Genos x OC

Chapter Nine: A long walk back

AFTER three days, Umiko was discharged from the hospital. With her cracked ribs, and dislocated shoulder completely fixed up, she was good to go.

"Thanks for bringing me back to my apartment." Umiko thanked Genos as they walked twords the subway station to get back to City Z. "And you didn't have to stay those past three days." She added.

"No, I insist. It was a pleasure." Genos insisted. "Seriously? It was boring, I mean- you weren't boring!" Umiko awkwardly laughed. "You're alright. I do not find you boring either." Genos replied.

"So, how's being Saitama's student going for you? Anything you learned?" She asked Genos.

"Being Saitama's student has taught me a number of things that I cannot describe with mere words, and I believe that I am getting stronger." Genos replied.

"Well, I think you got stronger- you were able to kill that monster with just one blast!" Umiko exclaimed. "I mean, I was about to die if it weren't for you." The copper haired beauty excitedly added, a little bounce in her halfway injured state. "That monster was barely a wolf-level threat. But you are most welcome for that." Genos retorted.

"Any how, are you sure you should be walking right now?" Genos asked her. "Well, yeah, my legs are just fine." Umiko replied, smiling happily at the cyborg. As the two reached the station.

Umiko stared ahead of her, that cute smile never leaving her lips. Genos, on the other hand was hyper-aware of the surrounding civillians staring at Umiko. He didn't know if it was because of her looks, or the fact that she was was hanging out with a cyborg. But either way, he didn't like the staring.

Genos put a protective hand on her shoulder, pulling him closer to her. She just got out of the hospital. She wasn't gonna get put back there, and he would make damn sure of that.

"Umiko, would you like to get lunch before we get back to your apartment?" Inquired Genos as they stepped onto the subway train. "Lunch? I'd love to! I need some actual food in my stomach, and not just the bland hospital food." She smiled, nodding in reply.

The two stood in a comfortable silence as the train sped off twords City Z.

Umiko was blissfully unaware of the cyborg staring at her, looking at her with confusion written all over his face.

His chest had tightened, but felt free too. His adrenaline was pumping, but not to fight. His metaphorical heart was pounding. What was wrong with him?! He could barely think properly.

"Hey Genos, do you think that I could cook you and Saitama dinner tonight?" She asked Genos out of the blue.

"Hm? Oh, yes. Of course dear, whatever you like." Genos replied without thinking.

Genos then caught himself. "I mean you can cook for me and Sensei tonight, I will not object, of course." Genos awkwardly coughed.

"Of course, it would be awesome, 'dear'." Umiko giggled, blushing.

Genos felt like an idiot. He slipped up and used a term of endearment for his neighbor and now he felt awkward. He hadn't felt awkwardness since he was fifteen.

What in the ever loving hell was wrong with him? His grip tightened on Umiko's shoulder. "Something wrong?" She asked him. Keeping his cool and aloof facade, Genos replied.

"No Umiko, I am fine." Genos said calmly. "My bad then!" Umiko replied.

Genos still couldn't grasp why he felt this way around Umiko. He didn't know her motives, her background, her interests, nothing! Yet his heart palpitated every time he looked at her.