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The steady beeping of machines rang through the halls. Gen had been listening to it for the past few days, eagerly awaiting the return of his beloved.
Chrome entered his room just after he had set aside his deck of cards to turn in for the night. Gen was ecstatic when he learned that the arrival of the space crew would be earlier than initially planned.
The cold air whipped the longer, pale strand of hair that fell beside his face. Gen could only feel warmth and excitement when he and the others finally spotted the ship on its way down, a tiny spot in the sky that seemed so far away, and yet that he knew was already so close.
A red light flickered at the side of his vision. Gen didn't care, he was too focused on the sight above their heads, feeling like he could just reach out and grab the machine already.
The unmistakable sound of sirens suddenly blared. Gen's blood ran cold in an instant when he spotted a trail of smoke on the side of the spaceship that didn't belong, and he barely heard the people around him shout out in panic.
Three silhouettes could be seen through the doors that had been thrown open to reveal a fiery hellscape within the spaceship. Gen screamed, running without covering any distance as strong arms held him back, keeping him from jumping into the same flames that were hiding the fourth silhouette that must be in there.
Senku…
Senku.
Senku!!!
His surroundings faded to black.
~
Xeno Houston Wingfield didn't think of himself as a particularly emotional person. But naturally, he mourned the death of his student. Aside from the fact that the loss of Senku Ishigami was a tragedy that would be felt by all of humanity through the setbacks it would put in scientific progress… There was no denying the personal connection he had to the man. No other student had he taught as long as he did Dr. Senku, and no other pupil of his would be able to even come close to surpassing his own knowledge and skills. While Xeno remained and would do his best to further the goals they had now all agreed on, it was going to be both much more strenuous and much less fun for him.
At least, that's what one would assume.
While his mourning was genuine, as well as the potential setbacks this incident would cause, hope was far from lost for the few that knew. Those few being Chrome and himself, as well as Stanley, but he was still in the care of doctors following his injuries from the crash.
“You got the chip?” The young, aspiring scientist questioned as he came into the lab that morning. It was clear to Xeno that the man hadn't had a wink of sleep last night, which was understandable. Although he doubted Senku would have had the same response to his own mentor's death.
“It's in perfect condition,” he responded. “It seems Dr. Senku's plan was more sound than I had dared to hope… What an elegant turn of events,” he replied, gesturing with long nails to a glass case on the desk in front of him. Inside was a small memory chip, not an unusual sight for a modern man like himself, but within it hidden an unimaginable experiment that he was admittedly itching to test.
“So it's going to work?” Chrome asked, perking up with that now familiar look in his eyes, of excitement, hope, and utter belief in the power of science. Any God would consider themselves fortunate to have such a faithful follower, and Xeno was glad for the absence of religion in this world to lead the young man to the most elegant celestial force of all, science.
“My hopes are as high as yours, Dr. Chrome. But I will not switch on the robot before I'm certain that he will wake. The rush leading up to the launch meant that Dr. Senku had to prioritize the chip, not the vessel. It still needs some finishing touches.”
“Right! Of course. Shouldn’t get ahead of ourselves.. So, what do we need to do to get the robot working?” The young scientist’s enthusiasm wasn’t shaken even for a moment, something that Xeno admired.
“For one, the joints aren’t completed yet. They’re movable, but they’ll need to be oiled if Dr. Senku really wants to move them smoothly on command. Can you and Kaseki take care of that?” he asked, glancing towards the man.
“Oiling joints, seriously? You’re still underestimating us. We’ll be done in no time,” Chrome declared confidently, a fist balling up as he turned to head out to fetch the old craftsman. Before he left, he glanced back at Xeno. “And then I want you to show me how we’re going to start up the guy. Senku’s… not here right now. So, you’re gonna need someone’s help with it,” he said with a smirk, although Xeno didn’t miss the look in his eyes. Even if he didn’t want to show it, he was still worried about if this was going to work.
Still, the words earned a chuckle from him. “Very well. An extra pair of hands should prove useful. Come back to me afterwards, and we’ll go through the process. I’m certain Dr. Senku wants you to be a part of it too.”
With that, the young scientist left the lab with his shoulders set, and Xeno returned to his own work. But as he thought further, his gaze settled on the preserved memory chip.
No matter how painfully stubborn and, despite what other members of the kingdom would say about him, stupidly lucky Senku was, this particular death of his was unlike the others. The chip in front of him was only condensed data, frozen in time moments before his death when it was activated to enter a protective sleep mode, ensuring it would successfully survive the damage Senku's body took. And thank their joined genius minds that it did, but the situation was still far from ideal.
This time, Senku's brain, now stored in technology, wasn't moving. He wasn't thinking. An optimistic person could say that he had been granted a break from his own brilliance, but Xeno knew better. This was a disaster for the young man, but not because his mind couldn't race to solve the next problems facing humanity.
Senku had most certainly lost count. For the first time in thousands of years, he wouldn't know what time it was when he woke up. Although his student would owe him for bringing him back to life in the first place, Xeno took out his notes from the man's autopsy that he had performed himself. After everything he had achieved, the mentor decided he could do his student this one service.
He found the time of death, glancing over to the clock and after a moment's calculations, he started a timer. An elegant ticking clock in his mind, so he could deliver an immediate result to him once he awoke.
~
“Thank you.” Tsukasa nodded in gratitude at the skilled chef that had, as usual, just prepared a fresh, hot tray of breakfast. He took the tray carefully in both hands, not having much trouble balancing the two meals, rich with nutrients while catering to exact tastes of the two men they were intended for.
Nobody questioned it as he walked through the mess hall instead of taking what used to be his usual seat at the power team's table, now missing two members as Kohaku was still in medical care following the aftermath of the crash. Nobody even looked his way, knowing it was no use to ask where he was headed with an ice cold bottle of cola on one corner of the tray.
The stretch to Gen's hut wasn't long, and he carefully knocked on the door, waited for a beat, and opened it.
“Good morning, Gen.” He stepped inside although uninvited, letting the door shut behind him lightly before approaching the man hunched over in his bed, staring at the sheets that still covered his lower body.
