Rough Start of the Day

Saitama's eyes felt heavy when he opened them that morning. He blinked once, twice, three times to bring his vision into focus.

"What a weird dream..." He thought to himself turning to the left to face his disciple only to be met by the back of the other's head.

Another Genos? No way that was possible. Saitama stretched out a little but quickly retracted when his foot touched something and heard a little 'ow'. Blonde hair popped out from under the heart printed comforter and brown eyes met amber ones.

Ah. So it wasn't a dream.

"Good morning... Saitama-san. I'm sorry for intruding into your personal sleeping space." Genkei whispered propping himself up on his elbows so that he was looking down at Saitama.

That's how it was that night. Genkei had to stay with them for now while they figured out what the hell was going on, but with the lack of space and futons, the three had to rearrange themselves to fit comfortably in the 'cozy' apartment. Saitama figured sleeping between the two Genos's would be the best option so that Genkei wouldn't freak out or Genos wouldn't accidentally hurt the teen in his sleep (because time travel was complicated and Saitama didn't want to risk anything). Plus he was already tired from all the drama that came with this kid, he just wanted the quickest solution that would end with him in dreamland.

"Yeah. Mornin'. And don't worry about it, kid." Saitama croaked out, his voice raspy from sleep. Genkei nodded meekly and started to sink back down under the covers. "Wait a sec, don't go back to sleep, kid. Why are you even under there?" A short, sleepy chuckle came from the bald man as he lifted the blanket up and Genkei eyed him cautiously.

"I... Don't want to get up...." Genkei admitted honestly. He wasn't ready to face another day in his current situation. He just wanted to lay down and wallow in his sorrow. He sank back down underneath the blanket and lowered his eyes, staring blankly at the futon the two were sharing. Saitama was far too familiar with that expression, he wore it himself on days where Genos was gone for too long and he had slipped back into his usual lonely routine. A point in his life where it felt better to feel nothing, rather than disappointment or sadness.

Before he knew it, Saitama was petting the teens head, "it's going to be okay." Genkei's eyes went wide and his face grew pink.

Saitama just stared at Genkei admiring how the kid looked so... human. Now that Saitama was actually looking, Genkei's eyes were amber, not brown like his but, not quite hazel either. He had pale skin but compared to Genos's, the teen's seemed so full of life with the way his cheeks flushed with pink. His hair was the same color but, Genkei's seemed wavier rather than having it perfectly straight as Genos had. Genkei was so much smaller, more fragile. He wasn't made of stainless steel, couldn't stop a moving train, couldn't fight monsters. His fingers were slim and his face looked soft. Everything about Genkei was so alive. It was breathtaking and overwhelming. Saitama didn't know what was going to happen from this point on but, he knew he had to keep this boy safe. Because it meant keeping Genos safe. And Saitama wouldn't know how to deal with losing Genos.

"Are you… A pervert? "

The question came out of nowhere and Saitama's eyes went wide, snapping him out of his trance, "NO! What? Why are you even asking that?"

Genkei pulled the blanket around himself and squinted in suspicion, "why did YOU get so defensive?"

"Because you asked such a dumb question!"

"You were looking at me too long!"

It was Saitama's turn to blush now, "that's… that's because… uh. Well. I just felt bad for you, that's all!" Saitama huffed and put one hand to his mouth, averting his eyes and smushing Genkei's face with the other hand. The boy squirmed and pushed Saitama's hand off, eyebrows furrowed in discontent. A moment of silence passed in the small apartment before anyone decided to say anything else.

"Why is that- uh- he sleeping next to you?" Genkei grumbled, jutting his chin towards the sleeping cyborg. Saitama looked back over to where his friend was lying. It had been about 30 minutes since he got up and Genos hadn't moved an inch. That was weird. Genos usually got up before him and if not, he would get up soon after Saitama apologizing profusely for not having breakfast started.

Saitama put a hand on Genos and shook lightly, "Hey kid. You okay?" When Genos didn't respond he did it again this time, more vigorously, "Hey. Wake up." He peeked over his student's shoulder then rolled him on his back once he got a glimpse of his face. Genos's eyes were open but, instead of his usual gold irises, there was just blackness. Usually, that would happen only when Genos was happy or annoyed, never when he was supposed to be asleep. Saitama's heart skipped a little at the sight. What the hell was happening? Genos hadn't said anything about needing to restart or update or whatever. Had someone hacked him? Was that even something that could happen?

