Work Text:
“Demon Cyborg!” A high pitched voice called out to Genos.
The S class hero was on his way out of the Hero Association building. He had been called in to discuss some potential threats that were brewing in City B. Even though all of the S class heroes were requested, as usual, only a handful showed up.
The low turnout had resulted in the meeting being quickly executed, concluding in less than an hour. With the allotted extra time, Genos considered stopping at the store before returning to his and Sensei’s apartment. However, before he could even leave the building, a short, rather plain looking girl with choppy brown hair ran up to him. She was wearing a white lab coat and thick glasses which reflected in such a way that it was hard to distinguish her eyes. When she caught up to him, Genos noticed a badge clipped to her coat which displayed her picture and the word “STAFF” in bold lettering.
“I’m so sorry to bother you sir but could you please fill out these forms quickly before you leave? We are updating all our information on our heroes.” She requested, already extending the tablet she’d had clutched to her chest towards Genos.
“Of course.” Genos agreed, taking the device. The quicker he got this completed the sooner he could get on with his other errands.
The information was fairly standard, reaffirming his real name, age, current address, etc. However, one question caused Genos to momentarily pause.
Partner:
While Genos’ initial thought was to leave the prompt empty, he recalled something Saitama-sensei had said early in the week.
They had been relaxing at home. The day before Genos had fought a Dragon level threat and his victory had been on the front page of the news site Saitama usually prefers if he ever feels inclined to check the news. The cyborg assumes it is because of this that the hero replies as he does after Genos asks, “Are we going to be stopping at MartPlace this weekend, Sensei?”
Genos was certain of the answer, since noodles would be half priced, but decided to ask anyway. The blonde had expected the usual enthusiastic response about the sale and was surprised when the older man responded differently.
Not looking away from his manga, Saitama said in a casual tone, “Hey Genos, you can quit calling me Sensei. You're already an S class hero. If anything we’d be partners.”
“Partners”
While Genos does not think he has learned enough to be considered even close to Saitama’s level or worthy of being his partner, it was Sensei who had said it and disregarding his request would be insulting.
So, Genos filled in the space.
Partner: Saitama
Genos was able to quickly write in the rest of the form after that and soon handed the tablet back to the young worker. Her eyes flickered over it, likely checking that it was all complete. The cyborg watched as she blinked, her eyes landing on a certain portion.
“Saitama? Isn't that the name of Caped Baldy?” She asked, more likely to herself than Genos. He answered anyway.
“Yes.” The girl's brown eyes widened, as if being revealed a great secret.
“Now that you mention it, your addresses are the same as well. You’re partners?” For some reason a sense of pride swelled in Genos’s chest. Even though he knew he still had a long way to go to deserve to be recognized alongside Saitama-sensei, it still felt really good for their connection to be labeled. It also made Genos proud that the staffer identified Saitama so quickly. It meant Sensei was gaining some of the recognition he deserved.
“Yes. We help and learn from each other,” Genos recited what Saitama-sensei had said to him when he himself questioned the title. Much like Genos felt at hearing the words from Sensei, the brunette brightened at his response, a warm smile lighting up her face.
“Oh, that’s so cute! Thank you! I will get this updated for you then.” Without anything more, the girl ran off in the other direction, likely in pursuit of some of the other S class heroes who had yet to make their escape. As Genos turned to set off on his own tasks, a significant warmth glowed in his chest.
–
Genos didn't think too much about updating the information. It wasn't until one evening about a week later when he considered it again. The mail delivery had arrived. As usual, Genos received a large pile of letters ranging from thank you’s to compliments to date requests. Genos made sure to read them all. However, what was different today was that Sensei also received a significant number of letters. It wasn't the pile that Genos had but it was something. Saitama usually only received 1-3 letters. Today, he had at least 20. Genos felt joy swelling at seeing the letters. His sensei was finally getting the recognition and appreciation he deserved!
Genos was about to make Saitama's favorite dish as a celebration for his popularity boost when an unreadable expression came over the hero's face as he started reading through the letters.
“Genos,” Saitama called in a voice that gave away nothing.
“Yes, Sensei,” Genos replied, suddenly weary.