The only response he received from the shell of a man before him was a slight nod, and Tsukasa didn't doubt that the other would have trouble speaking in that moment, even if he had wanted to in the first place. But if Tsukasa was anything, it was patient, and he didn't need a verbal response from Gen to know that his presence helped. He had seen it several times over the last few days as the other clutched onto his coat, trying unsuccessfully to hide his tears, and he saw it now in the way Gen's breathing was a little calmer than it had been when he had entered the room.
He wasn't a man of too many words, unlike Gen, but ironically, his steady presence and regular visits seemed to at least be doing something for the magician. As much as anything could help him in this state, having lost the man closest to him. Although his own love for Mirai was different in nature, he didn't want to imagine a situation in which her end would be as final, as absolute as the firey end to Senku's life.
Keeping the tray of food between them, Tsukasa picked up the sandwich prepared for him and quietly took a bite. When Gen didn't move until he swallowed, he decided to speak. “You should eat, before it's completely cold.”
A soft, rather indifferent hum came out of the other. He shouldn't have expected much more, but that didn't stop him from being concerned, as usual. Knowing that showing this concern wouldn't help, he took another bite out of his own sandwich, shifting his gaze to the barely opened curtains on one end of his hut.
Perhaps he could spend the day clearing up Gen's hut. A cold shiver ran through him at the memory of the mental space he'd been in once he was finally able to live on his own. What should have been a relief, and was, to an extent, was also a second hell until he'd learned to truly discipline himself. Find a way to balance every aspect of his life alone, at an age where children should still be led by nurturing parents.
A helping hand would have meant everything to him back then, which was why he intimately understood the importance of having someone to lean on, and was more than willing to be Gen's helping hand.
That… and because he himself needed a distraction from the pain of Senku Ishigami’s death.
Although he knew that he had no influence on the man’s death in the spaceship, a gut-wrenching guilt threatened to overwhelm him each time he remembered the last glimpse he had of their leader’s body. As if the moment he had decided that he wished death upon him, all those years ago, when the stone world was a simpler place, and he desired to keep it that way… That was the moment in which he had irrevocably sealed Senku’s fate. And if he hadn’t, if he had sought out the friendship he thought he could never have, things would have somehow magically turned out different, and Senku would be celebrating humanity’s ultimate victory with the entirety of the Kingdom of Science.
A light pressure on his shoulder thankfully brought him out of those spiraling thoughts, and he cleared his mind a bit as he focused on it. Looking down, he saw Gen’s sleek, black hair covering his shoulder, and noticed that it had gotten longer than he usually kept it, evidence of the fact Tsukasa already knew, that Gen hadn’t been taking care of himself either, much less of his surroundings.
He finished his sandwich before shifting carefully to open the bottle of cola without disturbing Gen’s head. He held it in front of the other, ensuring he would be able to smell his favourite drink. “Take a sip, Gen,” he instructed calmly.
After a patient moment’s wait, Gen pushed himself back up, taking the bottle before sipping slowly from it. Good, at least he would get something into his body today. Tsukasa wasn’t good at small talk, but perhaps it was worth a try.
“It’s getting colder in the nights, isn’t it? Even I had to go to Yuzuriha and request another top. The lion’s pelt is warm, but it won’t be enough at this rate.”
The drink, along with the attempted conversation seemed to at least distract Gen a bit, as he was able to inspect the food on the tray Tsukasa had brought. “Maybe… Most nights feel cold.”
Of course… “Would you like to come with me when I pick it up? We could ask her to arrange something for you as well,” he offered.
He considered it before shaking his head slightly. “I already have winter clothes.”
“Even with your layers, I don’t think it would harm to have something extra.” Especially since the other had lost weight recently, on top of already being quite a skinny man…
Although his tone was gentle, in no way trying to pressure Gen, it seemed to work to convince him. “Maybe… But not today.”
“Of course,” he agreed immediately, knowing he needed to take what he could get. “We’ll see each other, so you can tell me when you’d like to go.”
Gen nodded again, and relief spread through him as he saw the other pick up his wrap, slowly starting to work on eating it. Tsukasa didn’t look, now instead trying to focus as much as he could on his protein shake. At least another step in the right direction had been taken, even if the goal of Gen’s health, both mental and physical, was still a long way away.
Having to put more effort than most into coming up with any kind of small talk, Tsukasa was glad to have found another topic. He had just opened his mouth to speak, when there was a knock at the door, causing both his and Gen’s heads to snap towards it.
That was not normal. The mentalist had made his wish to not see anybody other than Tsukasa at the moment clear. He hadn’t even wanted Francois to come in and check on him even after both Ryusui and his butler had insisted that it would not be any trouble, and instead only of benefit.
It made absolutely no sense for anybody in the kingdom to want to violate this rule. But that knock couldn’t be any kind of coincidence, somebody wanted to see Gen.
When nothing else followed, Tsukasa glanced down at the smaller man, waiting for his response despite seeing the doubt in his face.
“Could you… check?” he asked, his voice a little weaker than it had been the last time he spoke. Still, Tsukasa nodded and carefully set the tray to the side before standing up. He made his way to the door, only opening it a crack, so he didn’t have to reveal the visitor to Gen yet.
To his surprise, it was Senku’s mentor who greeted him with a nod.
“Mr. Shishio. Is Mr. Gen at home?” he asked in fluent, but slightly accented Japanese.
“What do you need from him?” he asked back, not bothering to reply in the other’s native tongue.
“I wish to speak with him. It’s a rather urgent matter, and I believe I can help him.”
The other’s expression didn’t betray anything, but Tsukasa was still sceptical. He turned around to Gen, who he was certain heard the interaction. Sure enough, he met his gaze immediately, waiting once more. After a moment, Gen nodded.
“Come in.” He held the door open for Xeno, closing it after him before leaning closer, so his next words would be between them. “Do not hurt him.” After that, he returned to his place on the bed next to Gen, sitting a bit closer to him this time. He knew this was a risk, but he was not about to disrespect Gen’s wishes. That didn’t mean that he couldn’t change his mind at any time, and he would be ready if that moment came.
