Closed

[heroforhobby]

WHO: Caped Baldy and Demon Cyborg
WHERE: A cafe hole in the wall
WHEN: Backdated to Sept 6th, after Genos' post
WHAT: Saitama knows there's no point to not meeting Genos somewhere. Probably just lots of boring talking and getting Genos caught up.
WARNINGS: None


[Maurtia Falls was not a big fan of the imPorts, but he managed to stumble upon one tiny, shabby café owned by people that did appreciate them and gave him a 10% discount on stuff. He's not entirely sure why people in these parts hate imPorts, but he also doesn't really care much. Doesn't affect him, either way. Though he wonders if he should move to one of the other cities that are in love with imPorts to get all the free stuff and discounts?

But, then again, Maurtia Falls appears to have the most crime to stop. It's still boring as sin, but less boring than a place with crime that could be taken care of easily by local police force. At least the police force here were lazy asses.

But, with Genos around now, maybe they could just do all their shopping in other cities and bring it back. Teleporters sure were handy for things like that.

...Ugh, Saitama's only been back to this world for a couple weeks after his impromptu return home, and Genos JUST got here, and he's already making plans like Genos is already living in his place. But, then again, it was an inevitability, right? Unless Genos is from some different...time point...like Saitama has heard happens sometimes with people that know each other, and wasn't as obsessive about Saitama teaching him. That'd be weird.]

Comments

[scrap_metal]

[ Genos navigates quickly and is almost on time. Almost, because some asshole drove into a water puddle and splashed him. Getting the clothes dry with help of his palm exhausts - blowing warm air instead of fire this time - took a little time.

He did noticed unfriendly glances, but he assumed it was mostly because of his looks, rather than his nature as an ImPort. He.. didn't fit exactly in here, even though he did saw a person with working, prosthetic hand

But Genos is not concerning himself with that right now. Finding Saitama is priority. Fortunately after finding the right cafe it's not hard to find Saitama there. Because of his chrome dome ]

I apologize for keeping you waiting so long

[heroforhobby]

[He doesn't notice Genos entering until the other man speaks to him, and he glances up, a small smile coming to his face. It was honestly nice to see a friendly face for once in this world. Not that he hasn't meant people that were fine enough, or who would possibly call him an acquaintance, it still wasn't the same as a Genos or a King or someone.

His smile fades a bit as he notices the big stain the car splashing had left on his clothes, despite Genos drying it. This place was filthy, after all.]

Wh--what happened on the way here?

[He gestures with a waving finger at Genos' clothes.]

[scrap_metal]

An accident. Someone drove into a water puddle. [ Genos explains shortly - in less then twenty words! - and sits down. Despite this accident he seems almost... happy. A pure relief. ]

I'm glad to see you. [ That even has a slightly softer tone ] How you fared here for these few months. I'm sure you've defeated a lot of monsters and villains already, you're a great help and asset for every world that happens to house you.

[heroforhobby]

Ah, I see . . .

[He wonders how much it was an "accident". Saitama stood out as an imPort pretty good when he's in costume, but out of it, like he is now, he was mostly left alone. Someone like Genos didn't have that luxury.

When Genos sits, he pushes the second cup of tea that was on the table a bit toward him to let him know it was his.]

Oh, well, that is . . . [He clears his throat.] This place isn't quite like ours, so . . .

[scrap_metal]

[ Genos thanks with a silent nod, and takes the tea closer, not yet drinking it. Even if this place is so different than their own, just having this little thing - drinking tea with his teacher - is enough to put his mind a bit at ease. ]

I've noticed. But with the organization mirroring partially the Hero Association, I expect a similar number of problems to deal with.

[ Maybe they even finally acknowledge the amazing heroism of Saitama and give him the fame he deserves..? ]

[heroforhobby]

[He feels like he's sweating. Is he sweating? He shouldn't be so embarrassed by it, it's not like it's his fault the place is quiet compared to home.]

Well, that is, uh . . . There's a lot of muggings?

[scrap_metal]

Criminal activity? [ Genos taps his chin. ] Organized crime, like mafia?

[ Yeah, that's something that Saitama could get rid of. But it might not that be easy for him, due to his usual strategy. It's one thing to punch the mastermind, but you need to find him first. ]

Such actions require a great deal of subtlety.

