Chapter Text
Senku didn't believe in magic or gods.
That was an obvious fact; everything could be explained by science, most of which he knew. He knew Astrophysics, Chemistry, Quantum physics- basically everything that has been discovered so far. Science was his strong suit, and despite only being fifteen, he knew he was very very smart and on the way to greatness. He made sure to not overly praise himself; to keep a level head and ego. But, he knew that humans could achieve great things. Especially a person like him.
Then the petrifaction came. The stone world.
He spent millions of years counting. Just counting. An endless drum of numbers, echoing in his head as he ran parallel processes- while he dissociated, his head and psyche deteriorating into repeated digits. And when he broke free and spread his cramped wings, he still knew it could be explained with science.
But right now?
Senku prayed that this would work- and he never prayed. Senku Ishigami was a man of science, always relying on the probability and accurate process of logistics, never hoping that things would just go right. Praying for some higher power to grant you luck that could just be measured and made happen by a few equations and steps was illogical, an embarrassment.
But Senku didn't know the probability and the rate of how this would work- if his plan would fail. If he didn't perfect this exact move, then he would be-
“You’re fucking dead!”
Footsteps were rapidly approaching, and Senku's hands moved in a flurry. Focus.
Senku’s eyes widened, his head calculating as fast as he could. He could hear the rapid footsteps in the hall, his senses fading into a dull hum around him as his brain sent out simple signals that kept his hands working, his mind going in circles and circles and circles and cir-
“Crap,” He breathed. Don’t spiral. What is two hundredth of a million? Easy. If he calculated the exact gravitational pull and projection of the gamma rays that make the device work, and then calculated the exact circumference of- His hands moved in a flurry, slotting different parts of the puzzle and pushing small grooves and bumps.
“Where are you, Ishigami? Don’t worry, I won’t hurt you!” The current threat purred, in a way that would've been “comforting” if Senku didn't know who he really was, and what was going to happen. He shifted his thumb, pressing down on the next groove, before- fuck-
It broke in his hands. A slight pressure he applied to his thumb, shattering the device and his hopes along with it. The destroyed pieces lay fragmented like his mentality did a while ago. His head was spinning, still reeling and processing that he just failed and could feel his mind tearing at the seams, dread making his knees go weak.
Senku didn't cry. Didn't scream dramatically, like a heartbroken victim. He just stared at it as if it could change anything.
“Found you.”
Senku bit back a horrified yell, the voice right behind him and echoing in his ears like some sort of sick melody. He saw a flurry of movement, trying desperately to dodge-
Senku felt the sharp edge of a blade cut across his cheek, and he resisted a hiss. He instead dumbly wiped it, his head a mindless tread of failure. The assaulter stood in front of him, grabbing him sharply by his hair like a kid's doll. Senku didn't show an ounce of emotion, blinking with unseeing eyes.
“Say, Ishigami. You’re only nineteen, aren't you?” He cackled, but his eyes shone with defining intelligence that screamed danger. “We all knew that of course, having read your file. Not that we care- if anything, it makes you a more interesting subject. Youthful,” He chuckled. “And naive. You learned that the hard way, didn't you, little scientist?” The man gestured to the device laying on the ground, its shattered remains staying unmoving, painfully still. It made Senku’s head hurt, the sharp pain tearing at his skull and focusing on where he was being clutched roughly by the roots of his hair.
Senku stayed silent, but didn't dare glare. He knew what would happen if he did, but that wasn't what he cared about. He needed to play this off, take a trick from the mentalist's book-
“Seriously, time travel?” The man drawled with a mocking tongue. “What a shame… thought you were supposed to be the smart one.” Senku didn't make a single noise as he was abruptly let go of, the tug on his hair that was increasing the pressure inside his skull finally easing, Senku dropping like a wet rag with it. He didn't let his eyes stray for a second, despite the faint beeping he heard. Ignored the spark of hope soaring in his chest. The man kept looking down at him with faux pity, before tutting.
Beep. Beep. Beep.
Senku didn't let anything show on his face as he realized. The machine hadn't broken- he solved it. And that just was the mechanism for the puzzle to activate.
“You know,” Senku said suddenly, his voice barely mustering up a smirk in his tone. “You’ve always had awful hearing, dr. Katsumi.”
The man paled. But he realized a second too late.
The beeps per second had already slowed in the past 15 seconds, and now it was a high pitched whine. Senku smirked, and he let himself feel the victory.
“Cya, doctor,”
…
Senku Ishigami personally thought he had a relatively normal childhood- and that wasn't some sort of denial talking.
Well, as normal of a childhood he could have with his intellect. Growing up talented and neurologically more mature (but not any better) than his peers made him distanced and not quite a comforting human, being more aware of his fellow classmates and often scaring them away with his big words and intelligent gaze. But Senku understood he wasn’t any better than his other peers- he was simply neurologically more smart, and that didn't give him any privilege that meant he deserved more than anyone else.
It was really bright, Senku realized the second he opened his eyes. He was tempted to close them again, but he knew better than to give into the pull of slumber. It would be illogical, seeing as he had school today-
…Wait.
Senku’s eyes blew wide open, irises cold and calculating. “Re-petrification?” He spoke aloud, quickly dismissing the concern of any possible sickness at the way his eyes adjusted quickly, facing the popcorn ceiling. The ceiling that most definitely was not in the stone world, which were hatch and straw or stone based off- “Kidnapping? No, that’s-” He brought up two fingers to his face, quickly going through the motions of calculations and equations. His head rushed through numbers and possibilities, and he stared at the solar system model that was in the corner.