Xeno seemed to mostly ignore what Tsukasa said to him, or perhaps he just didn’t want to give anything away as he waited for a moment before speaking. “I am deeply sorry for your loss, Mr. Gen. The accident was as unfair as it was unforseen. It never should have happened.”
Although his gaze was locked on Xeno, he felt Gen’s body cave in slightly beside him. He could hear the other’s inhale shakier than it had been before, likely struggling with being directly confronted with what had happened for the first time since Tsukasa had held him back from rushing in to stop the accident himself. His hand practically moved on its own, behind Gen to rest on his far shoulder and squeeze lightly, bringing the man a bit closer to himself in an attempt to offer him comfort and a way to ground himself from spiraling thoughts.
“Despite the properties of the Medusa, I am not able to reanimate the dead… But I can give you a way to talk to Senku again.”
He hadn’t expected his own jaw to physically drop at the clearly mad scientist’s words. What would give him the motivation to say something like this? When a good portion of the kingdom, including both Xeno and himself, had seen first hand that Senku’s body had been mangled by the fire beyond help of even the technological abilities of the Medusa. To Gen, a man broken by the greatest loss he could imagine, and who was already starting to tremble in Tsukasa’s hold.
It had stunned him to the point that he wasn’t able to speak soon enough to stop Xeno from making it worse.
“While most of our concentration leading up to the moon mission was on the rocket, Dr. Senku and I spent a lot of time on another project. An elegant piece of technology: an accurate humanoid robot, built to resemble him, should any kind of accident occur during the mission.”
Xeno was mad. From the moment he had been brought back to this world, he strove to make a mockery of nature, of all that was beautiful in life granted to humanity. Tsukasa fought the burning rage within himself in order to keep still, knowing that causing a scene in front of Gen would only hurt him further. He had long since come to terms with pursuing a world whose foundation was science, but this was not something he could stand for.
It seemed that he wasn’t alone in his thoughts.
“He’s dead, Xeno…” a soft voice came, and immediately, Tsukasa’s grip on the man’s shoulder loosened. He realised that in this moment, it wasn’t about the bigger picture, and what all had gone wrong since they joined forces with the Americans. With the three of them in this room, men from extremely different backgrounds and with vastly different ideals, it was about Gen. And it was about Gen’s Senku. He held his tongue.
Clearly having expected that response, Xeno shook his head calmly. “It isn’t just that. The robot was the easy part, a vessel for the memory chip we implanted in Senku before he left. It was his idea, and although we both hoped it would be unnecessary, the chip survived. Every piece of data inside Senku’s mind is stored in it, all up until his final moments. It worked as intended, and our next step is to transfer it to the robot and activate it.” Although the man’s eyes had been practically shining as he spoke of their supposed achievement, his gaze shifted as he tilted his head slightly, his eyes still on Gen. “As the man closest to Senku… I felt it appropriate to offer you the chance to be there when he awakes.”
This rather one-sided conversation made Tsukasa feel nautious. There was no doubt that Dr. Xeno was a genius, that fact had been proven time and time again. And if he wasn’t lying, and this had been Senku’s wish, and he had even worked on the project himself… Then just maybe there was some optimism to be had. Although he was still extremely sceptical, he knew that the decision would be Gen’s in the end. So he waited patiently for the answer, keeping still right next to him. When after a bit, nothing came, he decided to speak softly. “What would you like to do, Gen..?”
Shallow, unsteady breaths were all that left the other’s lips for another moment. Understandably, this was a huge decision. “I… don’t know…”
If Xeno was disappointed by the response, his features didn’t even hint at it. Tsukasa was no mentalist, but he was pretty sure that the other held back much of a reaction to not make this already painful ordeal for Gen any worse.
“I understand. You don’t need to be certain right now. Dr. Chrome and I are still making some final preparations, he won’t awaken immediately. Feel free to contact either of us at any time.” The pale man turned to leave, but glanced back when he was at the door. For the first time, Tsukasa recognised something that he believed to be empathy in the other’s expression. He didn’t recognise it because of any obvious tells, like Gen might be able to. He noticed it because it seemed as though the emotion was as rare on Xeno’s features as it was on his own, in the past having been almost solely reserved for his dear sister.
“For this, or anything else you might need. Goodbye, Mr. Gen.”
~
Ryusui was sweating. He couldn’t take the heat anymore. It was all around him, burning his skin every time he moved. It was even inside him. He could feel it blazing in his lungs along with the smoke blocking it from getting out, and he could feel it in his stomach, trapping him completely in a never-ending inferno.
The world around him was red, but in the unyielding flames that surrounded him, there was something else. Just out of reach, the contrasting colour taunting him from a distance. It was green, and he knew he had to get to it, as excruciating as every twitch of his muscles was. But not only was the fire threatening to consume him completely. There was a set of arms, something stronger than he was, trying desperately to drag him away from his goal.
And then, he heard it. A scream that he had never heard before. Not when Senku Ishigami was impaled by the claws of an evil man. Not when he had been shot, the first or second time. Not when he had survived a plane crash while not having fully recovered from his other injuries.
His eyes shot open, but darkness was all that greeted him as he breathed heavily, the faux sensation of smoke still filling his airways.
“Master Ryusui,” a calm voice spoke beside him, and already, he let out a shaky sigh of relief. His skin was uncomfortable all over, the heat in his dream being contrasted with the thin layer of cold sweat that was his reality.
As had now become routine, he reached out for the glass of water that Francois had prepared for him, seeming to know exactly when his nightmare would wake him. If he hadn’t known his butler for this long, he would wonder how they managed it.
After a few careful sips, he handed the glass back, trying to get into a comfortable position while not shifting any of the bandages that littered his body, covering the burns he suffered after trying unsuccessfully to save his leader. “Thank you, Francois…” he spoke softly, his voice still raspy. He didn’t need to turn to them in the dark to see their polite nod.
Before he could voice his request, his butler switched on a dim light to the side of his bed. Ryusui found himself thankful that technology had passed flame torches or gas lanterns, because he was pretty sure he wouldn’t be able to look at a fire for a while.
“What time is it..?”
