He didn't answer immediately, he placed his right hand on his chin, he looked like he was thinking hard, looking down at the wooden table.

"Yes," he finally spoke. "Let's make this brief when… or if they come back. They look like nice people, but there's no guarantee they are. The way they acted is sketchy by itself. Plus Saitama will probably knock on their door soon. I'd rather just meet up in the front and greet our other neighbors. We could also excuse ourselves to get Saitama."

There was another pause when he finished speaking. Eventually, she nodded. She was about to add her own input, but she was slightly startled when the couple came and sit with them.

"Sorry about that, we prepared some refreshments. Apologies for the wait," the woman bowed as laid a transparent glass jar of cold fresh water, and four glass cups.

Before either of them could excuse each other. The woman spoke up again, "So what brings you here? My name is Sachi Yuki," she tilted her head, and her partner beside her drank from his glass. "This is my husband, Yamato Yuki, it's a pleasure to meet you."

"The pleasure is ours," Sato answered quickly. Almost as if by reflex. "We wanted to stop by and introduce ourselves. My name is Sato Furukawa," his open hand gestured to his partner. "This is my wife, Saiki Furukawa."

"We moved here a few days ago for work-related reasons," he said. He figured the best way to excuse themselves from them (not that their current conversation was anything bad) was to seamlessly transition into the topic of Saitama.

Saiki herself had figured that was his angle, she was about to add her two cents before she was cut off, "Um, I wanted to ask if your son is accompanying you. Or did he stay home?" The woman – Sachi – asked her with her head slightly tilted to the side. 'This was perfect,' she supposed.

"He had to go, he should be here – oh there he is," Saiki pointed towards the visible window. The other two adults turned their heads quickly – there was obvious terror on their faces. Why?

Saitama was already inside, the door behind him was closed, being let in. A girl greeted him, younger than he was. She had short dark green hair. It didn't take long for him to spot them; he said something while he waved his hand. They couldn't hear what he said, but they-

What had happened next was something they never would have anticipated in their life.

They felt the world tremble.

---

Saitama didn't really know what to do. He was standing right in front of the door to their neighbor's home. But he wasn't sure if he was supposed to just enter… or knock. He guessed the correct answer was to knock, but he did tell his mom that he wouldn't take long (which he thinks he didn't).

When he lifted his arm to knock on the door, he felt an odd pressure in the air. He couldn't put his finger on it – it was as if the world itself was telling him this was a bad idea.

He let out a deep sigh. For some reason, his body felt anxious.

He didn't even know if these people had any kids his age, let alone if they wanted to befriend him. And even if they did, would he want to be their friend? They could be very annoying. But honestly, he didn't like people that much. And if he were, to be honest with himself, he just wanted to get this over with.

He knocked.

…

No response.

He knocked again. He waited for thirty seconds until he repeated the process. Was no one actually home? Why didn't Mom come back to get him then? Were they in the back?

He knocked on the door one last time. If he didn't get a response soon, he'd just go back home and-

The door creaked open slowly.

From the slighted door, he saw a girl younger than him with dark green hair peak out. She was kinda short. He was pretty short himself (for now of course!). She looked unsure of what to do. She simply waved at him meekly. "Hello…" she said softly. "You shouldn't be here…"

Saitama's eyebrow quirked upward. It didn't sound like she was kicking him out, or telling him to leave. It sounded a lot like those warnings in RPG games where you were about to enter a boss room or a dungeon that you were too low-level to enter. Not to mention the girl was pretty odd herself. Maybe she's just a shut-in.

Were her parents bad people? Were they just really mean or just kinda mean? Or was she just super shy? He stood there trying to decipher her words, but he was starting to get bored of thinking.

"My mom said I had to introduce myself to my neighbors. She should be here, or maybe she's in the back?" he questioned, and he tried to peek inside through the small opening. In response, the girl gripped the doorknob harder. She didn't close the door outright, but he could barely see more than her green eye and dark green hair.

She looked back, she looked perplexed. She looked back at him for a moment, she averted her eyes when they met. "Um, yeah, maybe… I think they're probably in the back," she said while turning her head to the side.

It wasn't a whisper; she was also talking slowly. It sounded like she didn't want to wake anyone up.

They stared at each other for a few seconds, he raised his eyebrow before sighing, "Will you let me in?"

She actually contemplated his words. 'C'mon already, it's not like I'm gonna steal anything! I don't even want to be here!' He almost said that out loud. He was already annoyed that he was being forced to do this. He'd rather just sit in their living room and doze off while his parents get acquainted with the neighbors. He really didn't want to be here.

He was awakened from his stupor when she nodded and opened the door fully. She was to the side of the door, allowing him to pass through. As he stepped inside, he noticed that their house was kinda nice. It was a lot emptier than his own – but he honestly didn't like his mom's excessive need to buy little trinkets. He just didn't get the need for it.

From the kitchen, and the only visible window in the area, he spotted his parents speaking to the neighbors. He was more attentive when he saw that his mother spotted him, pointing at him. He waved his hand in an exaggerated manner and yelled out, "Coming ma!" he waved for a bit longer.

He stopped when he heard the young girl's surprise gasp. When he turned to look at her, she was still at the door - he was confused by her fearful look. Why was she afraid?

Fortunately, or… unfortunately. His question was answered.

He felt everything around him shake. Was it an earthquake? It felt like the world had moved. He was knocked down to the ground and he found himself struggling to get up. The earthquake that just hit them kept up its intensity, and he couldn't get his bearings.

Dishes were starting to fall from the counter, cracking the plates into pieces. Chairs had stumbled onto the ground and proceeded to shake in tandem with the seismic waves.

Everything inside the house was falling apart or falling to the floor. He had given up trying to stand and simply shield his head. He shut his eyes and hoped for the tremors to stop.

Despite the rumbling, he managed to hear the backyard door swing open violently. It was both the neighbor and his dad that entered first. Even though his father stumbled at every step, he rushed to pick him up, not a moment after, his mom and the other neighbor entered the house.

The rumbling slowed but it did not relent. He tried to jump out of his dad's grip, but his father had him held tight.

His mother was talking, or more like yelling but he could hardly hear her, or his father despite being hugged by him.

Fortunately, his dad must've got the message as he tried to quickly exit the neighbor's house - that was until a huge spike of pressure launched him, his mom and dad, and the neighbors a few feet in the air.

He landed hard on the floor, no longer held by his dad. It was a bit blurry, but the only one that seemed unaffected was the young dark-haired girl who was glowing green-

'What?' Glowing green? How-

"Why did you invite people into this house?" the voice came from a kid, a girl. It was just slightly deeper in tone than the young girl – though the voice was just as shrilly. Her voice boomed into his brain, hearing it above anything else. The rumbling hadn't stopped but its effect was lessening.

"You should know better than to try that! I don't like guests! You shouldn't have invited anyone here!" another boom. He clutched his head in hopes that the voice wouldn't pop his ears.

He opened his eyes and his dad tried to stand, but after he lifted himself up, a green glow surrounded him – he remained motionless. "DO NOT MOVE!" a shrilled scream traveled through his body; he clutched his head again in agony.

Through whatever power he could muster – he opened his eyes; he noticed a faint green glow emitting from the upstairs corridor.

What he saw next was not what he expected.

A young girl, though slightly taller and older than him, was floating in the air with a vibrant green aura. She had brilliant emerald hair and matching emerald eyes. Her eyes were sharp, just like her mother's. With the exception of the dark-haired girl, she gave the adults an ugly scowl. It looked unnatural, but her eyes bore an emotion that no ten-year-old should ever have in their soul:

Wrath.

She with ease levitated towards them, descending down slowly with elegant grace – she stopped mid-stairs. She looked at the younger girl, her eyes softened at her presence, and she showed a genuine smile. As if she remembered the reason why she was livid, she shot her parents a look of indignant fury.

'What is this? What's happening?' thought both Saiki and Sato. They were being held locked behind a veil of green aura. Trying to move felt like trying to lift a massive boulder with their body alone. The pressure in the green veil wasn't agonizing, but it wasn't a pleasant feeling.

A feeling of dread crossed their minds as they saw her extend her left arm towards Saitama. They tried to scream, but they couldn't.

There were tears running down their eyes. Panic ensued, but no one could do anything or move. The Yuki's watched in horror, did they push her to her breaking point? The dark-haired girl closed her eyes.

Sato and Saiki watched as she the emerald girl fully extended her left arm, and her hair danced wildly through her vibrant nimbus aura.

Saiki closed her eyes. Sato refused to look away.

"Wow…" the silence was broken.

The emerald girl quirked her eyebrow at the boy's unexpected reaction. His amber eyes were wide and showed an interesting sparkle. He looked completely in awe-

"You're an angel…"

…

What?