Wait. That was made when he was eight, correct? So that means-
Until he realized with a sickening snap that put everything into reality- the room stopped spinning and shifting, and everything was clear and in 4k. He felt his chest tighten.
“It worked,” He breathed. “It really worked.”
The hand in front of him holding up his two fingers was unscarred, and had no calluses to be felt. He was breathing normally, without the normal wheeze he had for when he never fully recovered from a pierced lung. His arms were free of lines, and most importantly- his room was exactly as he left it. No padded room or clean slate walls of the… laboratory housing unit, or any pungent odor of blood or antiseptic. It was all so familiar, so unreal.
Senku didn't believe in magic.
So, how he got here through time travel was a scientific breakthrough. But Senku had to admit, staring up at the glow stars on his ceiling that were badly stuck to the bumpy texture, he almost considered that magic and God was real.
“Senku!” An unfamiliar voice yelled from downstairs.
Wait.
Senku wished before, only once, to see his old man again.
It had already been a decent amount of time since the message from the man had been relayed for the village, and Senku had already grieved- atleast, that’s what he thought, and Senku’s thoughts were almost always logical and never delayed or impacted by emotion. That never meant he was immune to those emotions, he felt feelings as much as a human would. That was what he was after all, just human. Logically.
But for a long time, Senku wanted to believe he wasn't human. He had a childhood that could be as normal as it could be after being adopted by Byakuya- At least for being logically more mature in Intelligence for his age, or having the "social grace of a drunk bird of paradise", according to Yuzuriha (Whatever that meant.) But the fact remained that for a long time, he thought often that somehow, he was too smart to be human. That didn't mean he was better than human, there was just something too inhuman about his intelligence that made him something… else. His point was proved further by his treatment by his classmates, his fellow scientists, and his own thoughts- to an extent.
But a factor he failed to recognize was the people that did treat him as human.
He thought that 3,700 years of counting would’ve made it worse- that it would prove his point even further once again. No normal human could count for that long in eternal darkness, could keep sanity- so Senku wasn’t human, was he? But when Taiju suddenly joined him and Senku was no longer on his own and being gnawed on by loneliness, he realized that he was more human than he thought. That Taiju, despite being appalled that he was able to count that long, and found it impressive- or at least as much as he could comprehend it as impressive- treated him no different than a human.
Tsukasa was the same, Yuzuriha too. Even Ishigami village. It occurred to him that his old man probably saw him as they did too- human, albeit an intelligent and maybe even impressive one.
And he was alive.
Wait- they all were alive. Except-
He looked at the calendar.
June 3rd was circled with a red pen. The day of the Petrifaction.
He immediately felt himself shatter.
"No," He breathed. Even if almost everyone was dead, even if they were alive now, he needed to be there for the survivors. Chrome. Kasaski. He couldn't-
He couldn't do it all over again.
….
“Senku! I know you're awake, you're going to miss school!” Byakuya called again.
It suddenly occurred to him that his mental maturity must've regressed through the time travel along with his body, because suddenly he felt very small in this world.
Inconveniently, his alarm went off.
"What the hell?" He muttered. Then it occurred to him- if he was stuck in the past, that meant- oh. That's what Byakuya was yelling about.
School.
Senku got up, and took in his reflection in the window. He was pale, not sun kissed, teenager fat stretched across cheekbones.
He was-
-
He walked straight down to the living room, ignoring the pang of horrible nostalgia that gnawed at his insides. He made a beeline for the bathroom, not looking up once. He didn't know how he'd react seeing Byakuya’s very not dead face.
He saw his reflection again. He turned straight on his heel.
When Senku immediately walked out of the bathroom, not even using it, Byakuya stared- Senku still didn't look up.
"Okay... Senku? You've had perfect attendance for the past three years. What's going on?" Byakuya said with a jab of amusement, but the concern in his voice was there and it was driving Senku insane-
He looked up.
Senku fixed his gaze onto his father. He ignored the way his chest felt like something broke. "My alarm decided to not work, old man. Neither did my natural clock, apparently.”
Byakuya blinked at him. His brows furrowed. “Kiddo, you've woken up everyday since you were seven at 6:30 to calculate sunrise angles.”
Senku froze. Right.
“Who knows, old man. Maybe I dreamed of something illogical,” He said, his voice low (as low as it could get for a fourteen year old- that was the age he had gathered from his appearance) and measured like a careful radio playback. “Like a mysterious virus turning everyone to stone.”
Byakuya chuckled. Because of course he did, because that was a joke- Senku just said a joke, that 10 billion percent did not happen. Sarcasm. “That's oddly specific.” Byakuya said with amusement, his eyes crinkling in that familiar way that Senku hadn't seen in centuries.
Senku stayed silent.
Byakuya's smile faltered for just a minute- concern- before he quickly let it spread across his face again. “Alright, Kiddo! Let's get going before you start calculating the quantum decay of the school buses, because at the rate we're going, they'd already be long gone.”
The car ride was quiet.
Senku finally got to school, and before Byakuya could get a word in, he slammed the car door shut.
.....
"Hey, Senku!" Taiju grinned at him, too bright for such an early time.
Senku felt his heart drop to his stomach, sickening in a way that was familiar- just like Taiju’s voice. Just like-
He turned around, and there he was.
Taiju. Not turned to stone, not dead, not-
….Not holding a juice box right in his face.
“Senkuuu! I got you one!” He waved the juice box in his face excitedly, grinning obviously like an idiot. Because he was oblivious, like everyone else, completely and utterly- “it's pineapple, your favorite!”