“Did you tell people we’re married?” He asked. Genos blinked.
“What?” Genos, baffled by what his sensei could mean, took a few steps closer and began to read the open letters Saitama had laid out on the table.
“Demon Cyborg is way out of your league!!! You don't deserve him, you ugly baldie!”
“Who even are you? I refuse to believe Demon Cyborg would marry a no name B class loser who piggybacks off the real heroes.”
“Why is he with you? Are you paying him or something? Creepy old man.”
“Old man? I’m only 25.” Saitama remarked at the last one.
All of the letters were to a similar effect and Genos felt his gears tightening with each one.
Genos hadn't really considered what would be done with the information that he gave to the staff other than to update their files. He supposed he should have known that the Hero's Association would use the information to fill in their profiles in the official hero catalog on their website. It was the most likely place civilians would be able to gain access to this kind of information. Genos knows he has some die hard fans. He should have anticipated that they would find it.
“Sensei, I’m sorry. I will go to the Heroes Association tomorrow and request that they send out a clarification.” Genos felt like such a failure. Sensei had given him a chance and Genos had just brought a bother onto him.
But the B class hero didn't seem particularly perturbed about the mix up or the letters. He continued to look at them with the same attitude he did his previous hate letters.
“Hm? It's fine.” the older man brushed off. He continued to look through the letters but with an aimless indifference.The cyborg perked up.
“What?”
“It doesn't matter.'' Saitama shrugged, tossing the last letter on the table. “People will forget in a few days anyway. Besides, maybe now they'll give me the discount at the ramen shop too." Saitama was standing up, smiling in that carefree way Genos always found endearing. The cyborg couldn’t help but be convinced. Sensei was right. Genos was overreacting. It'll all blow over in no time.
“Yes, Sensei.” It wasn't really a celebration anymore, but Genos was still going to make Saitama’s favorite dinner tonight.
It didn't really blow over. The next morning there was a picture of Genos and Saitama on the news website. It was a still of when Genos had been torn apart and Saitama was carrying him back to Dr. Kuseno. It was a picture Genos didn't know existed. He would have thought it would have come out the eve of the actual fight not now several months later. Genos guesses back then they had no reason to spark doubt in the ability of an S class hero by showing him being aided by a then C class nobody. But now it was great fuel for the relationship angle.
“Demon Cyborg Married to B Class Hero?” The title read in big bold black letters. Sensei scrolled down past the sparing article to the comments which followed a very similar vein to the letters they'd received, praise and defense of Genos and suspicion and hatred towards Saitama.
Genos’ systems could read through them quickly. Even though Sensei had said it was fine last night, seeing the terrible things people were saying about him, because of Genos’s mistake, he couldn't take it anymore.
“Saitama Sensei, I know that you said that it was fine, but I really think I should-” Before the younger man could finish his phone suddenly started ringing. It was Amai Mask. Even though Genos didn't particularly like the other hero, he would always help if there was trouble. So saying a quick sorry to Sensei, Genos answered the phone.
“Hello?”
“Genos, you picked up. Not too busy with your recent nuptials then?”
“I was in the middle of something, so if this is not pertaining to work-”
“I just called because I wanted to say congratulations! Honestly, I was surprised when I saw the announcement. It was almost worth the distraction from my new album.” His tone was haughty, confirming that this had more to do with Amai’s obsession with publicity than anything.
“Amai Mask, I don't-”
“So, is it true or are you that desperate to move up the ranks?” The hero pressed.
“I-” Again, Genos was cut off, this time by Sensei, who quickly swiped the phone from the younger’s hand.
“Hey Amai, it's Saitama. Yeah, thanks. Mmhmm. Yup. Me and my husband like to eat out together so get us free meals for that restaurant you endorse as our wedding gift. Yep, we’ll mention it. Great. Bye.” Saitama hangs up the phone and turns to Genos with a blinding smile.
“We just got free meals for a month. Nice work.” Saitama patted Genos on the shoulder before going back to the living room to flop down on the floor. The cyborg remained frozen in place, his processors struggling to catch up with what had happened. They nearly stopped altogether after hearing Sensei call them "husbands.”