She stood there floating, stunned. Her visible scorn was replaced with legitimate confusion. She was at a loss for words. She almost didn't catch herself falling from her aerial suspension. She caught herself just before she could actually hit the floor. She shook her head rapidly.

Her face was heated up to an atomic level.

"Wh-Wh-What!? Who says something like that!?" she tried to hide her heated face by yelling as best as she could, she cringed when she realized that she stuttered her words a bit.

She didn't know what to feel at the moment. Mainly because he kept staring at her with his big amber eyes, filled with sparkling wonder.

"You're so cool!" she could feel the gush coming out of him. She was glad her face couldn't heat up any more than it could. But it stayed persistent.

He gave her a big smile. She gave him a scowl.

"Mom! Look! She can fly! Isn't she cool?" the kid diverted his attention to his mother. She looked just as perplexed as the floating girl. Everyone in the room was completely confused by the boy's weird demeanor.

Fortunately for the mother, the kid didn't give her a chance to answer, "What's your name? Mine's Saitama! Nice to meet you!" he took a few steps forward. That caused the girl's eyes to bug out, she immediately stopped him in his tracks.

Her left arm swiftly extended forward, with a single finger point – Saitama glowed with a green hue and was slowly being suspended in the air. She planned to drop him, that was until he opened his mouth again.

"WOW! WICKED! MOM LOOK I'M FLYING!" she gave him an incredulous look, her iron grip on him lessened – and she witnessed an incredibly dumb scene of him swimming in the air… then he straightened himself and extended his right arm forward with his tiny fist curled up. The typical flying superhero pose.

His big wide smile confused her.

She let him go.

He fell to the ground.

"Ow!" The boy whined. The boy pouted as he massaged his chest. Landing body first into the ceramic tiled floor does hurt to the weak.

His little groans halted when he heard a tiny shuffle to his left. His eyes met the younger girl's gaze, she looked away, Saitama smiled. "Is she your sister?" he knew that the answer was pretty obvious, but still, he wanted to know.

She looked back at him. She darted her eyes around, looking at her parents, her sister – she ultimately looked back at him and nodded.

"Oh," he then had his hand rest on his chin thinking. "Do you two have the same powers?" That made her blood boil. Her confusion was gone, now replaced with rising fury. Her sister Fubuki only nodded.

Before she could do anything, he responded with bright wonder, "WOW!" he flashed her a toothy grin. "You two are so awesome! What's your name? Also, you have the coolest sister in the world!"

Her face heat up again, but it didn't matter – the kid's praise was starting to piss her off, and she knew exactly what he wanted from not just her, but also from her little Fubuki. She lifted her-

"Hehehe…" she stopped; she had a surprised look on her face when she heard Fubuki giggle.

Her giggles became more profound. She did so for a couple of seconds – then she burst out laughing.

The very act of that happening shocked not only Tatsumaki but also her guardians. She stared at her younger sister with a mixed expression.

"You're funny!" she said as she continued to laugh uncontrollably. Her tiny hands were covering her mouth, but to no avail, since her cute laughs permeated loudly throughout the entire house.

The boy gave tilted his head in confusion. Eventually, Fubuki's smile became contagious, and he started laughing as well. His and her laughs rung in her mind. A lost feeling had surfaced.

She hadn't heard Fubuki laugh in a long, long time. The earliest memory of that was when she was two years old. It warmed Tatsumaki's little heart, despite the situation at hand. She couldn't help but smile at Fubuki's happiness.

She must've noticed her staring, Fubuki looked back at Tatsumaki. The expression she gave her was foreign to Fubuki. But she could feel that it was genuine. She gave her the brightest smile she's ever seen in her life.

Their moment was cut short when she heard quick footsteps, she was once again on edge. She watched as the mother of the kid (she couldn't remember his name) lifted him up and held him tight in her arms. Her father was right behind her trail.

She gave the young girl a wearied look, unsure of what feeling was appropriate for such a small child. But she knew that her face couldn't prevent itself from morphing into her signature harsh glare. She tried to calm it, and so she did. However, her eyes turned to her parents, her fierce gaze made them wilt.

"We're leaving," She said to Saitama. With unwavering authority.

Though she knew it was also directed at her and her 'family.'

"But-But Mom!" the kid protested. But she wasn't having it, she practically stormed out of their house as quickly as they could. They didn't even bother to close the door.

Her eyes were fixated now on the young boy, their eyes met. There was an emotion in his expression, his face said it all – but she didn't know what it meant.

She was simply confused. Confused and annoyed.

It didn't take long for the rest of their 'neighbors' to get nosy. She turned to them as some peeled the curtains of their windows. Some actually got outside their front door. Those that she could visibly see at least, all stared at her and her home.

But their reactions of scorn and fear did not matter to her at this moment. She averted her gaze back to the young boy. He must've noticed that her vision had trailed off, he also must've noticed the looks those pesky people gave her.

She watched as his father opened the door violently. Ushering his wife to enter quickly. But that's not what surprised her. It's what the damn boy did, with his wide eyes and sorrowed expression.

With his right arm extended, and with an open hand, from the distance between them…

He reached out to her.

---

The door to his house closed completely. From the corner of her vision, she saw the murmuring of their neighbor's irksome curiosity. But she paid them no mind.

Her mind went back to the kid and the last action he took – the look in his eyes.

… Annoying.

She closed the door telepathically. But remained stationary. She knew she looked odd staring at the wooden doorframe – her mind replayed the same vision over and over again; the boy being dragged away and him reaching out to her.

… Why?

She frowned and let the matter go entirely. She turned to Fubuki, her upbeat demeanor a few minutes ago was now gone. Replaced with the most common expression she's seen her have for a long while – apprehension.

Though this time, Tatsumaki knew it was different. There was the ever-present fear she felt from her. No matter how much she tried to ease her worries, it never seemed to go away.

It was still there, but its majority had been replaced by what she believed was curiosity.

She was so engrossed in analyzing her own sister that she almost forgot about her legal guardians. She did not turn to face them, but she knew they were to her side.

"Tatsu-"

"Don't say another word," she commanded. She did not face them, and her previous relaxed expression turned sour.

She lifted Fubuki with her psychokinesis and guided Fubuki to the kitchen – still refusing to look at her legal guardians.

The Yuki's looked at each other. They looked like age had fast-forwarded them ten years into the future.

The only positive thing that came from Tatsumaki's godly outburst is that she had graciously lifted everything that had been tossed around by her earthquake.

She lifted up tossed chairs, picture frames, and various other utensils.

Glass cups, plates, and anything that could shatter on impact were unsalvageable. She had tossed them into the bin. She was speaking to Fubuki about breakfast, she still looked reserved, but otherwise pointed towards a cereal box.

They watched as both psychic sisters ate in relative silence. There would be a rare moment when Tatsumaki would try to spark a conversation with young Fubuki. All instances ended with less than a couple of words said from each. It seemed that Tatsumaki was eager about something.

The Yuki's sighed heavily. Tatsumaki's actions had weighed heavily on them today. While they did not expect much from their new neighbors. They knew that almost attacking their kid did not sit right with them – hell, they'd think the same if their position was reversed.

They were at a loss for words. Their conversation from nights before started ringing truer at every passing moment.

But something had shifted today.

The kid was bizarre, the first they'd seen that wasn't directly afraid of Tatsumaki.

The boy had managed to disarm the situation before it turned ugly. Whatever he said had turned this into the best possible outcome. Even if they had more than likely gained an enemy from their new neighbors.

They didn't know what it was, but it had something to do with Fubuki.

She seemed… calmer, energetic wouldn't be the right word. But she looked a little more lively than last month.

Tatsumaki stayed the same. Always pushing them away, her mere presence brought fear into their hearts.

It didn't look like it, but she seemed relaxed, just slightly.

They watched as Tatsumaki's smile glowed brighter as Fubuki started speaking more – talking – it looked almost like a normal sibling interaction.

If you didn't count what had transpired minutes ago.

They turned their heads in unison away from the chatting girls and onto their front door. The direction in which the kids parents exited from.

Their thoughts brought them back to how he quickly defused their adopted daughter's perturbed rampage.

Such a bizarre kid.

---

Saitama's eyes stared at the front door of his house with interest. His gaze look exhausted, but he was far from it, his body felt energized. he hadn't gotten to know what her name was, or her younger sisters for that matter.

Everything just happened so fast.

The sparkle in his eyes had yet to fade. The girl with the curly emerald hair had an amazing entrance, an introduction he had only seen in superhero movies or TV shows.

Her green aura, her bouncy curls, and the fierce expression on her face reminded him of his mom's. The way she slowly levitated from the top of the stairs. Her descent towards the middle of the stairs. Her expression was fierce and angry, yet he could feel aloofness from her, a coolness he had never seen before. Her emerald eyes had captivated him so much, he for a second, had lost himself in her eyes. Moments felt like hours, like looking into the beautiful night sky.