Taiju was alive. He was grinning in front of him, not dying for science, not carrying and supporting him across the sea, not staring at him with confusion-
Senku snapped back to reality. “...Thanks.” Senku said robotically, grabbing the juice box and staring down at the childish picture of a pineapple with cat ears and a cartoony smiley face- He stared at it like it was a relic from another world. “...Did Yuzuriha get this, you oaf? I mean, a pineapple cat? Really?”
Taiju looked sheepish. “Well- She said this one tastes better! And It's probably not made from real cat-”
“Yeah dumbass, it's made from pineapple.” Senku sighed. Taiju was about to respond when Senku suddenly snapped back into focus, focusing on the task at hand- information.
“Taiju, have you seen any light anomalies? Any unusual signals? Possibly anything…” He looked at Taiju's confused face, and grumbled. “-Weird. Anything weird, Taiju?”
Taiju blinked once. Then twice. He tilted his head like a confused puppy. “Dude…are we doing an escape room again?”
How does that correlate to anything?
Senku groaned with exasperation. “I- what!? No, this is serious.” Taiju flinched slightly at his tone, and Senku immediately felt guilty, his eyes softening. Think, breathe.
Taiju was oblivious in this timeline. He was not helping Senku build a kingdom of Science- he had no idea what he'd technically survived, he just saw his friend acting weird. And Senku realized with a weird pang in his chest that Taiju was probably concerned, or confused.
“It's.. sort of a puzzle, I guess.” Senku said honestly. “Just humor me, moron.”
Taiju grinned at the familiar insult, his eyes lighting up. He appeared deep in thought after a moment, searching his brain-
His eyes widened, looking extremely serious. Senku felt his breath catch, seeing as Taiju was hardly serious.
"My Xbox died, and its little light went out..."
Senku heard the pure devastation in Taiju's voice. He nearly burst out hysterically laughing. Of course the big oaf wouldn't know shit. A tragic loss of humanity is coming, and the only loss Taiju cared about was his crappy Xbox 360. “Taiju,” Senku said slowly. “If humanity went extinct tomorrow, I'm 87.3 percent sure your Xbox will be the least of your problems.”
Taiju looked disturbed for a moment at the cryptic sentence, and then he grabbed at his chest dramatically. “Senku! Don't joke about that! How would we play co-op forever then!?”
…Senku wouldn't make any damn progress today, would he?
Chapter 2
Summary:
Gen is a unexpected variable.
Notes:
Btw, I should probably add trigger warnings. I'm not going to do them chapter by chapter unless there's something really explicit, but be prepared for these overall themes;
Human experimentation
Mild Self harm
Suicidal ideation
Transphobia
Blood/injury
Chapter Text
objective one:
Locate anomalies preceding petrifaction event (3,700 Y.P.S)
YPS; years post stone. It was a unit that only he would understand.
Surprisingly, Senku didn't think about Ishigami village as much as he thought he would since he went back.
Calculations and numbers steadily wrote down on paper with a blue pen, and his mind was just as intricately weaved as the cursive looping over the lines.
“Genetic anomalies,” He muttered to himself, accidentally dotting a letter L like an I as he wrote- he didn't go back to correct his mistake, his head too filled with those damn numbers to bother with what was already 98% accuracy in his handwriting. The light of his lamp didn't buzz, but the fluorescent hurt his eyes even as his gaze was focused on the writing that he was basically burning into his retinas. “The Medusa, despite being a technological parasite that is fundamentally-”
His door softly creaked open after a soft click that rang through the stagnant room like a gunshot for Senku. He paused, fingers dropping his pen as he swiveled his chair to face Byakuya. While seeing his old man alive certainly was jarring, he'd gotten used to it over the past couple days- and if he had newfound respect for the founder of Ishigami village, he only showed it a little bit. Byakuya probably thought he was just maturing a little and learning how to actually respect his elders- not that he was the only reason an entire village of natives helped Senku survive in the stone world, and that Senku was eternally grateful for that.
“Hey… Senku-”
Senku pondered back to the village; They were most likely gone completely, or at least those who had survived the war and the Americas. He didn't quite understand the logic and math behind time travel, despite the fact that he had fundamentally gone back in time- He’s been avoiding thinking about it- which was rare for him, seeing as he thought about everything to an inhuman level. He ran small calculations in his head, trying to mask the idea of death behind math that maybe they were alive in the other timeline, and not erased completely from existence. Maybe in this timeline, if the petrification plagued society once again, Byakuya would-
“Senku!” Fingers snapped in front of him.
Oh. Byakuya.
“What, old man-” Senku grumbled as the world fell into place, objects snapping back into existence. He focused on the man in front of him, who was staring at him with obvious sickening concern. He blinked as he noticed Byakuya abruptly looking at his paper, full of encoded lettering that he had created a code for himself- couldn't have anyone interfering with the timeline by reading his half-accurate anomaly calculations.
“I said your name four times, Kiddo.” Byakuya was nervously gazing at him now- no, through him- picking apart Senku’s every expression. “I was just going to ask what you wanted for dinner.”
Senku tiredly pinched his eyebrows for a moment as a slight headache built steadily behind his skull. He quickly recovered, not missing the stare that Byakuya had fixed on him. “I ate earlier. I’m doing something right now.” He realized a second too late that it was currently 12:30 at night, and dinner was hours ago- Ah, he had fallen for Byakuya’s cliche trick, the one he only did when he knew Senku was overworking.