[ Not that he DOUBTS his sensei... well he might doubt about his subtlety in dealing with problems like that. ]

[heroforhobby]

Oh, yeah, I guess? I hear there's a mafia problem here but . . . I mostly just take care of people harassing other people on the streets.

[He feels like such a failure.]

[scrap_metal]

You protect people, like you always did. That's what being hero is about.

[ Oh look, he paid attention, and is repeating the lessons. ]

Where do you live, sensei? I understand why you did not want to share such vital information over open network, but I think it's unlikely we'll be overheard here.

[heroforhobby]

Yeah, you're right.

[Okay, now he feels a little less like a failure. He still obviously thought that, else he wouldn't be going out to help people, but it's good to hear someone like Genos say it who was familiar with what world Saitama was brought here from.

But the fuzzy feeling of heroic pride is replaced by thinking, gosh, Genos sure is persistent.]

Why're you so eager for that, Genos, can't we have a nice cup of tea?

[scrap_metal]

[ Right. Cup of tea. Genos drinks it as if he sudden remembered of it's existence ]

Do you want to keep it a secret, sensei? [ Even from Genos? From your best only disciple? ]

[heroforhobby]

Why would I keep it secret? It's not a secret lair or anything.

[He rubs his chin.] You hungry? I'm hungry.

[scrap_metal]

[ Genos is looking for menu. ]

I can order something for you. Or would you prefer a home cooked dinner? [ yes, he's not dropping that topic. ]

[heroforhobby]

It's too early for dinner. [He stands and points at the display case at the counter.] I'll get us pastries, okay?

[This is more fun than he thought it would be.]

[scrap_metal]

[ Genos nods solemnly, but he's really growing annoyed. And curious. Maybe it's somesort of code? Maybe they're being watched. If Saitama is fighting organized crime, he has a front to keep.

Genos makes a quick scan of few people around, and he notices few casting glances at their table. That's because of Genos' cyborginess, but he's not taking that into account

He should have been more careful! He can't have sensei's operation fall apart, just because he didn't get a hint. Once Saitama is back he'll find very darkly, determined disciple sitting and sipping his tea. ]

[heroforhobby]

[He returns a couple minutes later with a couple of bear claws, all super glazed and full of raspberry jam, all nice and American.

He obviously doesn't know about all of Genos' thoughts, but when he sits down dropping a plate in front of him, he can tell Genos' mood has changed a bit.]

What's on your mind, Genos?

[He starts shoving the pastry into his face, glaze getting all over his mouth like a slob.]

[scrap_metal]

I'm relived to find you here, that's all. [ he seems kinda tense though ] I hope to resume my training under your direction, sensei!

[ Hesitantly he grabs the pastry and analyses it before taking a bite ]

[heroforhobby]

Yeah, yeah, that won't change.

[Both because he knows Genos won't let it stop and because Saitama wasn't teaching him anything before, so why change now.]

You're not angry about being brought here?

[scrap_metal]

I have to admit I'm not proud of my initial emotional reaction to being brought here... [ Probably glaring, yelling and trying to intimidate some military officers. Which... didn't work. He doesn't seem particular guilty though. ] It disrupted my plans, and I obviously find this forced relocation frustrating.

Why do you ask?

[heroforhobby]

[Shrugs.]

You can be an angry guy.

[He takes 2 more big bites nonchalantly.]

[scrap_metal]

[ There is no lie. ]

Do not worry, I have not damaged your reputation in any way.

[heroforhobby]

I'm not worried about my reputation!

[There was nothing Genos could do worse than the rumor in a paper about him in a porno, anyway...]

[scrap_metal]

[ Genos takes a slow bite off the pastry, before answering. ]

I've tried to make myself familiar with the city by simply walking around, although it's a lot harder to blend in the crowd here. [ And he was a celebrity back home SO ] Aside from that I've been waiting for an assignment, and occasionally checking network.

[ There, full status report done ]

[heroforhobby]

Yeah, people around here aren't too happy with people like us. But if you want a reaction like you get back home, go to De Chima or Nonah. [He smirks a little, then sighs and sits back in his chair, crossing his arms.]

I haven't gotten an assignment yet, it's not a lot like the HA. I kinda hope I don't get one anytime soon.

[scrap_metal]

So you're a registered hero. [ That answers his own doubts whether to register or not ]

What is it like in De Chima or Nonah? [ He got most of his reading done, but not all of it yet ]

[heroforhobby]

It seemed like the option with less hassle. [And, yanno, they pay you. He had to save up in case he needed to quit. Get a nest egg going.] I can't remember which one exactly, but one of 'em treats imPorts like movie stars. So, basically, how your fans treated you back home.