There was no other way to describe anything but an angel.

The only thing she was missing was the wings. But in her descent, he could imagine them. Transcalent, folding into her body as if to protect her from harm – only when she extended her left arm is when they unfolded, and showed their natural beauty.

Yes. She was the definition of an angel.

An angel superhero!

He realized that his right hand was fully hanging, reaching out to his front door. And he only took notice of it because he started hearing the sounds of sobbing.

That was when he snapped back to reality.

Lowering his arms and looking to his side, he could feel his mother holding him on to dear life, he was concerned and confused. She sobbed harder and he could feel her grip on him tighten just a bit.

She then cocked her head back, lessening her grip, and looked at him directly. She was crying hard; she leaned in and kissed his right cheek over and over. Whispering 'you're ok,' over and over again.

He really didn't know what to do or how to react. His confusion only grew as she returned to hug him tighter. The affectionate contact was starting to hurt his chest. He groaned out a response and pat her back, whispering a 'there, there.' It was the only thing he could think of to make her feel better. Why was she crying again?

His gaze turned to his father. His expression was serious, focused. He recognized that expression, he was thinking off into the distance. Contemplating, or analyzing anything that was 'too complicated for him to understand,' as he would say to him. He didn't know what his dad was thinking about, but normally when he had that face, he would usually brush him off. 'Like he already didn't do that enough…' Saitama thought to himself. He then felt his mom shuffle a bit under her arms.

She turned to her husband with tears still rolling down her face, every so often sniffling and choking out unintelligible responses. She remained silent for a long while, hoping to calm herself enough to speak.

"This," she stopped, swallowing saliva that had been trapped. "This is the… reason why this high-end neighborhood was so –" a pause. "Dirt cheap…" another pause. "There's an out-of-control metahuman here," her tone was restrained, but with cold ice. A mixture of venom and guilt. A conflicting expression besmirched her face. Her fierce eyes bore into her husband's distant black eyes.

Sato gazed back at her. Dropping his serious gaze and relaxing his features. He bore no facial expression, there was an aloofness to it. Uninterested even, but far from it. He stared into her eyes, then he gazed into his son's.

He closed his eyes and hummed to himself. "It seems so," he finally answered. He looked away from both and stared off into nothingness. His hand was placed upon his chin, humming himself into his own thoughts.

Saitama felt as if something unspoken has just been said between them. And it was starting to worry him. He didn't like being left in the dark and didn't like when he didn't understand what they were referring to. But his parents usually told him not to worry about anything that didn't directly involve him.

He wanted to ask what was going on, what they were talking about, or just what they were thinking. ANYTHING really. Fortunately for him, his mother started to get a grip on her sobbing. She was still crying, but she was more coherent than a few minutes ago.

She still had little Saitama in her embrace, she cooed and twirled his short hair. He accepted the affectionate display and buried his face on her shoulders. Though what came next actually shocked him to his core.

"We need to move out," she commanded.

Saitama stayed silent, eyes widened, he didn't know what to say or how to react.

"We just got here," Sato responded. His tone did not deny her request, he was making an observation that she picked up on.

"I know," she affirmed.

"It'll take time to find a suitable place," he said.

"I don't care," she said, her words louder.

"We already enrolled Saitama in the nearby school district," he turned to her.

"When we move, we'll enroll him in a different one if necessary," she affirmed again.

This time Sato stayed silent, his gaze did not leave his wife, she could feel him analyzing her every word.

"Are you sure about this?" He asked. They moved here because their new work was closer, much, much closer. If their luck did not yield them anything that was even remotely near their new work building – then they'd be giving up an opportunity for all of them.

She did not care. "Yes-"

"W-wait just a minute!" Saitama squirmed out of her mother's hold and landed softly. He then stared at both of them with urgency, "I don't want to move! Like Dad said! We just got here!"

"Saitama," his dad called out. "Go to your room, we-"

"NO!" the boy yelled. He felt tears building up, "I just made the two coolest friends ever! You two are always nagging about me not having friends! And-and, now that I have some – you want to move out!? NO! I don't want to move anymore! I don't like it!" he yelled; his eyes closed as he had his hands near his chest. A few tears escaped, trailing down his face.

"This is not up for discussion Saitama!" his mother's voice boomed; it made him jump. But he couldn't stop now.

"NO! Tell me why at least! I don't like being left in the dark!" he pleaded with them. His eyes were threatening to release all the built-up of tears he had accumulated.

His mother looked at him with absolute fury, it was something that he had never seen before in his life, and it scared him. She took a few steps and picked him up.

"SHE ALMOST KILLED YOU!" She yelled; her angered face fused with a sorrowful tearful expression – she hugged him tight. Another embrace in which she refused to let him go. "She almost took… *sniff* my baby…" her voice died out as she hugged him tighter.

His eyes softened and nuzzled her cheek with his own. He let her hold him as much as she needed. When he felt her grip loosened, he voiced his opinion. "Mom… please, uh –" he paused, trying to find the best way to say his piece. "She didn't hurt me. I'm okay! I promise, really!" he tried to soothe her mother's soft whimpers. He even rubbed her back, but he could tell she wasn't convinced.

"Mom…" he pleaded. "Please… I don't wanna move again." He paused. "She got a little angry, I dunno why – but those two are pretty cool!" he said as he tried meeting her gaze but was unable to, her head was still nuzzling his own.

"Just Ahhh, please just give her… them a second chance!" he pleaded again.

His mother did not say a word, she kept him close to her chest.

His dad, however, had finally snapped out of his deep thoughts and walked towards the both of them. He planted a kiss on both his and his mom's forehead. He looked at him and ruffled his hair. "Go to your room. We'll call you when dinner is ready.

He looked at his dad's dark onyx eyes. He tried to find anything in them… But his dad was incredibly good at being stoic. He looked like a stone statue. Uninterested, no emotions. He hoped he one day didn't share those same eyes. Saitama simply nodded and wiggled out of his mother's grip. He walked off slowly.

Sato watched as his son waddled off upstairs. His faint footsteps finally came to a close as he heard a small 'thunk.'

---

He gazed at his closed door. His tiny hand felt the texture of the wooden door. Standing still for moments as he took in the feeling of oak at his fingertips. He reflected back to what his mom had said, what his dad had said – he knew they were worried, but he just didn't understand what their worries were.

It's not like she wanted to hurt him. But then again he actually didn't know if that was true at all. The more he thought about it, the more it started to confuse him, he didn't like that, he didn't like to think deeply anyhow… But still.

His mother's tears and her embrace persisted in his mind. He knew that her mother would not act that way unless she was truly scared, was the girl actually trying to hurt him? But, that couldn't have been the case right?

He turned around, and that's when he finally noticed his surroundings.

His entire room was a mess.

Like, he knew he didn't clean his room very often. Maybe once or twice a week (on the weekends, or when mom scolded him). But he was fairly sure he cleaned his room the day before.

Actually, scratch that. He was certain he did! Because he was 100% positive he would never toss his GameCube games, cases, and controllers on the ground. The console was flipped but otherwise looked relatively unharmed.

His Super Mario Sunshine disc was laying on the floor, he was glad the lens part of the disc wasn't scraping the wooden floor. And his favorite yellow/gold controller was smushed by a shattered lamp.

His bed sheets were no longer tidy. One of his paper posters was dangling on the TV. And a box of his favorite trading cards flipped over and scattered over a thousand cards.

He sighed, deeply. He did NOT want to pick up anything up, let alone do anything. He was kinda content just cleaning up tomorrow, or the day after.

But he was intrigued! Because the only one that could've done this was…

The Angel.

He just assumed she made her own house rumble, but then again, the faces those people made, made a lot more sense now.

She caused an earthquake, or a tremor… whichever one of those was correct.

He would normally be annoyed – because he would have to pick this all up.

But only one thing was on his mind when he saw all this beautiful mess.

"She really is powerful…!" he knew his face had a grin warped in his features.

She was just so cool!

With that, he went into his closet to look for a broom. He would've preferred to clean up any other day (or his mom clean). But he was too consumed in his thoughts to properly care – he might as well get it done today, didn't want to get scolded.

It took a bit longer than expected, he kinda half-assed his cleanup but his room looked tidy (to his standards at least.)

So when he booted up his game, he was both saddened and miffed that his favorite yellow-gold GameCube controller didn't work anymore.

He did remember he placed it on the cabinet. So the fall (and probably the crash with the broken lamp) had caused some damage to it.

He was disappointed. He really liked that one. He sighed and hunched his shoulders, 'nothing I can do about it anymore…' he went to a drawer to find a replacement controller.