“4:42 in the morning. It will be at least another four hours until your morning check up,” he was informed.
Definitely too early to get anything done, not that his physical state really allowed for much. But with just a few hours left, he didn’t really feel like going back to sleep either. Not when he already knew the hell that would greet him in the dream world.
“I’ll get some fresh air, I think,” he said to Francois, his voice still rough as he carefully shifted his legs off the side of the bed. His crutches were held before him a moment later, and although it still felt so wrong to be constrained to having to move around with them, he took a hold of them to help himself up. He knew that if he wanted to heal as quickly as possible, he would need to use them.
Francois accompanied him outside. It was still completely dark, the night sky clear above their heads. Ryusui hesitated before looking up, already knowing that he would see the full moon right above them. It was gorgeous, unbelievably bright against the dark night sky. He was no stranger to the sight of the moon, having always appreciated it as a symbol of beauty and romance… And he didn’t give a damn about how far away it was, it hadn’t made Ryusui hesitate even briefly in his desire for it, too.
But now that he had it, had fearlessly conquered the long journey to the moon and back, all that was left was emptiness. What else could remain, when the moon had taken away one of the things he treasured most: His invaluable friendship with Senku Ishigami, one of the only people in this world who truly understood him.
As he stared up at the moon and mostly silent tears fell down his cheeks, he was alone. Francois had left to give him some privacy. It was just him, the stars, and somewhere, among them, Senku.
~
Chrome couldn’t believe the moment had finally come. Like the rest of the kingdom, he was obviously distraught at the confirmation of Senku’s death. But, already being the optimistic man he was, and with the knowledge of Xeno’s and Senku’s top secret project that he’d worked hard to pry information out of from his mentor, he was more hopeful than ever. However, that didn’t simply cancel out the anxieties he still had. Despite going through the theory of the procedure several times, as well as all the mechanical quirks of the robot before them, it was still hard to wrap his mind around the idea that they were really about to revive someone. A project of humanity’s making alone, with no technological influence from the Medusa. It was exhilarating.
At least, that was what he and Xeno hoped, with all their being. Although he probably couldn’t grasp just how ground-breaking of an experiment this was, even as Xeno explained to him how far the modern world had been from achieving a success, he knew that the risk of Senku not waking up was real. But for now, while they didn’t have an answer, Chrome wouldn’t stop believing. Which was hard when he was supposed to keep the project a secret, on top of it!
But now was the pivotal moment of this experiment, and in the best case scenario, it wouldn’t have to be kept a secret any longer. Chrome stood near Xeno, watching his every move with baited breath as he finally inserted the memory chip into Senku’s new body. The only other person present was Stanley Snyder. Although he didn’t really find it necessary for him to be there, he knew there was no point in arguing about it with Xeno. They were just like that, not meant to be separated.
“Now… It’s time to commence.” Xeno’s eyes shone with the same love for science that he knew from both himself and Senku. But after a moment, those dark eyes were fixed on him with a serious look. “Do not be disappointed if it doesn’t work on the first try, Dr. Chrome. As thorough as our preparations have been, there’s no guarantee yet.”
He rolled his eyes in response, waving a hand in front of him. “Come on, you think I got to this point without failure? I know what that feels like, and I know not to let it get to me. No real scientist would! So, lets get this started.” Get excited. The words almost slipped past his lips, but he held back, deciding that the catchphrase should be saved for when the experiment succeeded.
The last compartment on Senku’s new, mechanical body was shut and sealed. Xeno took a step to his left, reaching out for the lever that was about to show them if their weeks of hard work had been useless or not. If the months leading up to the launch had been enough for the breakthrough they might be about to witness. Chrome was completely tense, feeling none of the wonder and excitement he felt the first time he had seen another person petrified, or even when he had first had the honour of experiencing it first hand. All he felt was an almost sickening dread in the pit of his stomach, even though his heart was filled with hope.
The lever turned smoothly. There was no spark, no whir of machinery like he had imagined there would be. All three men held their breath, three pairs of eyes focused solely on the robot in front of them.
Finally, there was a sound. Chrome couldn’t make out exactly what it was. Something akin to a dog choking on a bone, and before he could understand what it was, he jumped slightly as the robot moved on its own, lurching up into a sitting position, but leaning further forward than it should. His eyes lit up and he grinned almost painfully. “Senku!”
The robot’s head moved, turning to the older scientist. “How-”
Before he could finish, Xeno spoke. “2,186,582 seconds.”
Even though Chrome had so much he wanted to tell Senku, to ask him, he held back for a moment, almost bouncing in place in excitement.
Odd sounds continued to leave Senku’s new body, until they evened out and he realised that the other was trying to simulate breathing. Of course, he had no real lungs, so it was only noise that came out of his implanted speakers. That must be a weird feeling…
“Under a month, then… You guys actually managed it,” Senku spoke, relief conveyed clearly even though his voice was noticeably synthetic. A mild shiver ran down Chrome’s spine as he realised it sounded just like the radio voice, Why-man imitating Senku, except this was the real deal.
“‘Course we did! And now you’re back! This is bad!” he exclaimed, still grinning as he took a step closer to Senku.
“Yeah…” Senku’s mouth didn’t move as he spoke, but his head tilted so he could look at his own body. He started bending one of the knee joints, his opposite hand starting to open and close. Right! He must be needing a bit to get used to being a robot! “Where are the others?”
Although Senku didn’t look at any of them as he spoke, it was clear who he meant. Stanley straightened up, taking a few steps further into the room. “Safe. Kohaku was released from medical care six days ago, and Ryusui today. He suffered the most serious burns out of the three of us.”
Senku nodded, the movement a little janky. It was difficult for Chrome to discern much emotion from the other, his face completely unmoving, but he was sure he heard strain in the other’s voice. “Where’s Gen?”
He noticed the glance Xeno and Stanley shared, and knew it was going to be hard to tell Senku the state his partner was in. As someone who knew the feeling of seeing someone so close to him sick, he tried to swallow the lump that formed in his throat.
“Gen has spent most of the last month in his hut. Tsukasa Shishio has been taking care of him.”