A split second later, Genos bolted upright and smacked Saitama in the mouth with his forehead. He was frantic for a bit and tried to grasp his surroundings until Saitama put a hand to his forehead, trying to smooth out the dent his teeth had just made.

"Looks like you don't need to buy a new one," Genkei snorted and Saitama shot him a glare.

"Genos. You're okay," Saitama patted the cyborg's knee, leaning in close to show Genos his face, "You with me, dude?"

"Sensei...?" A bewildered Genos held the word on his tongue before he snapped to his senses, "SENSEI! I am truly sorry for not being awake early enough to get started on breakfast! It seems perhaps my systems shut down overnight from overheating. Though I am unsure as to what caused such a malfunction, I will be sure to visit Dr. Kuseno for a maintenance check before the day is over. I would not wish to cause you any mo-"

"Shut up, Genos. And you," Saitama pointed a finger at Genkei, "I hear one more word out of you dissing Genos, I'll dangle you off the side of this balcony. Got it?" With that Genkei gave a small nod, his eyebrows furrowed together in upset before he crawled back under the comforter, "Right now I just want to get something to eat. We can figure out the rest after we're full." Saitama pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed. He hadn't even had breakfast yet and his blood pressure was already rising. These two were going to be a lot of work...

----

A few minutes of negotiating with Genos, Saitama decided he was the one who was going to cook for the three of them, which left Genkei and Genos alone in the small living room to put away the futons. They sat in silence for a bit, both refusing to look at the other. A cloud of awkward hung heavily over the two and the only break from the silence were the noises that came from the kitchen every so often.

"We should not burden Sensei with unnecessary squabbling," Genos advised, finally breaking the silence between the two, "He is a very great man and I would prefer it if you try not to get in his way... or mine." Genkei tensed, trying not to look as scared as he felt.

"Yeah? And what are you gonna do?" Genkei moved to stand on his own, letting the heart patterned blanket fall behind him. His legs felt stronger now, perhaps all he needed was a good rest but, gravity now took a toll on his bladder and the kid had the sudden urge to pee. He grabbed his crotch in a panic and turned to Saitama who's bald head was seen through the wall opening, "Um... Excuse me. I have to go..."

"Haa? Go where?" Saitama looks up from his cooking to see a distressed boy, "Oh! GO? The bathroom is right around the corner." With that Genkei scurried off.

Saitama isn't one to try to bring drama into people's lives but, he does think a lot and sometimes he just says what's on his mind.

He evens out the eggs in the pan and prepares to fold it into an omelet.

He wondered what was going to happen now? Genkei is actually Genos from the past, right? ... He looks young and compared to the Genos he knows now, the kid looks fragile. If anything were to happen to him in this time, would that mean Genos would be affected too?

Saitama put the rice he had heated up from the previous night into the eggs, folded the omelet once, twice, then let it cook for a few seconds more.

But how did he even feel about this? He had decided to believe that Genos and Genkei were the same person. It was a little hard to believe, but Genos had looked so shaken about it that Saitama couldn't deny his testimony. What he was sure of though, was that he wanted them both to stay. He couldn't imagine sending Genkei back to his town alone and nowhere to go. What if they managed to get Genkei back to his own time, but not at the exact moment he needed to be? What if they messed up and he never gets to meet Genos? What if...

"I know you're afraid..." Saitama said suddenly and Genos jumped at the statement, nearly dropping the futon he had just finished folding up. He turns toward his teacher slowly, his face is neutral but, there is something about it that makes Saitama's heart race, "It's fine to be afraid once in a while. To be honest, I'm a little nervous myself. But, you can rely on me to keep you say-"

"I am not afraid." Their eyes connect and they hold contact for a bit. The words came out harsher than intended, so Genos was the first to break away as he continued to straighten up. Saitama looked at the back of his head for a moment before returning to his cooking.

Maybe he was the only one then...

----++++++++-------~~~~

"Thank you for cooking Saitama-san, it was really good." Genkei gives Saitama that small 'Genos smile' and Saitama grins back. The moment was nice for a bit. No arguments or upset and for a moment Saitama saw no problem in the current situation. He was actually content and could probably get used to having two Genos's in his life. And for a second, he thinks about how they must look like a family. Genkei absent-mindedly wipes his mouth with the shirt Saitama lent him and Genos stares in horror.

"DON'T-" Genos begins and Saitama cuts him off.

"Duuude... aren't you a little old to be doing that?" The older man teased. Genkei's eyes shot up and Saitama could already tell what was going to happen.

