Two Sides to Every Coin (OPM Garou x OC)

Chapter 2: Reunited

PRESENT DAY
It was a beautiful day in City Z.
And Kaana was excited. Now that she was able to go out freely, that meant she can take little Kenji out by herself.
Kaana was walking around the square with the stroller. Five month old Kenji glancing around with wide eyes, sucking on his binky.
Kaana was happy that Saya trusted her with watching her son while her and Saitama were out buying groceries. There was a bakery that Kaana wanted to go to and spend some time with her nephew.
When she got there, she got some tea and a cinnabun. Since it was a nice day, she decided to sit outside.
"Alright, you hungry, Kenji?" Kaana cooed at the infant, sitting at the table, the stroller facing her.
He made some grunting and cooing sounds, to which she giggled at.
"Let's give you some of mommy's milk," Kaana reached into the diaper bag, grabbing the bottle.
As she put the bottle on the table and started to unbuckle him, she heard, "Well, I'll be damned."
Kaana froze and looked towards the crowd. Her eyes widened at who was standing there, "Garou..."
It was Garou, "Fancy seeing you here."
Kaana blinked, her voice trailing, "Same could be said for you."
She didn't know what to think. She was so shocked and elated that she wanted to rush him and hug him. However, there was fear that he was angry with her, which kept her seated.
Garou didn't look the same as before. His hair wasn't standing up in two prongs, anymore. It was slicked back and tied, making it look like a large wolf's tail.
He was also wearing a brown jacket over a black long sleeve shirt, jeans and shoes. He looked like a mature adult.
GAROU'S POV
What another boring day. There aren't any classes for me to run at the dojo, either, but Bang is handling the adults. I'm sure the old man won't notice me being gone. I aimlessly walked around, getting occasional glances and glares from people.
Not surprised if a few recognized me. There was a bakery shop nearby. I could get some food while I'm out, I guess. That's when I noticed some tables, but didn't pay much mind to it.
Until I heard a familiar voice.
When I glanced over, I couldn't believe my eyes.
It was Kaana. What the--?!
With a brat?!
I clenched my fist in my pocket. I felt an overwhelming sense of rage seeing this. Why?!
I walked over, making my presence known.
She was shocked, but she also looked nervous to see me.
Is this why she never came back? Because she had a kid?
I want to be mad, but...I somehow can't. What I want to know is who the bastard of her kid was.
"Do you...wanna sit?" She offered me the seat to her right.

NORMAL POV
Garou silently walked over and took a seat.
Nothing was said, neither of them knowing how to start.
Kaana had taken Kenji out of the stroller during the awkward silence, giving him his bottle.
Then, Kaana started, "So...it's been awhile."
"Over a year now," Garou stated bluntly.
Kaana pursed her lips, "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have left without any explanation. I was just...really angry at my sister. You were right, though. I wound up getting locked up for a while. Turns out, she became a hero like she wanted and she beat the hell out of me. Crazy, right?"
Garou didn't respond, but hung on every word she was saying. His gaze then fell on little Kenji, contently finishing his bottle, "And the kid?"
Kaana perked and looked at her nephew, "Oh, this little guy is Kenji," she removed the empty bottle from the infant's lips and lifted him up in her arms, almost like to present him to Garou. Kenji then started fussing.
Kaana noticed right away, but became flustered, "What's wrong, Kenji?"
Garou saw his discomfort and figured it out, first, "He has gas."
Kaana started hesitating, not really knowing how to go about burping him. Saya showed her how to do it, but couldn't remember how to hold him up, "Umm..."
Garou sighed and wordlessly grabbed the baby from her.
Kaana started to panic, but couldn't put her thoughts into words, "Uh--"
She stopped when she saw Garou lean Kenji forward on his lap, held his jaw from under his chin lightly and started patting his back.
As soon as he did that, Kenji let out a loud belch.
"There," Garou then held the boy up to his eye level, "Feel better, kid?"
Kenji started cooing, staring intently at the stranger that helped him.
Kaana blinked in astonishment, "How'd you know how to do that?" she asked.
Garou replied, still staring down the infant as he lowered him on his lap, "I do know how to read, you know."
"I'm surprised he isn't screaming. He doesn't take to strangers often," Kaana stated.