“I need to see him first.” There wasn’t even a hint of uncertainty in his tone. And as eager as Chrome was to learn all about the new Senku, to know every detail of what he felt, to share with him his own discoveries from since he left to the moon, he knew Senku. As devoted as he was to science and to their goal of restoring humanity, he also loved Gen. The world had waited 3,700 years, then another seven, and now a month for the genius that was Senku Ishigami. A little while longer was nothing in comparison, especially when it was what the other clearly needed.
“We’ll help you. Try and stand,” Xeno said, and Stanley immediately moved next to the bed, seemingly ready to aid Senku if needed. Ah… So that was why he was there. Maybe the Americans had seen this coming.
After having to shift to get into a position he could stand up in, Senku almost tipped forward. Out of instinct, Chrome reached for him, but Stanley was quicker and most certainly stronger. All that metal certainly wasn’t light, but it didn’t seem to be an issue for the soldier as he held him up by one of his arms.
“Thanks..”
Xeno turned to Chrome. “We’ll take him to Gen first. I need you to stay here, document what’s happened so far, and when we come back, I’ll finish the rest.”
Immediately, he frowned. That was not how he wanted to spend the first moments with Senku, his best friend, back… But unfortunately, his mind knew that Xeno was right. As frustrating as it was, Chrome’s position meant that he didn’t really need to go with them, as much as he wanted to. “It’s alright, I get it. Good luck,” he said to them, straightening up a bit and having to force a smile this time.
Senku glanced back at him, emotions unreadable despite the weight of the other’s gaze on him. Chrome wondered if it had been a good idea to plaster a permanent neutral expression on his face, but it was a little late now…
“Thank you, Chrome.”
~
Xeno had already filled him in on the most important information. Still, Stanley hadn’t really known what to expect when they woke Senku in the lab that day. Somehow, he hadn’t expected the mechanical touch to his voice, or the fact that the metal would be cold to the touch when he helped him stand straight. Although the feeling of cold metal was familiar to him, it felt wrong in this situation. However, seeing that the experiment had worked took at least part of the unexpected guilt he had felt at escaping the crash mostly unscathed.
“Lean on me. We’ll get you to Gen.” He had managed to gather that much as the others spoke, having spent enough time around the Japanese to understand simpler sentences.
Instead of a verbal response, he felt Senku shift his weight, but it was hard to tell how intentional it was. Understandably, the feeling of a new body seemed very foreign to him. It would likely take him a while to get used to.
Stanley waited for Xeno to open the door for them before they left, headed to the mostly lonely hut at the edge of their settlement. The village, as the others still called it.
“Gen knows about this, but he doesn’t know that you’ve already returned. He’s… still shaken,” Xeno warned.
Right, Xeno had mentioned his conversation with Gen, and that he didn’t think it was a good idea to pressure him into making a decision. Perhaps the young magician wouldn’t be thrilled to find out that they had went ahead with reviving Senku before talking to him again, but it was clearly the right thing to do. He was certain Gen would understand that in time.
“Alright.”
The stiff response matched Senku’s movements as they finally reached the door. It was rather late, the sun having set a few hours ago. The settlement was quiet, and only a faint light could be seen from inside the hut before them. Senku raised the fist from the arm that Stanley wasn’t holding, bringing it to the wooden door and knocking. At least, attempted to. It might not have been intentional, but the sound was louder than a knock normally was, the door shaking more than it should have at the impact.
Stanley left it uncommented, and he noticed Xeno try not to tense up as they waited for an answer from inside. He only perked up when he heard footsteps approach them. Heavier than the lean magician’s, which meant that Tsukasa had probably been inside with him.
The door only opened a sliver. “What are you-” The tall man’s angry gaze vanished immediately, leaving only shock when deep brown eyes settled on what stood between Stanley and Xeno. “You’ve…”
“Tsukasa. I need to see him.” His words were clear, and Stanley could feel the sincerity in his tone, even if it didn’t show in the coldness of his body. Although Tsukasa shook his head lightly in disbelief, he stepped aside for Senku, and for Stanley to lead him inside. “Gen…”
It was the first time that Stanley had laid eyes on him since the crash as well. Of the Japanese, Gen had been the one he knew best, aside from perhaps Ryusui after having shared long hours training with him. So of course, he could tell the difference in the man’s state, and it was worse than Xeno had described to him. He hadn’t cut his hair in a while, probably unable to wash it for at least a week too. Dark circles were visible beneath his eyes, and he guessed that the man hadn’t had a full night’s sleep in almost a month now. It wasn’t just his eyes that showed signs of fatigue, too. Whatever was visible of his body was significantly bonier than it used to be. He found himself hoping that Tsukasa had managed to feed him at least a bit over the past weeks.
“Sen…ku..?” came a soft, raspy voice from him, although he didn’t move from the bed. Gen just sat there, trembling slightly.
Stanley felt Senku’s pull and followed him until the edge of the bed, where the other managed to get on it to approach his lover. He let go, taking a step back as Xeno made his way to stand beside him.
As Senku started speaking and reaching out for him, Xeno subtly leaned up, and he lowered his head slightly for the other to whisper a translation.
“Gen… I’m so sorry. I didn’t… think it would go like this.”
While listening to what he said, Stanley kept his focus on Gen. He was used to observing people, and didn’t miss the way the trembling stopped when Senku got close to him. Part of him found itself wishing it was a good sign, but that was immediately squashed when Gen flinched almost painfully at the touch. It looked like Senku had barely brushed Gen’s arm with his cold, hard fingers, but it caused him to curl up in himself, shaky breaths leaving him.
“Don’t… Don’t touch me, please..”
Shit. Admittedly, they should have probably accounted for the fact that this would be… a lot for Gen. Stanley himself couldn’t be sure how he would have reacted in his position. If Xeno had returned to him from death, a cold husk in place of the elegant man he knew and loved, unsure if it was even really him he was looking at. If he thought about it like that… was any of this right..?
“Gen… I-”
“Stop… Please, stop it.”