Byakuya sighed. “You almost always go to bed at 9:30 sharp, except for when you were seven and wanted to experiment how much the human psyche was affected by sleep ratios, and didn't have a guinea pig to experiment on because nobody was insane enough-” Senku was about to retort that he actually just wanted to see how his genius brain would be affected, only to be talked over with concern again. “-You ended up passing out at school two days later, and I had to call you in sick. I think that says a lot about what'll happen if you continue like this, Senku.”
Senku stared at Byakuya with what he thought was an unreadable expression. Senku couldn't just say that “oh yeah dad, you died and founded a village that helped me survive centuries later, so now I gotta find a way to keep you from dying and a mass event called the petrifaction happening!”
Byakuya spoke again, however, his voice soft but nostalgic with emotion. “When you were little, after I adopted you, you used to look at me like I was a puzzle. Like I was something too complex to understand, and in time, I would disappear. But when I didn't, you still couldn't figure me out because I was not a math problem or an equation.” Byakuya said, before his voice dropped by a few decimals, but still audible.
“And now, you look at me like I'm already gone.” Byakuya voiced, his tone thick with something Senku couldn't put his finger on. Senku felt his stomach twist. Silence pressed in, suffocating and oppressive. It made Senku want to jump out of the window. The wind rustled the tree outside said window- the same trees that would one day grow over building, roots reaching into a new earth. The nature that would dominate the world, and cover stone statues that would break, brittle and haunted-
“I'm not going anywhere.” Byakuya broke the silence confidently. “I don't know where you think I'm going, but I'm not leaving, Senku.”
Senku was silent, and Byakuya sighed softly, taking one last look at the papers sprawled out on the desk before turning around. He hovered in the doorway.
“Get some sleep, kiddo. Please.” He shut the door.
Senku still didn't flick off the lamp for almost five hours.
…..
He wanted allies.
The idea occurred to him when Yuzuriha was reading a magazine that a familiar face was plastered across- the front cover too.
But Senku didn't find Gen- he found him.
He didn't expect Gen to remember anything from the stone world. He supposed that was the issue- Senku had no idea what the hell he was doing, and it was absolutely stupid and reckless. He could very easily mess up the timeline, and everything could go to shit- but if Senku knew one thing about Gen, it was that he was indeed not the shallowest man, despite what the mentalist wanted to project. Despite that, if Senku had a decent offer in place, Gen would follow through. His loyalties lay at first with who benefits him- at least at first. But he was sure Gen would come around to Senku, just as in the stone world.
The town center was ridiculously busy after school, and Senku half wished he just went home. His old man would probably be worried when he came home- I mean, Senku? Going into town and interacting with strangers for no actual reason? Absolutely unbelievable.
Senku turned down into an alleyway behind the theater for a shortcut, only for a voice to slither out.
“Oh! You must be lost, the theatre is that way,” Gen said smoothly as he pointed, and Senku felt his heart drop (and maybe beat a little faster) at his false tone. Senku had heard that voice talk him out of countless situations, slithering and slimy. Senku immediately took note of the mentalist’s slightly different appearance- for a sixteen year old, he looked quite mature if it weren't for his dumbass magician hair. At Senku's silent stare, Gen blinked slightly in confusion, before his gaze lit up fakely- but there was a hint of… sadness. “Ah… you recognize me don't you? I'm the lead actor for tonight's show,” He took out a coin, smiling. “Say, would you like to see a trick-”
“-Coins not yours.” Senku interrupted before Gen could continue. The mentalist looked slightly miffed. “It's from the vending machine near gate 3, Aluminum alloy with slight copper plating- you stole it from a woman because it was dented on one side from repeated use, and it just so happened that it was perfect for flipping tails at the right angle.”
Gen stared. Then, not to Senku's surprise, let out a slightly nervous but authentic chuckle. “Observant, aren't you?” Gen said quietly, before he flipped the coin and it landed on tails as expected. He smiled slightly. “Are you here to see my show, or just to catch people stealing coins?”
Senku couldn't help but let a small smirk show on his face. He quickly let it fall “I'm sure you know it's neither,” He droned, his voice as low and menacing as he could manage for his age and vocal chords. “I have an offer.”
Gen winced apologetically. “oof, sorry! I don't take offers from back alley observers. I'm sure you understand-”
“-Your manager is a piece of shit.” Senku interrupted, immediately catching Gen’s attention. He paused. How did Senku know this? Easy- After a multitude of drinks in the stone world, Gen let a lot slip. One of such things was of his manager, who he wished some rather… unethical things on- apparently, the man had a massive record of assault and fraud cases that were never taken seriously, and was friends with what was essentially a mafia boss of the science world.
Unfortunately, Senku knew that mafia boss. But he didn't particularly feel like dwelling on that now and spiraling into unprocessed trauma. “I'm not offering revenge- more of… opportunity to make him go slightly off kilter, enough for you to take his position. Not through anything violent, rather a show of mental power. I have-”
“Senku-chan.” Gen spoke. He was just going to keep talking when he realized-
Senku never introduced himself.
“...Gen,” Senku said robotically. “I never said my name. Don't tell me-”
Gen smiled softly at him, his eyes gazing straight through Senku's heart. He took a step forward, the afternoon rays hitting his face as he stepped into the light better, his hair-
Oh. His hair had a couple white streaks in it.
“You couldn't possibly know about my manager, Senku-chan. I was worried at first I was the only one.”
Senku felt his heart soar. After the kingdom of Science was annihilated to an extent, and Gen and Senku were separated as Senku was sent to be practically used as a lab rat by a Japanese doctor, he received news that Gen had vanished. He was presumed dead not too long after that.