Kenji started reaching towards Garou's face, most likely wanting to grab his hair. Garou quickly intercepted his grabby hands, having the infant fiddle with his index finger, instead, "So, who's the guy you're with?"
"Huh?" Kaana started blankly at him, confusion evident on her face.
Garou glanced at her, "Kid's yours, right? Who's the father?"
Kaana's eyes widened when she realized the misunderstanding and then burst out laughing, leaving Garou very confused, "What's so funny?"
"You got it all wrong! He's my nephew!" Kaana replied between her fits of laughter, "You really thought he was mine?! I'm stunned, but I find that flattering!"
It clicked and he looked at the infant again, noticing no notable features indicating that he was even Kaana's. Especially with the hair, Garou immediately felt stupid, "He's your sister's kid?"
"Yeah, I'm babysitting for her!" Kaana started to calm down, a smile remaining, "Why do you think I didn't come back?"
"I see..." Garou felt a tremendous amount of relief after hearing this, glad that Kenji wasn't Kaana's.
"By the way," Kaana started, "How is it that you're even here? You told me that if you ever came back into the city, the Hero Association would lock you up."
"I struck a deal with them. If I refrain from fighting for a year, they'd take me off their list. Community service type deal, I guess," Garou explained, "I got nine months left, so as long as I behave, they won't throw me in prison. They have the old man watching me."
"You're staying at Bang's dojo? So, you're under the Rehabilitation Program," Garou nodded, "That means I can visit. You helping with classes or what?"
"I help instruct the Jr classes. The old man says I have a knack for it. Won't allow me anywhere near the adult classes, though. Can't say I blame him," Garou said, still keeping his attention on Kenji.
Kaana smiled, "Well, can't say he's wrong. You're handling Kenji very well."
"So, who's his old man, anyway? Kinda curious," Garou wondered.
Kaana suddenly paled, knowing that he wouldn't believe whose son he was holding, "You wouldn't believe me if I told you."
"What do you mean? Is his old man a hero or something?" Kaana bit her lip, looking away, "Come on, just tell me," Garou insisted.
"Would you like to come by for dinner?" Kaana asked suddenly, "You can meet my sister and her husband that way."
"I'm not allowed to visit civilian households," Garou told her, "If you want, you can bring your folks to the dojo for dinner. Just ask the old man, first."
"That's a great idea! Bang's been wanting to meet Kenji for some time now," Kaana said enthusiastically.
Garou took in her joyful reaction, "You seem happier than you used to be."
"Really? I haven't really noticed," Kaana smiled.
Garou frowned. Was she that miserable with him around?
"What wrong?" The redhead noticed his bleak demeanor.
Garou brushed it off, handing Kenji over, "It's nothing. Just call the old man, he'll set up dinner whenever."
Garou got up and was about to leave, "Garou?" He stopped and turned to look at Kaana smiling at him fondly, "It was so good to see you, again."
Garou blushed and quickly turned away to hide it, "Whatever."
Kaana brushed off the rude goodbye as he walked off. She couldn't help but feel utter elation. Garou had returned and he was at the dojo again!
Kaana can barely contain her excitement as she put Kenji back in the stroller and made to leave the bakery.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Later that day, Kaana managed to convince Saya and Saitama to come over to the dojo for dinner. Bang was also more than happy when she called to ask.
It was sundown, Garou had returned to the dojo, the adult classes in session.
He paid them no mind as he quietly entered the building, trying his best not to grasp the old man's attention, "Garou."
He stopped and saw Bang standing up front, observing the class, but side glancing his way. He knew he was caught. Begrudgingly, Garou walked over and stood next to his old Master.
There was a short silence before Bang spoke up, "Where have you been, boy?"
"Out," Garou answered curtly, both Masters watching the class.
Bang wasn't in a gaming mood, "Need I remind you that you are under my watch? Any place you go without my knowledge will be counted as a strike against you. You only get three of them. Tell me where you were and this won't be reported."
Garou clenched his fist behind his back as his other hand held it, same posture as Bang.
He knew he can't afford any strikes, not unless he wanted to get locked up for the rest of his life, "I was in the city. I ran into an old friend."