Xeno didn’t need to translate the rest of that. He could tell by Gen’s sobs that if anything, all they did worsened his situation. The only hope they still had was that he would come around some time after this initial shock. He was about to step in again, suggest that Senku leave for now, when an unpleasant noise cut through the tension of the air between them all. After having frozen for a moment when Gen pulled away from his touch, Senku’s hands, the only part of him properly articulated, had balled up into fists. He held them close to his own body now, too close. Metal scraped against metal, not in the smooth way his joints functioned, but in the wrong direction as his body shifted. As if Senku was trying to get out. To feel, to sense… anything.
His gaze was torn away when Gen’s slender hand reached his own hair, digging into it and tugging so hard he had to wince in pain at his own action.
“That’s enough,” came a stern voice next to him, although the shaky breathing that followed betrayed how affected the stoic man was by the scene before them. But Stanley held no judgement.
They stepped forward together, strong arms helping Senku back onto the ground, and the man didn’t fight their pull. He barely even seemed to register their hold, staring at the ground as his mind probably raced miles a second, having to catch up on the lost time.
No more words were spoken as they led Senku out of the hut. Tsukasa stayed behind once they were at the door, closing it behind them and likely returning to console Gen.
“Senku-” Xeno started, once Gen’s cries had faded out as they walked away.
“I’ll get to the lab on my own.”
Stanley exchanged a glance with Xeno. The man’s nod signaled him to let go of Senku, and he was glad to see that the other seemed to already be getting the hang of moving his legs.
“We’ll meet you there later,” he said before they watched the man leave. Once he was far enough away, Xeno let out a sigh. “I didn’t.. Expect it to go that badly.”
He nodded, reaching for his pocket to bring out a cigarette. “Me neither… But I think I understand. Senku’s body… It’s made for practicality, of course. Not for a lover.”
Xeno hummed in agreement, eyes lingering on how Stanley lit his cigarette before taking a drag. “As he said, we didn’t think we would really need use for the body. Of course, our priority was practicality. For him to be able to communicate, move around. Not… express himself.”
“Or have any warmth.”
“Or that.” Despite the failure, Xeno perked up, and Stanley felt a comfortable warmth at seeing that familiar expression on the other’s face. “But this isn’t the end.”
“Of course.” Stanley smiled, having already expected this.
“We can fix this. No matter how eager any of us are to restore civilisation, neither of them would want to stop trying to improve an experiment like Senku, either.”
The other’s words made him laugh, and it earned him a raised eyebrow from the other. “Sorry. Still need to get used to having a sympathy bone. I think those kids rubbed off on you after all these years.”
“Hold your tongue, Stan. I don’t need any of those comments from you.” Despite his words, there was a clear tease in his tone, and he found himself glad at the promise that things would get better. He may not know Chrome or Senku well, but he knew Xeno, and he was not one to step down from a challenge. Especially if it involved some of the few people he found himself caring about.
~
The changes in Gen had been obvious to Yuzuriha when she came to deliver Gen’s new set of winter clothes. She hadn’t looked for too long, nor commented on any of them. Just gave him her warm smile, knowing to appreciate the trust he had put into her. To be one of the only people able to see him, and perhaps, even help him, if only a bit. Despite Senku’s return, and people like Taiju and Ryusui taking it well, their lives seeming to go back to normal rather quickly, things weren’t as easy for everyone. And she was pretty sure that things were most difficult for Gen, and for Senku himself.
Although Tsukasa had been the one to tell her that he wanted to see her, Gen greeted her at the door, inviting her in. Having used his old measurements, it was clear that the new winter coat, which closely resembled his first one in the stone world, was too big. But she didn’t comment on that either, hoping he would grow back into it.
“Dear Yuzuriha… I hope its not too much to ask for another favour,” he had said after thanking her for the coat.
She perked up, relieved to hear him reaching out for help. “Of course, go ahead. What can I do for you, Gen?” she asked, tilting her head slightly at him.
Already, she could see the gratitude in his eyes. “Could you help cut my hair?”
That made Yuzuriha grin. “Yes! I know how annoying it is to do it yourself. Should I wash it for you first?” she offered, able to tell that Gen had washed his hair recently, but it wouldn’t harm to give him a bit more care. It was the least he deserved after everything.
The man considered it for a moment before nodding. They made their way into the bathroom, Yuzuriha preparing a bucket of warm water as Gen shifted a chair near the edge of a simple table. After throwing a towel around his shoulders, he leaned back and waited for Yuzuriha to come with the water. She placed the bucket behind him before helping him tilt his head and starting to wash his hair for him.
“I’m sorry, dear Yuzuriha…” he said softly, his eyes closed as she started gently massaging his head.
Just his tone made her heart ache for him. “There’s nothing you need to apologise for, Gen.”
“I know you would never blame me.. Neither would dear Taiju. But the fact still remains that I hurt our dear Senku.”
She thought for a moment before speaking. “You didn’t do it intentionally, we all know that. No matter what any of us might tell ourselves.. None of us are in your position. We don’t know what it feels like, having such a great loss, and… well, everything that happened afterwards. It must have been a rollercoaster.”
Gen’s eyes remained shut, but she knew she had his full attention, because of her words, not because of how she was now carefully applying a generous layer of shampo to his scalp. “It was… I.. I hope you believe me when I say that I didn’t know what to think. I didn’t even know if it was… really him.”
“I believe you, Gen. I’ve trusted Senku with my life before, and I’ve trusted him with Taiju’s… So, I suppose it was self-understood for me, trusting that it was really him in that body. But I understand, nobody knew something like this was even technologically possible until now.” She rinsed the shampo out with gentle touches. “But if it helps, I want to assure you.. It is him. It’s not just his memories or his knowledge, it’s Senku.”
The man let out a shaky breath before he spoke. “Dear Tsukasa said the same… And… I want to trust that it’s true. That’s why I’m.. planning to visit him,” he explained, making her smile once again as she lifted his head slowly, using the towel to dry it partially.
“You want to visit him?”
“Yes.”
“He’ll be so happy. He doesn’t talk much to us about it, but I know he misses you a lot. Just seeing you will help him, and.. I really think that talking to him will help you too,” she told him, gesturing for him to get up so they could shift him to sit in front of the mirror instead.