But of course, of course, Gen had a trick up his sleeve.
Because Gen was a tricky bastard, and now-
Senku wasn't the only one.
….
Senku came home late.
He pried the door open as it screeched, slipping off his shoes and sighing loudly. It was nearly eight pm now, because Gen wouldn't let him go without “discussing” their next actions with him. He was pretty sure Gen just wanted to spend enough time with him to confirm he was alive and not some dream or stress induced hallucination- Senku completely understood.
After all, Senku thought Gen had kicked the bucket like everyone else. But it still hurt and shattered another part of his already broken psyche at the time, and seeing Gen alive again was definitely both heartwarming and jarring. But the question remained on how Gen travelled back. He didn't have a time machine, and Gen refused to say any more than “Ah, let's just say it was a friend's sacrifice,” whatever the hell that cryptically meant. Senku was slightly worried about the mentalists well-being.
Senku stepped into the living room, rubbing at his tired eyes. He was so hellbent on getting instant ramen and collapsing in his bed he didn't even notice Byakuya staring at him like he was about to spontaneously combust. Correction- he didn't notice Byakuya at all.
“Senku?”
Senku dropped his ramen, jumping like a scared cat as he screeched. Being surrounded by sailor mouths in the stone world must've taken a toll on him, because he swore rather loudly- Byakuya winced.
“Jeez kiddo- I didn't mean to scare you like that.” He said, but Senku sensed another tone beneath the worry and confusion. He couldn't put his finger on it. “But uh… any reason you didn't text me about you know- coming home past dark?”
Oh. It was anger. Senku had to admit, his old man masked his emotions well for the sake of Senku's wellbeing.
“I was preoccupied.” Senku said honestly, making eye contact. “Taiju and Yuzuriha wanted to take me to the town center.” He said not so honestly.
Byakuya looked surprised, and then suspicious, his eyes narrowing. Senku picked up his ramen cup. “And you… willingly went?” He said slowly. “Who are you and what have you done with me son?” Byakuya joked, and Senku nearly cracked a smile. I'm still your son, just one who's witnessed a whole other timeline. He was about to respond with something witty when Byakuya beat him to it, the man's smile dropping- “After all, Taiju and Yuzuriha stopped by earlier today, asking where you were.”
Senku went silent, and abandoned his ramen. Crap.
“Where were you?” Byakuya asked. Not angry, not yelling- worried.
“...Out.” Senku said weakly. Fuck, he sounded like a delinquent teenager.
Byakuya sighed. “You missed dinner. Your phone was off…” He fixed his gaze on Senku with a hardening stare, making Senku feel like he was being turned to stone- Again. “Please tell me you won't go into a rebellious teenage phase, Senku-”
Senku felt his irritation spike up, his gut churning. He hated being fourteen again, hormonal and painfully underestimated. Instead of responding he abandoned his ramen, walking straight past Byakuya and heading towards his room-
A hand around his wrist.
The touch was uncomfortably electric, and it burned. It sizzled his skin, traveling up his arm and he-
-He ripped his wrist away. Flinched hard, and his stomach brewed with pure panic as he stared at Dr Katsumi- Byakuya, his eyes wide with fear. Since when had he even touched so gently? And why did it feel just like someone's nails digging into his flesh?
…Byakuya was staring at him. His eyes were deep and expressive, despite his mouth set in a thin line, his hand hovering in the air like he was afraid. Senku- Senku hated it.
“...Kiddo,” Byakuya said quietly, almost in a soothing voice for a child. “I didn't mean to spook you. I'm sorry for-”
“I am your son.” Senku said suddenly, his voice no longer a monotone drone, but thick with emotion. He couldn't help the way it sneaked into his voice, h
is heart still hammering. “Goodnight, dad.” He said coldly.
Byakuya paused. Dad? He never-
Senku had already gone up the stairs.
Chapter 3
Summary:
Senku sees a familiar face. More of a.. similar one.
Chapter Text
Senku spent nearly three hours everyday after school with Gen at his house- which was a hellhole by the way- plotting. He never told Byakuya where he was.
"Senku-chan," Gen said one day. "I have nearly a 100% patient guarantee with my Psychology interns." He said smoothly. Not bragging- weaseling his way into something.
Senku didn't like where this was going. “Good for you. Want a cookie?” He droned, typing aggressively on his computer. Gen's wifi sucked so horribly that Senku had to build a damn router for the mentalist, and yet his documents were still loading at the pace of downloading high graphics video games. Speaking of which-
“You're supposed to be helping me find out a way to contact Why-man, not playing Minecraft.” Senku glared.
“I’m sure Minecraft could help us contact Why-man, Senku-chan.” Gen teased lightly- but there was a seriousness under his tone that made Senku pause. He knew better than to underestimate the mentalist. “Your point?” Senku cut straight to the chase.
“You're stressed, Senku-chan.”
Ah. There it was- Senku couldn't help but feel both a pang of annoyance and amusement as he went back to his computer almost immediately after hearing that sentence. Stress didn't matter in a situation like this, and Gen was a complete moron to even think about ignoring what was happening. “If you're suggesting I talk about my feelings, I have no choice but to recalculate your IQ down thirty points.”
Gen squeaked in mock surrender, as if he actually did care about Senku's imaginary points. “Well, I know what you need. You don't need therapy, Senku-chan. At least not until you solve this whole errible-tay situation.” Gen whined. “But-” Gen pulled out a folded piece of paper from underneath a random chair for whatever reason, sliding it into Senku's vision like it was a magic card. Senku swiveled around in his chair, staring at the paper like it would explode at any given moment.