"A friend? Who might that be?" Bang inquired.
Garou glanced away, "You know her. Kaana?"
"Really?" Bang's eyes perked in interest, "How do you know Kaana? Childhood friend, perhaps? Small world, eh?"
"No. We met up in the mountains. Stayed up there for a few years before she left," Garou tried to keep the story brief.
Bang eyed him for a moment, suddenly coming to a revelation, "You were the one who taught her martial arts. We wondered how she knew our fighting styles when Bomb took her in, but she wouldn't tell us how. This does explain a few things."
Garou didn't respond, but was intrigued at the mention of Bomb taking her in. He knew nothing about that.
Then, Bang had to ask, "She wasn't your lover, was she?"
"Never," Garou responded, doing his damnedest not to react harshly to the question.
"Mm," Bang hummed, "Well, class will end shortly. I expect the dojo to be clean by 7 o'clock, understood?"
Garou grunted in response and Bang proceeded to end the class.
When Garou first returned, it was a shell shock for everyone. Students had started to return and when he came back, it took Bang's authority to assure everyone that they were safe.
There was definitely a lot of bad blood between him and the older students, Charanko especially.
He couldn't care less, but he had to figure a way to gain his former Master's trust. When Bang suggested that Garou help instruct the Jr classes with him, the young man was very reluctant.
Under Bang's supervision, Charanko and Bang found that Garou had a bit of a soft spot for kids. Seeing a side of Garou that was definitely out of the norm: Being, somewhat patient with them, taking moments to help any young student having trouble keeping up, encouraging some of the good, yet shy students to help.
Of course, Charanko would tease Garou about it any chance he got. However, the former Hero Hunter refrained from punching the puny disciple. He didn't need any strikes for stupid reasons.
When everyone left, Garou got started on wiping down the floors. When he was done, he set up the table and floor pillows.
Bang was actually the one to whip up dinner. It was simple, but nice. Different assortments of grilled fish, meat, vegetables and rice.
Charanko stuck around, too. He helped place the food on the table. Garou wasn't all too happy about this redhead sticking around, but he obviously couldn't say anything.
The two were alone in the area when they heard knocking at the door.
"I'll get it!" Charanko volunteered, rushing over to the door. Garou glared at him as he slid the door open.
When it opened, Garou saw Kaana standing there.
Charanko smile bashfully, rubbing the back of his head, "Good evening, Kaana. It's nice to see you again."
Garou's eyes narrowed, glaring harder and a inaudible growl emerged from his throat, 'So, the pissant has eyes for Kaana. He's got no chance.'
Kaana bowed at the door respectfully, "Likewise, Charanko."
"I see your family is with you. Please, come in," Charanko stepped to the side.
Kaana came in first, and when she saw Garou, her smile brightened, "Hey, Garou."
"Hey," Garou greeted as Kaana approached him.
"Garou?" A familiar voice reached his ears, this person sounding like he just remembered who Garou was. When Garou looked over, he felt his body freeze and his blood turning cold.
Standing there was Saitama in a T-shirt, and cargo shorts, his sandals left by the door. Next to him was a raven haired woman with a pixie cut and in her arms was Kenji.
Garou stood frozen, him gazing hard at the bald hero.
"Garou, this is my sister, Saya. And...you know Saitama..." Kaana awkwardly trailed off.
Garou looked at her, his expression still the same, "You can't be serious."
"I told you, you wouldn't believe me. Saitama is Kenji's father," Kaana deadpanned.
"So, it looks like you aren't hunting heroes anymore," Saitama addressed Garou, making the young man turn his full attention back to him, "Good for you, man."
"Um, thanks," Garou blinked, still trying to grasp that his former foe was related to Kaana. And had a kid, to boot!
That's when Bang entered the dojo floor, "Ah, our guests are here."
Kaana turned and bowed to him, "Hello, Bang. It's nice to see you again."
"Likewise, my dear," Bang smiled and turned to the couple, "Saya and Saitama. It's been a few months now. How's parenthood treating you two?"
"It's better than expected. Kenji's very well behaved for his age," Saya replied, looking at her son fondly.
Bang came closer, smiling warmly at the infant, "Well, hello there, Kenji. I've been looking forward to meeting you."