“I really hope so…”
“Mhm. So, how did you want your hair?”
Gen finally met her gaze in the mirror and smiled a little. “I like the length, but could you make it more even? I don’t want it to be this patchy,” he explained.
“Of course! I’ll be done in no time,” she replied, grabbing the scissors and getting to work.
They settled into a comfortable silence as Yuzuriha worked with concentration and practiced movements. But after a bit, Gen spoke again. “He was cold…” he whispered. “It might sound ridiculous, but.. I think that was what threw me off most.”
“I know… I felt the same, when I hugged him. It didn’t feel right,” she admitted, still focused with her gaze and actions on the other’s hair. “And I know that you know this, but.. It isn’t his fault. He, Chrome, Xeno.. They didn’t think they would have to really turn to this alternative. They made a mistake, rushing a bit to bring Senku back instead of thinking of his body first. It’s not like Senku wants to be in that body either…”
She paused her actions when Gen nodded, waiting for him to become still again. “I know… I feel guilty for how I reacted because of just that.. He… must really be suffering.”
Yuzuriha knew that Gen wasn’t a man who needed things to be sugarcoated, so she nodded. “He is… But he also knows that things will only get better from here onwards.” She brushed some of the loose hairs off Gen’s neck before making a few last cuts.
“Yeah..?”
“Mhm! You don’t think Xeno and Chrome aren’t going to help him, do you? That isn’t his final body. There’s no way Senku would settle for that, you know him,” she told him, smiling encouragingly.
Her hope seemed to transfer onto Gen, as she saw him nod once again. “You’re right.. He wouldn’t.” He leaned back on the chair again, looking at himself in the mirror. “Thank you so much, Yuzuriha…”
“No need for that,” she chuckled lightly, taking the towel off his shoulders. “Look at you! Want to try on the coat again? You’ll look great like this, and I know Senku is going to be thrilled to see you soon. I should see if I can make you a few accessories to wear…”
The fact that Gen chuckled softly at that was more relief than Yuzuriha could have hoped for. “You’ve done more than enough already, really. I promise to help you in return.”
Before he had finished his sentence, she was already shaking her head, causing him to frown lightly. “None of that… The only thing I want you to promise me is to give Senku another chance. As long as you still love him,” she said, her voice a touch more serious this time.
Gen nodded in understanding, meeting her gaze in the mirror before them. “I do… And I will. I’m sorry.”
“It’s alright,” she reassured, giving his shoulders a gentle squeeze. “Things will be better again. That’s my promise to you.”
~
Francois didn't speak as they worked, their practiced focus entirely on the task at hand. Today, they weren't in the kitchen, and they weren't working to help organise the Kingdom of Science’s members to realise their next project. As the science team was too busy, they found themselves carrying out a more practical task. Today, Senku's awake but completely still body lay before them on one of the desks in the lab.
Thankfully, fixing Senku's new mouthpiece wasn't too difficult. Although they never imagined they would be practically operating on a robot on their own, uncomplicated electric repairs were also a part of their training to become the butler they were. There was certainly nothing simple about the workings of the robot before them, but Xeno and Chrome had made sure beforehand that attaching the mouthpiece would be easy enough.
“Finished. Are you able to move it, master Senku?” they asked, standing up straight once more to give him some space.
Francois watched him sit up, noticing that the movement was much smoother than the first time they had seen him move.
“Feels steady, that much’s for sure. I’m surprised, you had no issues at all with attaching it..”
A small smile spread across their face, glad to see that Senku was already able to move his mouth in sync with the words he spoke. “Although my knowledge is nowhere near as extensive as any of the science or crafting teams’, simple technical repairs are no foreign job for a butler.”
“Sure, but take the credit. I think you did a smoother job than most people would’ve. How does it look?”
Francois only allowed a small nod of gratitude at the compliment, before moving on to the practicality of Senku’s question. “Mechanical, of course. But it does make a very big difference. It’s a good start, lending a lot more expressiveness to your face. I believe that with some adjustment to the eyes, you will look even more human. If I may, are you able to blink?”
The lights in Senku’s eyes switched off for a second before switching back on. “That’s it. I have to do it consciously, since its unnecessary anyways.”
They nodded. “Then I am certain that that will help.”
“Yeah… Step by step, I think we’re really getting there.” It was admittedly reassuring to see a smirk on Senku’s face, although it obviously couldn’t quite reach his eyes like it did when he was human.
“Undoubtedly, master Senku.”
“But enough about that…” Francois shifted to the side as the man stepped off the table. “How’ve you been?”
Admittedly, the question surprised them. They had a feeling they knew what Senku was really asking, but chose to interpret the question a different way, knowing how their leader favoured practicality in most cases. “I’ve noticed a clear boost in morale among the Kingdom, now that you have returned. The change in productivity is immense, and a great help in our roadmap.”
“Uh-huh. And Ryusui? Is he able to take care of himself again?”
A corner of Francois’ mouth raised in a small smile as they detected the light irony in Senku’s question. “Master Ryusui’s recovery has been exponential since you visited him. Admittedly, I did worry about the strain he put on his own body when he hugged you like he did… But that was unnecessary. He is feeling much better than before.”
Senku let out a chuckle at the news, and nodded before smiling down at Francois. “That’s perfect, then. Sounds like it’s finally time for you to get a break.”
Once again, they found themselves surprised by the leader. “I assure you, that isn’t necessary.”
“Was it necessary to bring me back from the dead either?” he asked with a short laugh, which Francois didn’t return. “Doesn’t need to be necessary for you to have one. I am serious though, you’re getting a break.”
“While I do appreciate the gesture, I believe-”
“Francois.. It’s not gone unnoticed how much you do for this kingdom. I’ll admit, it was hard for all of us in the leadup to the launch. But now, we’ve secured humanity’s safety. Your break’s long over due, by years.”
Although it was impossible to read Senku’s emotions completely through his new body, Francois could tell that he was leaving no room for argument. They decided to bow. “Thank you, master Senku.” As strange as it was to admit… They felt a great deal of relief. Not just for Ryusui, or for Senku’s return, or even for the kingdom… It was all of that, but it was even an oddly selfish relief for themself, something they weren’t sure they had ever felt.