[scrap_metal]

[ He doesn't care about fame or recognition, but he knows Saitama does - and deserves it like no one else ]

Is that where you live?

[ THAT TOPIC is right back ]

[heroforhobby]

Nope.

[Tea sip!]

[scrap_metal]

[ He mentally smacks himself. He shouldn't ask that question, what if someone from that mafia is listening. He sips his tea, looking disgruntled mostly at his own mistake. Then he finds a way to change the subject. ]

Sensei! Have you been as well appointed a job position upon arriving here?

[ His own is weird one. SO WEIRD. ]

[heroforhobby]

Oh, yeah . . .

[He looks noticeably disconcerted by this question, and he quickly asks:]

What'd they give you? Something useful?

[scrap_metal]

Mine is... [ Genos tightens his fist, so hard the metal rattles ] ...entirely pointless!!

[heroforhobby]

[Blinks at that reaction.]

It can't be that pointless...

[scrap_metal]

I work with repairing crash test dummies.

[ Yes, his tone suggest it's the repairman part that he considers the worst. That means that he would probably enjoy his job more if he was setting those dummies on fire. Latent pyromania tendencies or what? ]

[heroforhobby]

Something wrong with repair work? I see you do it on yourself enough, so it's not like you're bad at it...

[scrap_metal]

What's the point, they're just going to get destroyed again.

[ He huffs over his tea. Seriously, kid, you can't just make a new crash dummy every time, that's kind of pointless from the budget perspective. And crash tests are really important part of making things SAFE. But hey, of course Genos sees it differently- ]

I gain no useful skill from performing the same task over and over.

[heroforhobby]

I don't think they give us the jobs to teach use a useful skill...

[scrap_metal]

I know that, but I'd still rather work towards something meaningful.

[ Aka, something that would make him stronger, faster, better strategical thinker, etc. Instead he has to witness the futility of these things being destroyed and repaired repeatedly. Doesn't it remind you of anyone?

He leans over the table to whisper in secrecy, hiding his mouth behind a hand ]

I'll leave few minutes after you, to take care of your tail.

[heroforhobby]

[Saitama's eyebrows lift at this info. Is Genos just talking about getting strong again, or did he have something else he wanted to do with his life now? That would be good for him, if so . . .

But looks like Genos is focusing on something else now. Something Saitama doesn't understand. He leans in, too, and whispers back:]

What're you talking about?

[scrap_metal]

Shh. We shouldn't be seen whispering too much, that will arise suspicion.

[ And compromise Saitama's operation yes. So Genos leans back and drinks his tea ]

[heroforhobby]

[He is so. confused. But just goes with it because that's sometimes easier than trying to figure out Genos. He still eyes him funnily as he leans back to finish off his tea in silence. Then, eventually he says:]

Well . . . suppose we should be going.

[scrap_metal]

[ Genons nods, and then very suddenly admits ]

I'm glad I found you here. I felt lost and confused upon arriving here. [ Still not enough to stray him from revenge quest ] But now I found clarity again.

[ He stands up, and is ready to leave ]

[heroforhobby]

[He blinks at him at the unexpected sincerity--well, that was wrong, 95% of things Genos says to him is sincere, almost too much so. But this was a different sort of sincere, maybe. Well, either way, it just surprised Saitama to hear was the short of it.

He stands, nodding. He heads for the door, patting Genos on the shoulder as he passes.]

Glad to keep you from a wild goose chase.

[scrap_metal]

[ Genos suddenly makes a formal bow. ]

Saitama-sensei! I will continue to study under your guidance!

[ Yeah, you got yourself a roommate, again. No matter if you want it or not. But that intensity he said it with? It might show a bit, how important seeing familiar face in this place is to Genos ]

[heroforhobby]

[He pauses at the door, holding it open just before leaving. He glances at the other patrons and barista, a little anxious by Genos' behaviour, but they were all just looking curious, only a couple irritated by the outburst interrupting them. At least Saitama knows Genos is acting like this because he's excited.]

I didn't expect otherwise. Now stop being weird and go home.

[scrap_metal]

Of course!

[ And he will interpret it in his own way. Following Saitama's home instead. But he's very stealthy about it, because the mafia theories and everything. So Saitama probably won't notice until they reach his apartment ]