Kenji glanced at him quickly before burying his face in his mother's chest, grasping onto her shirt.
Saya smiled apologetically, "Sorry, he gets shy around new people."
"That's alright. I'm sure he'll warm up to me eventually," Bang chuckled, waving his hand dismissively, "Now then, why don't we sit down and eat?"
The family of three sat down, Kaana sitting in between Garou and Charanko on the opposite side while Bang sat at the head.
"Would you like some sake, Kaana?" Charanko offered with a smile.
Kaana smiled but, waved him off politely, "No, thank you, Charanko. I don't drink much."
Garou was pretty quiet, but was giving the ginger a seething glare while he was trying to get on Kaana's good side.
"So, Garou," Garou glanced up, Saya sitting across from him as she addressed him, "I heard about you awhile back. A Hero Hunter, huh?"
Garou didn't respond, Saya took notice and reassured, "I understand if you're not comfortable talking about it. Although, I'm wondering how you know my sister. She's two years older than you, so maybe you went to school together?"
"No," Garou finally responded, "We met in the mountains. We watched each other's backs."
Saya blinked at him, her expression indifferent.
Charanko spoke up, addressing Kaana, "You two lived up in the mountains together? That must've been something."
"Not really. He trained me, and the mountains are really make for good mental training, as well. We've lived up there for a few years, so we're pretty close friends," Kaana explained.
Garou glanced her way, a twinge of anger and annoyance stabbed at him when he heard 'close friends', but quickly dismissed it.
"So, Saya told me that the Association is having you go through a rehabilitation program, right? Just like they did with Kaana," Saitama spoke up, Garou now looking his way and perked at this new information.
"Kaana did?" Garou blinked.
Bang then jumped in, "That was why she was under the watchful eye of my brother. When Kaana came around, she had tried to attack her sister. That resulted in her being locked up because she posed as a danger to herself and others. Saya was the one who told the Association to give her a chance, saying discipline would set her mind straight. Now, she is a respectful young woman. Isn't that right, my dear?"
Kaana chuckled sheepishly, rubbing her head, "Yeah. Even though living in the mountains helped some, it was clear I was still pretty messed up."
"That's an understatement," Garou muttered, taking a bite of his food.
That earned him an elbow to the right of his ribs from an annoyed Kaana.
He grunted and held the spot, sending a hot glare her way, "Damn, take a joke!"
"Relax, you two," Bang warned, wanting to defuse any argument that could arise.
Just then, Kenji started fussing in Saya's arms.
Saya started to bounce him, hopefully to calm him down, but only proved to agitate him even more.
"Now, look, you upset the kid, Garou," Charanko jeered.
Garou this time, didn't hide his anger, turning his way and growling at the man.
Saya sighed, knowing what was wrong, "No, he's just hungry. Please, excuse me," Saya got up, taking Kenji away as he started to whine.
A little bit after Saya left, they ate silently. However, Garou couldn't help his growing curiosity, eyeing the bald hero, who ate animatedly, "So, Baldy..."
"Hm?" Saitama looked at him in acknowledgement, halting his movement.
Garou pointed at him, "How did someone like you end up getting hitched and settled?"
Saitama blinked at the question, "Um, well, it just kinda happened. We met at the supermarket. It was rocky, at first, but we ended up getting married almost year later. That was three years ago."
"You don't strike me as the fatherly type, either. Was the kid an accident?" Garou raised a brow.
Kaana snapped at him, appalled at the question, "Garou!"
Saitama didn't reply, his brow furrowed, a frown etched on his face.
Garou looked at Kaana, perplexed, "I'm just asking! I got nothing against the kid!"
"Watch what you say about my son," Saitama's tone was even and low, but it sent a chill up the younger man's spine, making him look back at the older man, "It's none of your business whether or not he was planned. Get it?"
Garou set his jaw. He didn't show it, but didn't want to get on the cue-ball's bad side. The tension had gotten thicker during the whole minute of that conversation.
Just then, Saya came back with a now happy Kenji.
Saya quickly felt how tense the air was. She knelt back down, planting a hand on Saitama's shoulder, "Saitama? Is something wrong?"
Saitama gave her a ghost of a smile, "Nothing. How was his feeding?" Saitama went to take Kenji from her.