“What?” Senku blinked.
“Satellite data,” Gen said carefully. Senku felt his heart jump. “From three nights ago. An unregistered energy spike on Japan’s southern coast. Its duration was 37 seconds, and its frequency matched that from a signal coming from the moon. A radio wave, similar to when the Medusa communicated, I believe.” The mentalist said this with an insufferable smile, as he put the radio data back in his pocket. “I'll help you, Senku-chan. But first, take a break.”
Senku stood abruptly, his eyes alight with a blazing fire Gen missed oh so very much. Senku grinned.
“You’re coming with me tomorrow,” Senku said confidently, his smirk stretching across his cheeks as he walked forward. “My lab. We're going to need wire- lots of it.” Gen sighed, seeing as Senku completely missed his point about a break.
Gen paused. “Wait, you have a lab? At fourteen?”
Senku chuckled. “My house, mentalist.”
Gen felt his soul pass away. Of course, Senku-chan had a damn lab in his house.
…
....
When Senku came home that night, Byakuya was in the living room.
He didn't question what time Senku returned anymore, but he did always check him over for anything, such as injuries or any indication of trouble. Senku slid his shoes off, walking into the living room with his horrid posture, too tired to care.
Before Byakuya could get a word in, Senku spoke.
"I'm having a friend come over tomorrow."
Byakuya blinked, a small smile stretching across his face. "You don't need to ask for Yuzuriha or Taiju to come over, you know-"
Senku sighed. "A different friend, old man.”
Byakuya went silent for a moment, making Senku uncomfortably look at the tv light flickering on the wall. Then, Byakuya cackled, the sound more teasing than truly mocking. Senku flushed. “What!?”
“Hah! I didn't know you could have friends other than Taiju and Yuzuriha! You said you gave up on friends- pfft.” The man snickered. “Let me guess, you didn't have a choice? That's how it was with Taiju and Yuzuriha. They just attached themselves to you like a barnacle, you just happened to like them.”
Senku grumbled, waving his old man off as he went towards his room. “Whatever. He's coming at noon tomorrow, don't be weird,” Senku warned. “Or do. He'll probably match that energy.”
As Byakuya watched his son disappear up the stairs, he let his smile falter a little.
…
Senku didn't have time for this.
"But Senku-chan!" Gen whined. "My hair isn't styled! What if your father thinks I'm a weirdo!?"
“You are a weirdo,” Senku huffed, hovering his hand above the door handle. The Saturday sun was high in the sky, reflecting off the window Gen was desperately fixing his hair in. “And my old man’s one too, so stop worrying.”
Gen whined as he turned to Senku, his hair only slightly better for his obsessive terms- Senku thought it just looked like normal hair. “Senku-chan, don't you think that this is at least a little important!? As a mentalist, first impressions are vital-!”
Senku groaned loudly, and just opened the door. He watched with slight interest as Gen immediately smoothed his expression over, as if putting on a mask- it was familiar, the way Gen put on a passive smile and his eyes shined with a fake emotion. Just like the stone world.
He shook the thought away, and walked into his house, slipping off his shoes, Gen following shortly after.
Byakuya appeared in the hallway, a polite but painfully mischievous smile on his face. He went to greet them excitedly, eager to meet his son's new friend, the first in years-
His eyes widened momentarily at Gen's unique appearance and choice of dress, but not in a judging way- in interest. Senku could already feel a headache and Byakuya's face split into a grin.
“You must be Senku's friend!” Byakuya exclaimed, grabbing Gen's hand in an enthusiastic shake. Gen smiled politely.
“And you must be Senku's father,” Gen smiled, channeling all his body language to appear friendly, “it's a pleasure to meet you Byakuya-san!”
Senku realized with growing horror as Byakuya and Gen continued to talk that his old man was eating Gen's facade up- Senku groaned.
“Come on, Gen. We need to get started.” Senku urged. Byakuya suddenly winced, seeming a bit nervous at the prospect of Senku working with Gen. Odd.
“Ah, you two aren't going to blow up my house?” The man confirmed, and Gen snorted, much to Senku's surprise. Huh, he wasn't acting too differently.
“Knowing Senku, we might accidentally discover the origins of life instead.” Gen waved his hand- Senku didn't try to correct him. Byakuya paled slightly.
“Well… just be safe, you two.” He said carefully. “I'll be downstairs if you need help with- whatever you'll be doing.”
As Byakuya watched them go upstairs holding a mass amount of copper wire, he couldn't help but feel uneasy. Not because of Gen- okay no, it was because of Gen.
Byakuya didn't think anything was wrong with the kid. If anything, he seemed like an interesting boy, which could be good for Senku- he needed diversity in the people he interacted with. Although he was clearly older than Senku, it couldn't be by much, so Byakuya wasn't worried about that. Or the fact that Gen was biologically male- he trusted Senku. It was just that it was so odd, so random, for Senku to make a friend like that. And something about Gen's careful, almost rehearsed words, threw him off.
But there was the undoubted fact that Senku was friends with Gen. And Byakuya had to trust his son.
He hoped that wouldn't be a mistake.
….
Turns out, building a radio tower transmitter that could receive waves from the moon was just as hard- no, way harder then Senku thought. It was also absolutely exhausting and a complete pain in the ass with Gen around, who he unfortunately needed for help and negotiation for when Why-man would be contacted. While Senku was aware Why-man was not in the slightest human and able to personify, Why-man was still open to negotiations through curiosity, leaving Senku with no choice.