He had at least four to choose from. The standard purple – but the joystick was a bit iffy. A black one that was in good shape, he liked that one a lot! Especially when he played that space game Metroid Prime. A pink one that mom would use when they played Mario Kart Double Dash together… and a –

A green one.

His default would've been the black one, but…

The green one called to him.

He smiled as he pitter-pattered to his GameCube - connecting it to the console, it worked perfectly.

He found a new favorite!

And hey, who knows? Maybe he can finally beat the stupid sand bird mission!

Spoiler: he didn't.

---

About two hours had passed since the moment Saitama went to his room. And another six since then.

He could faintly hear the sound of an upbeat rhythm being played upstairs in Saitama's room. The occasional gasp, or 'no!' could be heard. It was close to his bedtime, and he hadn't stopped playing before and after dinner. He and Saiki had not moved a single inch since returning to their room.

He looked in his wife's direction. She was in bed, lying upward but with close to no discernable expression. His sharp gaze softened at her predicament, their, predicament. But things weren't adding up in his mind – and he needed answers, from all possible angles.

Even though his wife's decision had merit, was the right thing to do, for the safety of their family… he needed to know.

"For now, let's calm down. There's nothing left to do for today but to be with each other," he said as he gently caressed her face, his other hand on her arm. She finally looked into his eyes; her eyes red from the tears that rolled down her face. She hugged him with tender care.

He knew that the next thing he would say would set her off, but It needed to be done. "You don't have to join me tomorrow. But I'm going to go around and talk to our other neighbors. I need to know what type of reputation –" he paused for a second. "this, current issue has."

She backed away, "There is nothing to figure out." She hissed. And he was correct, but he pushed through.

"I know–"

"She ALMOST… killed our son! Our, son!" she bolded her words as venom consumed her. He could see tears threatening to pour out again.

"I know. And that's why, I, need to find out." his eyes sharpened. "You don't cause an earthquake throughout the whole community and only receive passive glares." He managed to snag some glances at some of the neighbors that were brave enough to exit their homes to see what had happened. Their eyes were mixed with resentment and fear, hatred, and disgust. A cocktail of all four, but none said a single word.

Two hours have passed by since they sent their boy upstairs. He was waiting for something to happen. But nothing showed.

No police officers were called. No noisy news channels, reporters, or vans in sight. Something of this magnitude just DOESN'T go unnoticed.

He relayed his thoughts to his wife. And while it was true that they hadn't filed a report to the authorities either (mostly at his behest). It was still a very unnerving feeling to have this situation swept under the rug so easily.

She listened, but every so often she would make a face of disappointment or disagreement. She nonetheless heard him out. And didn't contest his theories.

"Saitama seems interested," Sato hinted. He watched as her eyes widened, only for a few seconds before a scowl besmirched her face.

"I don't want him near her… she almost–" she couldn't finish the sentence, she started to choke on her own saliva, tears finally downpouring. She covered her mouth to silence her cries and whimpers.

He did the only thing he could do at the moment; embrace her.

He did not correct her. But he did not say anything in the likes to support her claims. He was absolutely livid. Boiling mad, furious as well.

Yet, his curiosity had been piqued. And as it loathed him to admit, agreeing with his wife would be condemning a child to scorn when he didn't know the kid's upbringing. Yet in the same breath, he knew he would not be thinking or saying the same things if the girl had successfully managed to harm their boy.

It was a miracle that Saitama's out-of-character fascination had completely confused the girl to such an immense degree.

He… had never seen his boy so interested in anything or anyone. He simply never talked to them about anything that he liked.

To see him so engrossed in something was fascinating. The girl's existence had piqued his son's interest, he would've thought that seeing metahuman powers up close would deter him, scare him even. It's completely different seeing it on a television screen where it was all fake, compared to the frightening display of Godhood the young girl flexed with her mere presence.

His son had surprised him. And he wasn't sure if It was for the best. He hoped this was just a fascination with superpowers. He did not want his boy to associate with that girl. He would not condemn the girl with scorn, but he was weary of the girl and feared for his boy's safety.

He closed his eyes as he kissed his wife's lips, she reciprocated, and their lips locked in tender intimacy.

Tomorrow, his questions will be answered. Tonight, they heal.

---

City A: July 26, 2005

It was past midday, and Tatsumaki was bored. The events that happened two days ago were still sorta fresh in her mind. Except for silencing them, Tatsumaki hadn't spoken a word to them. She was still absolutely furious that they would invite a family over, friends, neighbors… whatever! They should have known better than to invite people over! She hated new faces!

At least the two adults got the picture immediately, they scurried their way out the door when they felt her power.

The boy was just an oddity. His reaction was insanely weird.

A memory of the boy tried to creep into her mind, but she shook her head quickly to dispel it.

She was bored and had nothing to do. She still didn't want to talk to her 'parents' about the stunt they tried to pull. Even if it was purely accidental – even more if it was intentional.

She also hadn't gone to the store or the park in three days. And she was really craving some fun. Fubuki was oddly livelier (or livelier than usual) yesterday. And she wanted to take advantage of that by having more fun.

But Fubuki woke up with a cold, runny nose, headache, and sneezing. She allowed her adoptive mother to nurse little Fubuki. She didn't want to risk using her powers on her Fubuki to make her better, plus she also didn't know how to cook yet… or apply treatment… yet.

Not knowing how to do the things needed for her younger sister was starting to sour her mood. Plus her already current boredom, she was bound to snap.

So she went out.

She didn't bother telling her adoptive parents, they probably get to catch a breather knowing she'd be out.

She levitated to the sky. She was annoyed, for many reasons – but right now it was because the sun was bright and hot.

Something caught her eye or rather someone.

It was the kid's father.

She quickly zoomed down, hiding behind her chimney, and took cover as she leered in the older man's direction. She watched as he stopped near his next-door neighbors and knocked on his door.

Using her esper abilities, she tried to extend her hearing further – she initially overdid it, she could hear his breathing and cringed at the sound, so she tuned it down just a bit, she heard the door open.

"Yes hello – Oh it's you…" the man paused.

The kid's father paused, he didn't say anything, and she couldn't see what he was doing. But she assumed he was just staring at the man. Judging by the unnerved face that the man made, she was probably correct in her assumption.

"Listen I don't want–"

"I want to ask some questions regarding the reputation of my front-door neighbors. You know the ones," the man finished.

Her eyes widened just a bit, but she shouldn't be surprised. Of course, he was curious.

It made her mad! But it's not like she could do anything about it. It's also like HE couldn't do anything about it either. The police were absolutely afraid of her. His report or whatnot would just fall on deaf ears.

The man look hesitant, but he relented. "Why didn't you file a police report? I've seen you go around the neighborhood. You've been asking the same questions?" Tatsumaki's eyes widened a bit and felt herself heat up in anger.

"Virtually everyone did when she first did what she did to us… individually." The man continued to rant about her to the weird kid's father after his incessant whining had slowed – the father finally responded.

"I have my own reasons. I'm simply curious, do you mind if I come in and discuss for a bit?" he asked again. And again the man looked hesitant but nodded. Scooting out the way to let the man in.

She huffed and watched him enter the door. She proceeded to fly off, discreetly. She had no use or patience with conniving snakes.

She flew higher. It was obviously hot, but at the same time, the air was breezy. She headed to the local store, near the park – they often sold candy apples! The store owner was the only person she didn't outright hate. But she was an elderly woman that always had a big smile.

That woman was growing on her, she didn't outright try to smother her with kindness. And she didn't bother her at all either. She was patient, just like her adoptive parents… but the difference was that they actually tried too hard to get her to like them. So forceful. They were annoying, and she didn't trust them!

She didn't trust the old hag either! But she was leagues better than them at least.

She descended as she got closer to the store. To her left she saw the giant oak tree that sat straight at the center of the park. It was beautiful, big and the green leaves were very pretty.

She remembered the first thing she did, with her lil' Fubuki.

On the second day, they had been adopted. She flew both Fubuki and her atop the branches of the tree… they simply marveled at the dancing leaves and the soft cold breeze that hit them.

It was peaceful, it was one of the few times where Fubuki didn't outright shut her out (or shut herself out). It was exceedingly difficult to even get Fubuki to talk to her, she didn't understand why. Was it because she scared her back at that-

She stopped herself from reliving that horrid nightmare, she hated those people…! And she would – do what she did again, and with more glee too… they deserved it!

She shook her head quickly, dispelling the venom from her mouth and those awful memories from her tiny mind. She landed on the concrete ground and stared at the glass door for an odd second before opening it up with her mind.

Her eyes bugged out when she met a familiar face.