Saya smiled as she sat back down, "He eats like a champ. Just like his daddy."
Garou didn't know what to think about this unusual scene.
Saitama was bouncing Kenji playfully, the baby boy squealing in delight.
The most powerful man in the world, was sitting there, happy as can be with a baby in his arms.
Dinner proceeded quietly after. After dinner, they chatted and Bang finally got a chance to hold Kenji, who took a liking to pulling at his mustache. Bang, surprisingly, didn't mind this and only expressed that all infants are curious. Before long, Kenji wound up tuckering out in his arms.
"He's quite adorable, Saya. Holding the little one makes me feel almost like a grandpa," Bang chuckled, a now sleeping Kenji cuddled in his arms.
Saitama, arms crossed and watching, stated, "You are old, after all."
"Saitama, be nice," Saya lightly scolded as she walked over to take her son back, "It's getting pretty late. We should bring him home."
"Of course. Feel free to stop by anytime. It's always a pleasure," Bang smiled, handing Kenji over gently.
Saya and Saitama went on home with Kenji. Kaana stayed behind to help clean up.
"I appreciate the help, Kaana," Bang thanked her as she picked up the empty plates.
Kaana smiled at him, "It's no trouble. By the way, where did Charanko run off to?"
"He went on home. It was getting late, after all," Bang replied, and there was a comfortable silence before he asked, "I've been meaning to ask you something, Kaana, but I did not want to ask in the company of your family."
Kaana stopped and turned to him, "Ask about what?"
"It's about Garou," Bang's tone became more serious, laced with concern, "You say you two were close. Did...something happen between you?"
"What makes you say that?" Kaana questioned, becoming a little apprehensive about the line of questioning.
"The behavior he's displayed had me curious. I've noticed over dinner the glares he was sending over at Charanko. Anything pertaining towards you. It seems Garou is almost possessive of you," Bang speculated, "Are your sure there is nothing between you two?"
"I understand what you're saying, but Garou isn't like that. If you must know, we almost died up there. We watched over one another. Took care of one another," Kaana explained, "I also left with no explanation, it made him worry. He's just making sure that I'm okay, it's natural for him, but he doesn't feel anything towards me. Not like that, anyway. And neither do I."
Silence filled the room again as Bang mulled over her words.
"I see," Bang accepted her explanation, "Well, I just wanted you to be aware. Garou is rough around the edges but he is trying to better himself, much like you did. As his friend, I'd like you to help him on his journey."
"Of course," Kaana nodded, "Well, I'm going to go get the dishes done."
Bang nodded to her and she left the room. She silently breathed a sigh of relief as soon as she was out of Bang's sight, glad that he had bought her last claim.
Little did she realize that she had an eavesdropper. Garou was in the corridor and he heard everything.
"A friend...?" he was standing against the wall, his voice barely above a whisper as he scowled, "Why did I expected anything more?"
He said that, and yet, he felt this near unbearable pang in his chest, her words repeating in his head.
He clenched his fist, his angered expression turning solemn, "What did I expect...? A woman like her, with a freak like me? She'd never look my way."
Garou turned to head to the spare room to turn in. On his way, he had, ironically, bumped into Kaana as she was going back to grab the rest of the dishes.
"Oh, Garou! Can you help with..." Kaana trailed off as Garou just seemed to ignore her and just strut his way passed her. She watched as he hung a right, out of sight, "Garou?" she heard a door slam.
Garou threw himself on the bed, staring holes into the ceiling. He was now questioning everything he was doing. He only came back for Kaana. He wanted to be with her. But now?
'She doesn't feel anything for me. Why the hell am I even here, then?' Garou shut his eyes tightly, letting his arm lay above his head, 'Should I just leave?'
As soon as he thought about leaving, that horrible pang in his chest came back with a vengeance. He knew that, that wasn't going to happen. Kaana expected to see him, now that they've seen each other again. Leaving would devastate her. Just like it was for him.
'Dammit. I can't,' Garou groaned to himself, 'Why the fuck is life always against me?! I hate this! Fuck it, I'll worry about this in the morning.'
Garou turned over, his mind still racing as he closed his eyes.
What was he going to do, now?