He and Gen had been at it for days- school was beginning to become exhausting, and Senku's excuse for Taiju and Yuzuriha was that he was working on a project. When asked for details, he simply said it was a biology experiment, and it was too dangerous for Taiju or Yuzuriha to help. Taiju ate the excuse up, but not Yuzuriha.
…
It happened on Tuesday.
Senku had completely forgotten about Dr. Xeno and Tsukasa.
He hadn't forgotten the experiences in the stone world, of course- he had frozen Tsukasa after all, and it was most definitely a traumatic event. But even worse, Tsukasa was most definitely alive right now and not frozen. He had accepted a while ago that almost all his friends were alive, but it was unlikely anyone else but Hen remembered- so they were essentially strangers.
And Dr. Xeno? Senku forgot he had a potential ally, even if he was halfway across the world and could only communicate through emails. It occurred to him when he woke up for school and had a brand new email on his laptop, which was rather odd to him- until he saw the sender. The man who had quite literally hired a sniper against him, and was a huge cause to the catastrophe that was the war.
Senku didn't even read past the first four sentences before he snapped his laptop shut.
TO: Senku Ishigami
FROM: Dr Xeno
I am deeply sorry for the late response, I'm afraid that I was rather occupied with science, such as you probably were. A month ago you emailed me about a strange reading south of town, and a mysterious interaction you had when you went to investigate; While I'm surprised you emailed me about such a thing, I am happy to help. You said his name was Kastumi, who gave you the cryptic warning? I wouldn't put much thought into it if it weren't for the fact that the data of the reading was-
Senku stopped reading, slamming the laptop shut.
Fuck. Fuck fuck fuck no-
Dr. Kastumi. A Russian experimentalist with Japanese heritage, born and raised in Russia until they turned 21. By the time they were 23 and working alongside shady scientists in America, the petrifaction scourged the world, only being freed from stone when Xeno decided he needed a backup doctor and Katsumi happened to be a friend of a friend.
But Katsumi was no doctor. They were a damn psycho, an experimentalist that slowly rose through the ranks, and Senku knew that Katsumi would make his life a living hell the second he met him.
And that left a multitude of questions- how did Katsumi find him before Senku's consciousness traveled back in time? Just what did he say? And how fucked over was Senku if Katsumi found out Senku was from the future- or worse, was Katsumi from the future?
And the main question- why didn't Senku remember meeting Dr Katsumi in this timeline?
Senku didn't have time to dwell on any of those questions as he left for school, having to keep up the facade that nothing happened- that he didn't come from a post apocalypse future, or that he just found out someone who had quite literally tortured Senku was very much alive and in this timeline.
Senku's morning classes were nothing but a haze. Equations on paper only served as a momentary distraction, especially with Taiju constantly yapping in his ear every ten minutes.
“Ishigami,” His teacher snapped. He slowly looked up. “What's the square root of 84?”
Senku blinked. Weird math problem, seeing as the square root of 84 was an irrational number- but he said the answer anyways. “Nine point eight-”
Wait.
“Nine point one six five, one five…uh-” He trailed off. What the hell? Why couldn't he-
The entire class was looking at him now, absolutely baffled. Taiju and Yuzuriha specifically were looking at him like he had lost a couple marbles.
“9.16515138..!” Senku quickly said. It was right, at least in its decimal form. But now everyone was staring at him, because the damage had always been done.
The teacher frowned. “I'd ask if you're alright, but you look like a zombie everyday.”
The bell rang- Senku hardly registered the sound, until Taiju's hand was clapping on his shoulder-
The touch burned. Senku pulled away in an instant, bolting out of his seat with a loud clatter of his desk and chair, his eyes wide and feral with fear-
Oh.
“...Senku?” Taiju said, his low voice deep with concern. Yuzuriha was stopped in the class doorway as everyone else headed to lunch, probably waiting for him. “I was just gonna ask if you wanted to eat together.”
Senku blinked. “No thanks,” He said, slightly breathless. Fuck his chest was too tight- He went to move past Taiju.
Taiju simply matched his pace. “What? But you love my lunch!”
Senku was about to respond when he saw him.
It wasn't Tsukasa. The brute but painfully clever man who he had frozen before death was unrecognizable- The man he had swore to save.
So why? The student made eye contact with him, and it wasn't the same eyes as Tsukasa. But he looked so, so similar-
And then, he started walking away.
Tsukasa didn't know Senku right now. He didn't know what happened in an entirely different timeline. And that wasn't even Tsukasa, just a way too similar classmate. It occurred to Senku that his head was blocking out faces now.
Senku felt his heart plummet.
And suddenly, Senku couldn't breathe. Just like Tsukasa stopped breathing. Because Senku took that away from him.
Tsukasa was-
Dead. At least in his timeline. And nobody would remember except for Senku.
And fuck, Senku couldn't breathe.
....
Chapter 4
Summary:
Senku is overwhelmed. His arm happens to be the perfect shape for a impulsive munch.
(Slight tw for mild self harm and blood, panic attack, and Senku's overall decay of mental stability)
Also sorry this one is short, I just wanted to get this scene over with before I stretch out the plot a little.
Chapter Text
“-enku? Senku!”
Senku couldn't breathe.
Logically thinking, it could be his binder too tight around his ribcage, or it could be the fact that he wasn't currently breathing at a steady rate or deeply. But his head felt hazy, sounds of the hallway bouncing around in his eardrums and stabbing pain into his skull. He should probably recalibrate his nervous system, seeing as his legs were about to shake and his heart rate was increasing drastically. But all he could think about was-
-They were all dead in his timeline. But yet, here everyone was alive- and Senku bled across two realities, seeping his ink into each timeline. He could change so much with so little, a huge butterfly effect. And nobody knew, because nobody remembers.