She watched the same young boy that was at her house yesterday buying a couple of items. The most notable one was a zebra cake and a purple sports drink. There were other items he was buying but she couldn't really tell what they were (they were already bagged, and his hair was obscuring it also).

When he turned, his placid face turned into surprise. Then immediate recognition - followed by a huge grin with wide eyes.

"Hey! You're that girl! Wassup!" He turned around to get the plastic bag with his other goodies. "You never told me your-" he paused as when he turned to face her she was already gone.

---

Tatsumaki made a mad dash out of there.

She didn't want to see his face or think about his family.

The man was a sneaky snake. What was he even trying to find out? It made her mad with rage.

His mom… the piercing gaze she gave her almost, almost, unnerved her. If she was maybe strong she might have flinched, but that harsh look made her mad!

They came into her house uninvited! And even if they were invited, she didn't want them there! Who knows what could've happened to Fubuki!?

And Fubuki being so close to the kid–

With his right arm extended, and with an open palm, despite the distance between them… He reached out to her.

She shook her head, ridding that confusing memory out of her mind.

That boy was weird. His reaction was weird. Why did he reach out to her? Did he like her-ewww! NO, that couldn't be the case! That was just too weird. But then again, he is weird.

Halfway through her flight back home, she realized she hadn't bought anything from the store, which annoyed her. But she didn't want to go back in case the boy was still there.

Also, the kid has some decent taste in treats. She liked zebra cakes too, and so did Fubuki (although they did have a lot of sugar in them, and sugar made Fubuki really hyper).

Damn, she was now legitimately craving some zebra cakes. But she didn't want to go back, she didn't want to see his face, even if he wasn't there anymore.

Whatever. She'll just go tomorrow.

---

"Huh…" Saitama was confused, with a hint of slight disappointment. He hadn't even been a second and she had already vanished. He knew he didn't just imagine her since the glass door was slowly closing.

Why did she leave? Maybe she really needed to go to the restroom?

"So you've met?" the old lady called to him. Snapping him out of his own thoughts. He turned to her and scratched his head with his available arm (after placing his drink and his junk food into the bag).

"Yeah!" he beamed. "She's like a superhero! She's got awesome powers! Plus she's got cool hair! And can fly! And-" he rambled on and on for quite a bit. The old lady's concerned look had morphed into a small, pleasant grin as she heard this boy talk about the girl with such positive wonder.

"Ah…" the boy started. "If my mum or dad asks if I was here, don't tell them, please? I kinda snuck out – mum's taking a shower and dad's doing his detective thing." He paused. "They've been kinda overprotective, and they've been smothering me." He muttered that last part (also learning that new word from his mom), though the elder lady still heard him.

Her face morphed to that of concern again, "Say, your family wouldn't have happened to be the one that visited the Yuki's three days ago?"

"The who?" he tilted his head. Then he pondered, looking deep into his little (empty) mind. 'Three days ago… that was, Ah!' he realized. "Ahh, yes. The girl lifted me up and dropped me on the floor, but she didn't mean to hurt me though!" he defended. "I think we just scared her," he paused. Placing his hand on his chin, then lowered it, thinking to himself – before turning to his right.

The elder lady gave him a pensive smile. "I'm glad that you don't take offense to it. She's had it rough you know?" she watched him turn to her, and he gave her a confused look. "She doesn't have any friends aside from her little sister, and she pushes everyone away." her eyes were now shut, thinking solemnly at the girl's current dilemma and reputation.

She was the only person the girl didn't speak rudely to, she never shared anything with her, however. She had the pleasure to talk to her adoptive parents, nice folks – but completely overwhelmed. For such a child to lash out in that way, could only mean she's been damaged to a point of beyond repair.

She did not know the full details. But she knew that whatever had happened, young Tatsumaki deserved better.

'Hmm… she doesn't have any friends? Not a single one?' He heard her briefly speak of the girl's past trauma. While he couldn't relate to it, he tried to empathize.

He also didn't have any friends, and that wasn't because he recently moved in. It was the same when he went to school in his previous home. He never could relate to the lot of them. They called him dull and boring.

He hummed to himself and placed his left hand on his chin. A smile crept up. He nodded and gave the elder lady a thumbs up, his eyes were squinted, and had a big grin. "Well then… that just means I'm gonna be her first friend!" He waved at the lady, "Thanks for telling me! Bye-bye!"

The elder lady watched him go, a warm smile on her face.

She'd pray for the two, hoping that a genuine friend could change that poor girl.

She could tell just by looking at her that she can bear a beautiful smile – but always hiding it behind an annoyed or angered expression.

She had just met the boy, and she hoped he'd succeed.

---

City A: July 27, 2005

Fubuki was still sick and bedridden, but at least she saw that she was better. It made her really unmotivated to see her little sister sniffle and sneeze every odd minute. And watching her blow her nose really pained her little heart.

She was watching this show about a talking sponge and his friend Starfish, it was pretty funny, but they also got on her nerves. At least Fubuki liked it, so she watched it with her.

She was about three episodes deep until she finally noticed Fubuki fall asleep. She smiled softly, Fubuki looked so peaceful – she wanted to kiss her little forehead. But she knew she'd probably get sick as well if she tired, maybe… she didn't know if that's how viruses or bacteria worked at all.

She was still without any snacks or drinks. She even confiscated a mini fridge from some big bullies that they had stolen from the elder lady. When she tried to return it, the elder lady told her she could have it. 'It was a gift from one of my kids. I'd like you to have it.'

She appreciated the gift and the old lady. But right now she gave the mini fridge a comically lazed glare for being empty with no snacks or drinks.

Ah.

That reminded her. She needed to go to the store. Maybe she'll talk to the old lady if she's not busy. Much better company than her parents (with whom she still wasn't on speaking terms).

She made sure that Fubuki was sound asleep before lifting the window up and floating away.

It didn't take her long to reach the park, she just needed to cross the big tree and she would-

"Oh Hey! Down here!" she cringed at a familiar voice. She looked down to see the young brat, her front-door neighbor. He was waving at her. He looked like an ant. She gave him a glare.

Her eyes widened when he stopped waving and proceeded to chase her mid-flight.

'Tch,' annoying brat! "Quit it!" she yelled as she propelled herself in a different direction. She hoped she would lose him – or make him give up on his chase.

Nope.

Slowly, but eventually, he appeared where she was. Even if he had to cross a road – not that it mattered, this was a mostly gated community with extremely low traffic.

She 'tsked' in annoyance as she propelled herself back to the park as fast as she could. Leaving him behind in a more desolate part of the neighborhood.

But it didn't last long though, she didn't even get to touch down on the soft green grass when she saw him running full speed towards her. He was panting hard and looked very constrained. Eyes were bugging out and he looked like he was close to passing out.

"You're annoying!" she yelled. But she's had enough. She'd rather not look at him anymore! So she flew back home. She looked back one last time. She saw that he had stopped, he was panting hard and leaning down to catch his breath. "Hmph!" she turned away with her eyes closed. She reached back home in no time flat.

Super annoyed that she had been interrupted again by that dorky kid.

… Now that she thought about it. She didn't have to leave. She could've just told him to scram, or levitate him back home – or away into space.

She might do that if he shows up again. To space that is.

Then she can finally buy her items in peace.

---

City A: July 28, 2005

Fubuki was getting better. She didn't cough as much, she sniffled less, less fever. She was better.

But she was still sick. So she still had to be a little careful around her. Didn't want to end up sick either.

It was a bit past midday. And she was staring at her mini fridge again, she opened it. And not to her surprise… empty!

She sighed and crossed her little arms.

She really hoped she didn't have to see that brat again, he both annoyed and confused her. Her thoughts around him were odd, and he was an even odder kid.

Who crosses multiple streets to chase a flying object? (or person in her case)

Lifting a finger, the window slid open, and she levitated out of her home. She peaked behind the chimney to see if she could spot the brat.

She didn't see him, she looked to her left, then her right – as much distance as she could try to see, he was nowhere in sight.

Good.

She flew her way to the park like usual. Passing through the beautiful giant tree. She paused and turned around. Gazing at the dancing leaves. A soft smile crept up her face – she wanted to enjoy a bit of the breeze. Being up there and taking in the cool air calmed her down, even if it was just for a little bit.

She turned again and descended down. Her white and green shoes touched the concrete pavement. She was a few steps away from the small convenience store. She smiled again as she took a step forward–

"Hey, you!" A loud voice called.

'Oh. My. God.' Tatsumaki swore she felt a vein bulge out. Looking up at the sky with utter contempt. Three days in a row!? She grinded her teeth. She turned around to give this kid a piece of her mind.

But when she turned, it wasn't the brat.

It was three boys, in various sizes – in both terms. The biggest one was also the largest one. He had an ugly mean look on his face (he was also ugly in her opinion). A tiny shrimp (although he was still technically taller than her, even if it was by half an inch). And a regular-looking teen with shaggy hair, the most normal of the trio, but he was still weird looking.

