Chapter Text
Imagine Saitama undergoing that progression of "I like you" to "I love you" to "I'm in love with you."
He realizes he likes Genos when he sees how smart Genos is, how hardworking, how dedicated to his pursuit of power and strength. He really does want to teach Genos things, but what can he contribute when Genos is already amazing and perfect? And yeah, it's a guy, but this is definitely a crush what the hell. Pfft, he'll get over it. He always does.
He realizes he loves Genos when he finds him in the rubble after a fight with a monster, limbs askew and eyes dark. Saitama's heart stops, but as he approaches, those (dear) golden eyes open up again and he inquires loudly as to whether the people and his Sensei are safe. He defeated the monster, did you see Sensei? Yes, yes you did, Genos, good job. As he gathers Genos in his arms, his heart beats again, harder and louder. Oh.
He realizes he's in love when he wakes up in the middle of the night to the sound of hiccuping sobs. He turns to his side and sees Genos, his eyes clenched shut and tears trailing down his cheeks and dropping on his pillow. Saitama sleepily rolls over to Genos' futon and pulls him in, trapping him against his chest and placing his cheek against soft, yellow hair. The action makes Genos sob louder and he attempts to push Saitama away, but he refuses to budge and just holds on tighter. Later, as Genos falls into a fitful sleep, Saitama looks down at his face and the blue light of his core and thinks that there's nothing he wouldn't do to keep his home safe and happy right here in his arms.