"I- I- I AM SO SORRY!" And there it was. The bald hero let out a sigh.

Saitama put his hand up, "Chill. You just reminded me that we have to get you some fitting clothes anyway. My shirt is a little big on you, isn't it?" Genkei picked up the shirt collar that had started to fall off his shoulder and nodded, "Well then, let's get cleaned up then we can go."

Genos steamed softly, embarrassed that his teacher had to spend money because of- well- him, "Sensei, are you sure this is alright? You do not have to spend extra money if you do not prefer to." Genos offered. Saitama shook his head.

"It's fine. It's my job to make sure the people in my house are cared for, right?" Saitama laughed nervously at his own comment, a little embarrassed at his honesty. Genos eyes turned black as he gave his Sensei a small smile.

"Sensei is truly a kind man."

Saitama hoisted himself up to his feet and headed to the bathroom, quick to escape his disciple before he did anything reckless. Genos quickly got up trying to avoid the younger version of himself and grabbed the dishes from the table and headed to the kitchen to clean. Genkei was left alone sitting by himself which gave him time to observe his situation, time to think. He had to live with two strangers all of a sudden but, how did he even get here? To be honest he was afraid. Saitama-san didn't seem too bad; yes he was a bald guy who tended to look like he had no emotions. And yes, every so often he'd catch the man staring at him longer than necessary but, he had been nothing but kind to him so far. Genkei knew he was kind of being a brat, but he was angry and sad and scared and everything. His family was gone. His friends. Everything he ever cared about and it seemed like nobody even... noticed. So how as he supposed to feel? Genkei looked towards the kitchen and saw Genos drying dishes with his hand. That guy was difficult to read. Every time he'd look at the cyborg his face was a frown or a scowl. It was like he was always thinking. What was his name again? Genos right? His name was similar to his own but, there was no way Genkei would ever compare himself to something like this freak. He bet that this THING had something to do with everything that was happening to him.

"Why are you even here? Genkei caught himself asking before he could think of the question. Genos turned to look at the boy, his face neutral.

"I am training under Saitama-sensei. I am trying to... Accomplish a goal of mine." Genos said flatly.

What the heck? Training? Was that a lie? Did this thing already know what he was thinking so it had to come up with a dumb ass excuse like that? "Training? Aren't you just a machine? Shouldn't you already be stronger than him? He is just a human."

"Saitama-sensei is no ordinary human." Genos said proudly and Genkei took note of the tiny smile on the cyborg's face, "He is in fact, the strongest man I have ever met."

Genkei looked at Genos, a perplexed look on his face, "What are you talking about? You sound crazy-" Genkei's memory shot back to the hospital escape. He remembered Saitama-san holding him in his arms as they jumped down from the third story window, landing safely and running as fast as a car to this apartment. Genkei's breaths became faster as he realized that he probably wasn't dealing with ordinary people. He actually got excited, as would any boy his age if they realized that people with super abilities were real. He looked up at Genos, eyes sparkling with question and wonder. Confused, Genos tilted his head to the side.

Genkei didn't know what to ask first, he was afraid of the cyborg guy but he really wanted to know more about what was going on so, when Saitama-san came out he'd-

The thought of his family came crashing back into his mind and Genkei's vigor dissipated. His gaze sank back down to his lap and he could feel tears trying to escape his eyes. If... If superheroes really do exist... Where were they when his town was attacked? Did small towns not matter? His tears were falling now but, they were full of anger. How could there be heroes and there was no one to save his home? He 'tsked' at Genos, "You liar."

Saitama came out of the bathroom, clean and in his boxers. He made his way to the closest and took out a plain white shirt and blue cargo short then proceeded to get dressed. He felt two pairs of eyes on him and turned around, one leg already in the hole of his shorts.

"What?" Saitama asked, then suddenly felt the heaviness of the mood in the room, "Oh come on, guys. Let's at least TRY to make it out of the house before you decide that today is gonna suck." Saitama pulled his pants up then tugged his shirt on sloppily, "Come. On. Get. Dressed. Let's. Go." Clapping with each word for emphasis and using his commanding voice he ordered the two to get moving. Genos scrambled to his feet and rushed to the bathroom to freshen up as much as he needed to while Genkei rushed to stand in front of Saitama.

"What?" Saitama asked not knowing why Genkei had such a sour look on his face.

"Back at the hospital... You said that you were a hero, right?" Saitama nodded, his blank expression painted across his face. Genkei glared up at the older man, his hands twisted up in his too large shirt. "So... Why didn't you save them?"