She also recognized them. They were the three guys she sent flying when they tried to steal the old lady's mini fridge (that was now hers). She rolled her eyes as they tried to look intimidating. But she knew that literally were ants in terms of power. Hell, she was pretty sure ants were more powerful than these parasites.

"What do you three stooges want? Can't you see I'm busy!" she bared her teeth, but they laughed at her display – which made her even angrier.

"Ya' got lucky last time. We weren't expecting it. You shook the entire community! And also you thrashed my room! It looks like a mess!" the big dude growled as he pulled out a bat from behind him. She couldn't see it because it was being covered by his large body, but it otherwise didn't scare her at all.

"A mess? Well at least your room looks exactly like you," she spat at him. The bigger teen reeled back in shock, but it was instantly replaced with fury.

"We'll be heroes for beating you up," the shorter of the bunch said. "You damn freak!"

Her eyes widened, "FREAK!?" she shrilled. "I'm not the one that looks like a shrimp!" she pointed at the goblin. "I'm not the one that's big and ugly!" she pointed at the large teen. "Cut your freaking hair! You look absolutely stupid!" and finally onto the mostly regular teen, who looked like he didn't even want to be there. Though now being called out, his gaze sharpened just a bit – though with clear signs of hesitation. "Get lost or I'll make you!" her green halo started to become more visible.

The big dude gave her a grotesque smirk, "Make us."

She grits her teeth. They held (mostly) arrogant grins. These wastes of carbon dioxide had tested her patience. And she had run completely dry.

She hadn't had the opportunity to let loose since the kid and his dumb parents waltzed in uninvited. So five days without an outlet for her anger, she would enjoy thrashing these fools.

The teens prepped themselves, ready to fight.

All hell would break loose in the next second.

"Hey! Leave her alone!" a young voice called out to them.

No.

Hell no.

NO, NO!

Hell to the NO!

She felt a blood vessel form on the right side of her temple, it felt like it was about to pop too. She watched as the dumb kid that lived in right across her house made a mad dash toward's them. Once he got close, he halted.

"Leave her alone!" the young boy repeated with his arms raised up to his face, ready to fight.

"Eh…?" the turned to the young boy and laughed at his pitiful pose. "What the hell you want pipsqueak?"

Saitama gulped at the sheer size difference, seeing how he was outnumbered (and would probably fight alone). He steeled his nerves and sharpened his gaze (as much as he reasonably could). "You can't hit a girl! Let alone someone like her!"

'Like me?' she furrowed her brows, he didn't make it sound like an insult, there he went again confusing her. He did that more than actually annoy her (but he still did).

She gave the boy a deadpan stare – his eyes were fierce and strong. Like his mother's eyes, he had a determined face, with a hint of fire burning in his eyes. But everything else betrayed his true emotions – his fists, arms, and legs shook in fear and anticipation. While his face told a different story, he at least was aware he was out of his league.

So why is this weakling putting up such a front? She wasn't impressed. And he wasn't impressing anyone. Why was he even doing this in the first place? He was just gonna get beat up.

The big teen scratched his head in mild confusion and irritation. "Listen little man. Get out of here before we bust you up as well." He side-eyed her and pointed his bat at her. "We've got a bone to pick with her." He growled at his last words, her gaze returned with sharp intensity, and her green aura surrounded her once again.

"I-I don't care! Leave her alone you… tub of lard!" he yelled in defiance.

"PFFFT–" Tatsumaki's intense demeanor dropped at the unexpected insult. She busted out laughing hard her eyes closed while pointing at the big dude.

She wasn't the only one, the goblin and shaggy hairs both laughed loudly as well.

His growl had managed to shut up his dumb and dumber companions – not her though, she kept laughing at him.

The tub of lard gave her a malicious look, "I'll deal with you later." He then slowly turned to the young boy. "You." He pointed his bat at the boy. "You're dead."

Saitama gulped inwardly but remained headstrong. He wasn't even sure if the guy was exaggerating, or if he really meant it. His arms and legs may be shaking, but he steeled his nerves once more. "I can't ignore someone that needs help." His voice was shaky.

That had made her stop laughing, her eyes widened in disbelief.

Help? 'Help?' Help? She didn't need help! From anyone! She could finish these freaks off by herself with no effort at all! The nerve of that dumb kid!

Butting in when no one asked him to! Who did this pipsqueak think he is? Was he trying to be a hero? He was shaking in his boots! It was pathetic!

"Wazzat? Trying to be a hero or something?" the tub of fat asked with full-blown sarcasm. He laughed, and so did his stooges. "You chose the wrong side to fight on kid. You're about to get an ass beating for butting in." he gave the boy a grotesque smirk.

"Yeah! We're 'bout to be heroes! This freak over here is a menace! She breaks and destroys everything that she touches or gets near! She's like a plague!" the wretched goblin opened his mouth. She felt anger rise up, and her nimbus of emerald power surround her.

The boy grits his teeth. "Heroes? You're no heroes! What type of person gangs up on a girl?! You're nothing but bullies! You're like cavemen!" he yelled.

The lord of the kilos bared his teeth and smacked the bat on the ground, the other cronies had dangerous glints in their eyes as well. "What would you know? You're a pipsqueak and a weakling!"

The fire in his eyes wavered. "I…" he paused. "I don't care what you say about me!" he took in a deep breath. "If I leave now, whose left to help?" he paused again, but not for long. "I'm going to hold my head high… face you," he opened his eyes, and the fire came back.

For once, she didn't have anything to say.

"And plunge forward."

He dashed towards them, with a roar of victory.

---

He got beat up.

It wasn't even remotely funny. It was just sad. Pathetic. Humiliating.

His tiny fist had collided with the bat, and it broke his hand. He had yelled out in pain but was shut up soon after when he got bopped in the face.

Falling to the ground, the stooges just kicked and wailed at him. The kid was getting greased up.

She wouldn't have felt a thing. But considering he was taking this beating for her – she couldn't help but feel a teeny tiny wee bit bad. And it was also embarrassing. She was already facepalming.

Did this kid think he was slick for saying such cool things?

"You must've thought you were cold trying to impress your little girlfriend." The king of eating practically repeated her own thoughts–

Wait. Girlfriend!?

"I've had enough," her voice was ice. Forcing the heat that slowly crept up and down. It faded, her power surged, and it froze everyone in place. The wooden bat inches away from the kid's stomach.

"You three disgust me." She slammed them headfirst into the concrete pavement. The lard and the goblin had their mouths open when she slammed them – they were missing teeth. The shaggy-looking dude had been knocked out immediately.

She lifted her finger, and the kids were sent to the sky at incredible speeds. She could hear their cries of fear silently fading in the distance.

She smiled; it was almost worth a chuckle.

She saw the young boy who was on the brink of unconsciousness lift his head to see the three teens get blasted off. He croaked out what she believed was a laugh, but it sounded like a crow cawing.

Darkness finally overtook the kid, his eyes shot to the back of his head, and passed out. Face smacking on concrete.

She gave the kid a side-eye. She stood there for a moment; he was still breathing. So he wasn't dead.

He was also absolutely brutalized. Taking pity on the kid, she covered him with her green halo – and healed as much of the damage as she possibly could. He would wake in a few minutes, so she'd better make this fast.

She turned to enter the store. She was getting her drinks, her zebras, and her candy apples. No more distractions.

It took her all but three minutes to find her items (she couldn't find the right brand of candy apples… and the right color apple.) She paid them with the money she had silently taken from the bullies. It helped that her own allowance had been untouched. Plus she had a little extra… plus they didn't need the money, and they deserved it for what they did to a kid half their age.

She bid the elder lady farewell; she received a warm smile in return.

When she exited. She did not find the kid in sight. Good, she didn't want to–

"Hey! Thank you for helping me…" the kid called out weakly.

She jolted in surprise. Inwardly groaned. Apparently, he was more resilient than she thought.

"Don't mention it… ever," her tone was ice. She kept floating forward with no proper destination anymore. They lived basically next door. So there was no point going home. She just wanted to get away from this boy. He had been on her trail for three days straight. He just wouldn't leave her alone! He even took a beating for her! Idiot! What was wrong with him?

"It's just," he began. "The way you just effortlessly tossed those bullies aside, it was like you were in an action movie! And you were the star! Man, you should've seen the faces they made!" he gushed with excitement in his face. "It was hilarious! I bet one of them even peed their pants! That was absolutely priceless!" He laughed loudly while still holding his sides from the beating he took moments ago.

"Hmm…" Tatsumaki simply hummed her response. She had to admit, his laugh was contagious. She was having a tough time trying not to laugh as well. She did see the looks on the dumb bullies' faces, and yes, it was funny when she sent them flying, not that she would openly agree with him.