Before either of them could express anything else, though, there was a knock at the door of the lab.
~
A small gasp left him when the door opened, and even though he knew what was probably waiting behind it, as most of the science team was busy elsewhere… It didn’t change how strange it was to see… Senku. But for the first time, he took a proper look at the other, through eyes that weren’t blurry with tears.
“Gen..? Did something happen?” the robot before him asked, and Gen was certain that his mouth hadn’t been moving the last time they had seen each other. It was still an odd sight, but somehow, it put him more at ease. So did the concern in his voice as he made sure to remind himself that this was, in fact, Senku. And that he did care.
“My dear Senku, I… was hoping it’s alright to come see you. If you aren’t busy.”
It was very possibly a trick of the light, but he could have sworn that Senku’s eyes got brighter as he heard him. “Yes, of course.. I mean, I’m not busy. You can come in.”
Only when Senku turned to open the door fully and step to the side did he realise there was somebody else in the lab, too. Francois.
“Master Gen, it’s good to see you outside,” they said before making their way out of the lab.
As odd as it was to see yet another face he hadn’t in over a month, Gen turned to them properly. “Dear Francois… Thank you for your help. Really.”
“It was no trouble at all,” they responded with a small smile, raising a gloved hand. “Master Ryusui wouldn’t stop until the whole kingdom is back to its usual self, and neither will I. Enjoy your time, and do not hesitate to call for me should you need anything.”
Gen nodded once more to show his gratitude before stepping into the lab with Senku. It was nerve wracking. The guilt of how he had treated Senku when he returned to him was almost overwhelming, but he tried to think of what Yuzuriha had said. That Senku would understand…
He took a slightly shaky breath before speaking, his hands fidgeting under the cover of the long sleeves of his new coat. “Dear Senku… First of all, I want to apologise.”
“It’s alright,” the answer came almost immediately, and Senku raised a hand, mimicking the action of scratching his ear with his pinky, although there was no actual crevice in his ear. “I understand. It’s... freaky.” He was a bit too taken aback by his response to reply, and the other continued. “I’m sorry.”
Gen knew him. He knew him well, and despite the fact that he had a new body now, he could tell that the other was trying to hide his emotions. Something he hadn’t done around him in a long time, and it made his heart ache even more. “No, dear Senku. I… I missed you so much,” he said, trying not completely successfully to keep his voice steady as he took a step closer to him. Unable to hold back, he reached out without asking to wrap his arms around Senku, ready to embrace the cold body that he had felt a week ago.
But, to his surprise… Senku wasn’t cold. Despite the fact that he knew that the warmth was artificial, and shouldn’t really matter in the first place when he knew that in this body was his Senku… The warmth spread through his own body, causing him to hug him even tighter. “Gen…” the other spoke softly, and he had to fight back a flood of tears that was threatening to leave his eyes.
“What I did.. It was so stupid of me. I know it sounds stupid, but I just.. Didn’t know if it was you,” he tried explaining, soon giving up on controlling his voice. “But I do know… I know, and I love-”
“Gen.” He felt the other’s hands on his own arms, although he neither pulled him closer nor pushed him away. He waited patiently for the other to continue, only sniffing softly. “Having you come here, it feels great.. What you did wasn’t stupid, or unreasonable. I was a bit naive when I came back, thinking that…”
He was already shaking his head, but he didn’t think that was the reason Senku stopped speaking. Rather, he was pretty sure it was because the other didn’t want to voice what he was trying to say. In a way that was good, because Gen did not want to hear it for a moment either. “Don’t, Senku..” he said softly but surely, not shifting from his grip but instead just pressing their foreheads together and taking a slow breath. “I’m the luckiest man on Earth, dear Senku… Most people don’t get a second chance, and yet I have you here with me.. Everything else doesn’t matter. I mean it.” He moved his hands slowly when he felt no more resistance from Senku, cupping his face to hold him even closer.
Senku’s voice was strained when he replied, but he could hear the hope he spoke with. “It’s unfair, having made you wait… But right now, I can’t be what you need. You’ll have to wait even longer..”
The other’s uncharacteristically illogical words made him let out a soft chuckle. “Come on, my dear Senku.. You’re a better listener than that,” he told him, already feeling waves of relief wash over him as he now had the confirmation that things would be okay again. “You’re here. Alive, no matter how… And that’s what’s important to me, because I love you.”
A strange sound left the other man at that, but Gen realised that it must have been a shaky breath. Although he wished he could feel it, the light pressure thanks to their close proximity, he felt even surer that he was ready to wait however long it would take until he could feel it again. Feel not only Senku’s warmth, but his heartbeat, his breath on his cheek, and the softness of his arms. But for now, he knew that he wanted to show him a sign of how serious he was about this. So, he leaned in, gently pressing his lips to Senku’s mouth, which he felt twitch lightly. Even though he tried, it seemed that Senku wasn’t able to give him a proper kiss in return, but it was more than enough for Gen.
He smiled as he pulled away, gently rubbing the other’s cheek. His heart fluttered in a way he had convinced himself it never would again as he felt Senku’s arms encircling his waist. “I love you too…” he finally replied in a whisper, and Gen’s grip tightened on him.
“Can you… feel any of this..?” he asked, nuzzling the other’s nose.
“Yeah…”
That caused him to frown. When did Senku get the idea that he could lie to him again..? “You can’t…”
The other’s mouth twitched again, as if he felt a bit surprised that he was called out so quickly. “It’s alright, my mentalist… It’ll come too. Don’t think I can go a lifetime without feeling you again.”
His cheeks heated up, and he couldn’t help the soft laugh that left him. Not that he wanted to hold it back, either. Not now, when he was so happy to have his lover back… “You better work on it quickly, then..”
“I promise.”
Before he could say anything else, he was pulled into another kiss, this one causing him to gasp softly as he felt Senku more confident in his movements. And as crazy as it was… It really felt like kissing this time. He returned it happily, knowing there was no place in the whole world he would rather be at this moment than here, in Senku’s arms.