"Not much of a talker aren't you? That's cool I suppose – you got that silent protagonist-looking aura around you!" he said as he walked a bit faster to not get left behind.

"Yep, I don't talk a lot. There's not much benefit from talking to idiots…" she said as a backhand insult, but she go no reaction from him – either the kid was dumb, or he was really good at controlling his own emotions. "I like being left alone," she hinted. "I like my privacy," she hinted again, this time a bit more forceful and louder.

"Hey! You know, I do too!" he said with a big grin. "Like I hate it when you got somebody in your face… you give them a hint and they won't leave," he waved his hands in exaggeration. But he regretted that action immediately. Wincing at the sudden movement. He nonetheless turned to face her, but she kept her eyes straight. She still refused to look his way. "Then there's that big awkward silence…" He finished with his right hand scratching his head with his dopey grin still locked in place.

Tatsumaki finally turned to face him… with a deadpan stare.

What infuriated her was the fact that he still had that stupid goofy grin on his face. There was no way this kid did not unironically say that to her. Kid this dolt have ANY self-awareness!? Who says something like that without being ironic?!

She grits her teeth when thirty seconds had passed with his dumb face not changing! "What!?" she yelled.

Her sudden action had actually made him jolt in surprise. He looked at her with a tilted head. But then smiled.

Again, that irked her. "What is wrong with you?" She began. "We meet up by accident in this store." She pointed to the convenience store, which was bits away. "Then for the next two days after you're somehow on my trail!" She got real close to him, and because she was slightly taller – she tried to intimidate him with her size. "What do you want?!"

His smile never left. "To be your friend."

…

She narrowed her eyes. "I don't believe you."

"It's the truth I promise!" he whined.

"I don't care about your promises! I know what your dad's been up to! Your mom probably doesn't like me!" she admitted.

"My dad? What are you talking about?" he questioned. He didn't even bother trying to debunk the accusation about her mom. She was probably right.

"You're dad's been going around the neighborhood asking questions about me…" she revealed. "It's always like that with everyone here. They always talk about me, about Fubuki… Behind our backs! I hate them! I don't care about their opinions! They're weak and snakes!"

She started to rant without realizing it, but she didn't care. She returned her gaze back to him.

"And you!" she pointed, poking his nose. "You think just because you said some cool things that I'm going to drop my guard? Get close to my sister? Me? Being friends? With you? You're a joke! You got beat up for absolutely no reason!" she kept wailing at him, and it started to her blood boil as he took her insults with a smile on his face.

"I bet you wouldn't have even bothered defending me if I didn't have any powers!"

"You're wrong."

"I-What?" she was taken aback by his quick response.

"I would have done the same thing if you weren't uh… what was the thing called?" he paused. "Superhuman!" he remembered. "You could have been anyone else in that situation… and I still would have stepped in." The boy affirmed, he winced slightly at a bad movement he did and held his side again with his right hand.

Tatsumaki stayed silent for a prolonged moment. "I don't believe you."

The boy just smiled and shrugged. "That's okay."

Tatsumaki's eyes widened, confused. "Wh-"

"I watched in movies and TV shows that actions speak louder than words – but sometimes actions aren't appreciated, or they are overlooked." He looked up at the sky. "That's okay." He returned his smiling gaze to her. "As long as I can do good. That's all that matters."

He let go of his aching hip and with his right arm, he closed his eyes and made a fist. "Even if I'm scared, and I'm outmatched. I want to help." His eyes opened and revealed a fire under his blazing amber eyes. "Because it's the right thing to do."

Tatsumaki was stunned. She didn't say a word for a whole minute. She gulped. It almost sounded like something Blas-

She shook her head. "What's your name?" she commanded.

The boy looked at her, "Saitama." He smiled. "Yours?"

"…Tatsumaki." She admitted, turning her head to the side.

She didn't know what to think. He was definitely saying the things that she wanted to hear… she didn't know if it was genuine. A certain feeling returned to her mind with a vengeance.

"I… I don't trust you." She said. "Your dad's a snake! You could be one too! And you could be trying to get close to me to get close to my sister!"

He didn't respond. He still had that small smile on him.

She grits her teeth. "Do you know who I am?!" she yelled.

There could be no world where her father hadn't spoken to him about her. It had been three days since he first barged into her house. He was trying to worm his way in! He was a spy! A cheat! A liar! It had to be a ruse, a plan! He made it very convincing getting himself completely obliterated by those bullies! Hell, she bet his dad hired them so he can beat him up! There was no way-

"Ah… I do." He said.

Her eyebrows quirked up.

"You're the angel!" He smiled brightly.

…

Radioactivity coursed through her face. Heating it up entirely. If she were to touch it, her hand would burn.

The blush on her face did not subside. Her lips quivered. Her eyes twitched. There was mist in her eyes.

She shoved him.

He landed on his butt. He had been confused by the rough push.

"We are not friends! Get that through your thick skull! You're just a weakling that got thrashed! Stay away from me and my sister!" her voice was starting to lose its edge, she almost stuttered, and the blush on her face simply would not go away.

He looked at her. And his expressions once again confused her.

His first reaction was hurt. Maybe the rejection had got to him.

But then that reaction was immediately replaced.

It morphed into curiosity.

Then Analytical.

Sympathy, or was it Empathy?

And finally: Understanding.

Her confusion had somehow managed to dampen her blush, it was still present, and she could definitely still feel it. But once again, for maybe the fourth or fifth time (she had stopped counting.) he had managed to do something that completely destroy her perception of him.

He seemed to always find a way to perplex her. Nothing this kid did was remotely normal.

With her plastic bag floating next to her. She propelled herself back home as fast as she could.

Saitama watched her fly away with an unreadable expression.

---

Tatsumaki was back home. A few hours had passed since her (or rather, the boy's) scuffle with the three teens.

When she arrived: She had given Fubuki her zebra cakes, and her blue sports drink. Putting her candy apples and her green sports drink in the mini-fridge.

Fubuki easily devoured the treats. And she sipped her drink slowly, she knew that she shouldn't be drinking cold beverages – so she decided to sip every so often.

About two hours later, they were called by their adoptive parents to eat dinner.

Fubuki was well enough to finally join them in the dining room.

When both she and Fubuki sat down, they were met with a steamy bowl of goodness.

Chicken soup.

She noticed that Fubuki's mouth had started to water.

In that, terrible place… they rarely fed them. Being given these bland rations and water that tasted terrible.

She had few memories of her life before her, real parents, but she remembered not liking veggies.

Now. She devoured just about everything. And so did Fubuki.

She watched her use her esper abilities on the bowl, she used them with restraint and hesitation, but she spun the contents of the bowl, cooling it.

She greedily ate the warm food, veggies, chicken, carrots, and peas. She ate them with delight.

She would have joined alongside her, but her mind was clouded.

"Um…" her adoptive mother's face rang in her head, her eyes slighted but otherwise remained stoic. "You haven't touched your food Tatsumaki… something alright?"

…

"It's nothing." She answered, the first time in three days.

"You've been tapping your bowl with the spoon," she noted. This time her eyes did widen in surprise.

She was doing that?

"Umm…" her voice trailed, reserved. "Something on your mind?"

Yes. The damn boy.

"You're the angel!"

She fought with her entire might, trying desperately to vanquish a blush that was creeping on her face.

She failed.

"Ah, I feared Fubuki would have gotten you sick," she started. "I'll get you some–"

"No," she interrupted. "It wasn't Fubuki." She clarified.

Both Yamato and Sachi stared at each other, unsure of what to say.

Fubuki stared at her, wariness started to form, she could sense it.

Tatsumaki was miffed. And that stupid boy was about to make her explode in a fit of rage.

"The boy…" she started. "Across the street, the one that came here with the family you invited a few days ago." She paused and looked up. "He's been following me for the past two days. And today as well." She grits her teeth, "he claims he wants to be my friend, but I don't believe him!" she slammed her fist on the wooden table. It left a dent.

The action had made the three of them jolt.

The Yuki's were silent, again, unsure how to respond.

Fubuki did it for them.

"The kid? Oh! The funny one? You met him again?" Fubuki's weariness had dissipated. Now colored with curiosity.

Tatsumaki quirked her eyebrow at her question, "Yes… that idiot followed me through two different streets and like, a quarter of the community," she recalled.

"That's so dumb!" Fubuki giggled.

"I know!" she huffed.

"That's so funny!" her giggles formed into soft laughter. "Did he say anything funny?"

She bore a questionable gaze at Fubuki, but she didn't catch on to it. "No… but he did something very stupid."

"Oh? What?" Now Fubuki was curious, why?

She hummed, "he got beat up."

Yamato ended up spitting the water he'd been drinking. Sachi was absolutely appalled.

Fubuki's concern returned.

"I didn't beat him up!" she yelled. "Hmph! Idiot picked a fight with three teenagers, and it ended badly for him…" she paused. "Serves him right! He's been annoying me for three days straight! And he lies to my face saying he wants to be my friend!" she growled. "I bet he's just trying to use me!" she was beginning to rant.

Sachi concerned asked, "How did it happen?"

"Hmm?" Tatsumaki hummed. Looked up, and huffed discourteously. "The three dumbos were going to attack me," she clarified. She watched the eyes of her adoptive parents grow dark, and the air around them turned icy.

Huh? Mmm… could that be genuine?

She shook her head and continued. "Then the dolt barged in and said some corny stuff like, 'I'm here to help,' and 'woe is me, I'll be victorious,' or something… I forgot already." She spun her left hand around. "He said something straight out of a TV show then tried to fight the bullies." She paused. "He lost badly. I had to save him."

There were curious glances sent her way, but she didn't care. This is why Fubuki needed to grow strong like her, so she won't ever have to repeat the same fate that fool had. She was about to relay that to her, but she was interrupted.

"…I don't think someone lets themselves get beat up if they didn't want to become friends," she muttered to herself, loud enough for the four of them to hear.

"Haah?" Tatsumaki voiced out in bewilderment.

"Hmm," little Fubuki paused. "Maybe he wants to be your friend!" she beamed.

Tatsumaki wasn't having it, Fubuki never frustrated her, but she had to nip this thing in the bud right now. "He can't be my friend, or yours," she commanded, "I don't trust him! And neither can you!" she almost yelled.

Fubuki to her part, was already daydreaming. So she had not registered the venom in her sister's words. "Maybe he wants to be your boyfriend!" She giggled.

…

Tatsumaki's brain went haywire. Her ears released steam, and her face was completely red.

"NO WAY!" she protested. Flailing her arms. "He can't be trusted! He's so short! He has a dopey face! His eyes are weird! His face is weird! He's weird! He's annoying! And he's younger than me!" she had her eyes shut, hands balled into fists, near her face, and she shook them in indignation.

"Hahaha!" Fubuki couldn't contain her laughter anymore. Tatsumaki's eyes shot up wide.

Was…? Was her Fubuki teasing her?

"Onee-chan's got a boyfriend!"

Her face was scarlet, "I DO NOT!" she shrilled. She shook her head, "no, no, no, No!" was this how it felt to be teased? She didn't like it. "He is NOT my friend! Let alone, my boyfriend! OKAY FUBUKI!?" she yelled, Fubuki giggled in response. Tatsumaki growled.

Sachi and Yamato for the most part, were stunned. Sure the dynamic was cute, but seeing little Tatsumaki be so flustered, and Fubuki be so vocal was so adorable to them.

She couldn't help but voice her thoughts to her husband, "sounds like the boy's a hopeless romantic…" she whispered.

"A what?" Tatsumaki called. Sachi jolted from her seat. "A hopeless romantic? What's that?"

She hadn't been prepared for the sudden callout. And the curious gaze that Fubuki gave her made her choke on her words. Thankfully her husband saved her the embarrassment of fumbling her words.

"She was making a joke, but it's when someone is in love but almost never finds it." He simplified it as much as he could.

Thankfully both girls seemed to understand it.

"Hmph!" Tatsumaki turned her head away with her arms crossed. "Well… he's that! A, uh, hopeless romantic! He'll never be my friend OR my boyfriend," that last part was directed toward's Fubuki.

"Got that?!" she pointed her spoon at Fubuki.

Her response was a giggle and an eye roll. "Aha, sure Onee-chan."

"Fubuki!"

Tatsumaki's face was flustered, and Fubuki laughed.

This was a first. This had never happened before.

This… scene. The communication, the laughter, the playful banter of siblings…

This is what Sachi had dreamed of seeing.

She could see it. For the first time since they've had them.

The dark cloud surrounding them was gone.

… Was this… was this her chance? Their chance?

She gulped, almost afraid to take the leap of faith.

All of this was caused by the boy's weird behavior. She felt bile form in her mouth. Using someone else's child to heal hers… their family.

She was afraid the dark cloud would return, and never leave.

Even if it returned, and she failed. Maybe, just maybe…

"You know, Tatsumaki," she steeled her nerves. Tatsumaki turned to face her. "Fubuki's right." She mused.

"Haah?" her left eye twitched, and her mouth started to resemble a frown. Sachi acted quickly.

"Someone doesn't willingly let themselves get harmed if they didn't care." She started.

Tatsumaki frowned but didn't say anything.

"That reminds me," she paused. "Is he–"

"Yes I healed him," she answered. She turned her head. "But I did it because he was so pathetic!"

"Hmm…" she mused again, Tatsumaki's eyes opened and stared at her suspiciously. "How considerate of you," Sachi smiled. Tatsumaki blushed and was about to lip off.

"I bet he was really grateful," she said.

Tatsumaki said nothing.

"So he still risked himself to save you right? Um," she was starting to lose steam. "Even before he knew you could do that, he still risked it all right?" she wasn't even sure if what she was saying was accurate. But she pressed on. "That doesn't sound like someone bad." Now that, she believed wholeheartedly.

Silence again.

"I think he really just wants to be your friend." She ended.

…

"Hmph…" Tatsumaki scoffed. "Whatever." There was a hint of red in her cheeks, and her flair had disappeared. She was deep in thought.

Yamato sent her a side-eye. Sachi let out an internal sigh.

She didn't know if she succeeded. But the smile Fubuki sent her made her heart flutter.

---

He probably should have been more discreet coming back home. Maybe slowly open the front door and not make an obvious sound of entering.

Because his mom made an immediate dash toward's the front door. And with an incredibly angry look on her face.

Oops.

"Where did you run off to?! I told you already you need to ask–" he watched as her eyes shrink and her face go slightly pale.

Right, despite being healed by the angel – Tatsumaki, he amended… his clothes were still sort of jagged, stretched, and torn from the beating. Not to mention that his right and left hands were still bloody.

Double oops.

"Who did this to you?"

If mom had superpowers. She would have probably caused the world to tremble. He could almost feel it too.

"Some bullies, they tried to pick on a girl. I stepped in," he admitted.

Her teeth were showing, barred, and grinding.

"The girl saved me. Our front-door neighbor." He said truthfully.

He felt the temperature in the room rise just a bit. When did it become so cold anyways?

"Did she?" her mother's tone was indescribable. Her amber eyes were dull, but they still had their beautiful reflective glint. (like his!)

"Yeah! She saw me get beat up, and she sent those bullies flying! She even smacked them on the pavement first!" he mimicked the way he believed she did to send them flying, doing elegant cool poses, and lifting his entire hand up – with a confident smirk on his face.

His mother didn't respond. She simply looked at him with concern. She had talks with her husband. Saitama is interested in being her friend. Talks of them leaving. It was all sudden, but she didn't openly say anything about it again. He wasn't too receptive about it when she first brought it up.

"Hey Mom…" her eyes widened as she was wakened up from her stupor.

"Yes honey?" her full attention on him.

"The angel – Tatsumaki." Ah, so Saitama knew her name. They must've talked.

"What about her?" she asked.

His eyes stared at the wooden floor for a long minute. He knew that look, he was finding the best way to explain something either simply or complex.

"The old lady at the convenience store three days ago told me… that the angel doesn't have any friends, so I tried to become her first friend. But she pushed me away." He admitted.

"When did you ever go to the store?" she asked, did he sneak off?

"Ah," Triple oops. "That's not important." Nice save. She rolled her eyes, but she set that aside for now. She'd scold him about that on a later date.

He paused for another second before continuing. "The old lady said the angel pushes everyone away, she's not trying to make friends."

"Hmm…" she leaned down to his level, staring at his eyes. "What do you think?"

"I think she's trying to make them," he admitted.

"It's just," he paused. Breaking eye contact.

"Just what?"

…

Their eyes met again.

"It feels like for an angel… her wings are chained up."

-End of Chapter-

Author's Notes:

41 Pages, 19k words (19,112)... I think I may have overdone it. (This is not counting the added text from the author's notes.

I know some may say that Saitama is acting a bit out of character.

Yes, I'm aware, the change is intentional. And I hope you're here for the story to unfold.

Thank you for reading. I appreciate you deeply.

As for those that followed me solely for Kanto's Champion… Please be patient with me.

The story will have its final send-off. And I promise you… it'll be 1000% times better than anything my past self could have written.

It's not the one I hoped for. But it's the one it deserves. The one that YOU and Vsizzel deserve.

Y'all take care and have a good one.

El Cato, signing out.