Except for Gen.
Dr Katsumi was out there, weren't they? And they were going to make Senku life a living hell- Senku knew they would. And he couldn't do anything about it but stop the petrifaction and get back to his own timeline. But what about Chrome? What about the kingdom of Science? Would they all be erased from existence, and it would be his fault-?
His legs trembled underneath him. His heart ached and burned, worse than any fire or torture he's ever been through before. Because fuck, it hurt. It hurt knowing that he couldn't-
“Senku-” hands were suddenly on his shoulders.
Fuck- FUCK-
Senku burned at the touch, the callouses of Dr. Katsumi’s hands gripping his shoulder blades with a sharp stab through his head. His head swam, making him lose his footing as the touch on his shoulders sizzled once again- He wanted to scream, to fight- but something- no, someone- was slowly pushing him to the ground-
It was too much. He tried to rip away from the hands, but another pair- more gentle, coaxed him to the ground. He didn't understand-
“Hey-” That voice. He hadn't heard it in a while. But it was unmistakable-
His vision cleared a little to see Taiju- no- who? His heart stopped, his breaths coming in short gasps- why was he on the ground? That was illogical-
“Senku, breathe. Okay? You're gonna pass out.”
Senku attempted to respond, but all that came out was a gasp. He felt his stomach swoop as gentle hands grazed him once again, and he protested by flinching away from the touch.
“Senku-” The scientist felt his heart spike dangerously. He needed something to ground him, anything- “-enku, easy-”
It was too much. It felt like he was being electricfied, his entire body on fire and his head fizzling and spazzing out, unable to focus, unable to-
He brought his teeth down onto his arm, and sank.
Pain erupted on his wrist- he tasted blood on his tongue. It was metallic and when Senku readjusted his vision, he could see a deep mark where his teeth had crunched into flesh, red oozing out slowly. He could feel his head clear a little, and he turned to face Dr Katsumi with a glare-
…What? Taiju?
Taiju's hand shot forward, gently grabbing his wrist above the bite mark, preventing Senku from reigning hell down onto it again. He inspected it carefully, before making eye contact with Senku. It all clicked into place.
Crap.
“Taiju-” Senku began with a coarse voice, trying to pull his wrist away. Taiju gripped the limb tighter, but not enough to hurt him, his eyes determined and hard with a sharpness Senku had only seen a couple times before. Someone gasped next to them, and Senku realized that Yuzuriha was beside them, her eyes wide.
Crap indeed.
“I'm fine, it's a minor wound.” Senku breathed. “Let go of me, you moron-”
Taiju fixed him with a rare glare. Senku went silent. “You said to me that human bites can be dangerous sometimes, Senku.”
Senku was surprised for a moment that Taiju actually remembered that. He felt silly speaking science while he was on the floor. “Well- statistically speaking, human saliva carries a lot of bacteria. But it's only dangerous if it's untreated.” Senku informed weakly.
Yuzuriha suddenly interrupted. “Then let's get it treated.” She said, her voice icily serious as she crouched by Senku inspecting the wound. “All the school nurses will do is give you ice- I'm going to call Byakuya-san.”
For what felt like that tenth time that day, Senku's heart dropped into his stomach. He tried to bolt up from the ground with a retort, only for his head to spin the room around and his vision white out for a moment. Not enough Oxygen, he deduced as he stumbled forward slightly, his head protesting the action.
He felt Taiju's hands on his arm again, and something in Senku snapped.
“Don't touch me!” He barked as his vision cleared, realizing he was practically clinging to Taiju. He righted himself, taking a controlled deep breath as he did so, conditioning himself to stay calm- the more he panicked, the worse the situation and pity would get. Taiju backed up a little once Senku was proved to be able to stand, his mouth set in a nervous line, his eyes widening by just a pinch.
They probably thought he had finally cracked- became a mad scientist. But as Yuzuriha opened her phone and dialed Byakuya's number, Senku couldn't help but lose focus on the world around him, and not care what Taiju or Yuzuriha saw in him at that moment.
His head hurt.
“Hey, Byakuya-san? I think Senku needs to be picked up from school. He got hurt, and I don't think it's a good idea to take him to our school nurse-” Byakuya said something intangible over the phone, too far away for Senku to decipher. “... No, it wasn't an experiment. I think he should probably explain it to you himself… okay, yeah, I'll tell him.” Yuzuriha hung up the phone, turning to him with a stern look. “Byakuya-san is on his way.”
Senku was silent for a long while, staring down at the bite on his arm. It fixated him, but he didn't dare voice that thought, especially as Taiju started talking.
“Senku… are you okay?” Taiju said quietly. “Nobody died, right? You seem really upset…” Senku almost laughed at the irony.
Yuzuriha fixed her gaze on Senku, watching his dull eyes. It scared her, the way the bright red seemed like such a flat ruby. “Senku, we're your friends. We're not going anywhere, if you ever need to talk.”
Senku blinked back to reality at those four words. We're not going anywhere.
It was hilarious. Yet, Senku didn't laugh- he just stayed silent, his stomach feeling sick and his head pounding.
“...Thanks. But this was just a momentary misfire in my nervous system. Nothing to worry about, I just-” He cut himself off. “... don't worry about it.”
Taiju gulped nervously. “I dunno, Senku. That seemed pretty serious.”
Senku huffed. “Yeah, well it's not.” He went to walk past the two as his phone buzzed, an arrival text from Byakuya lighting up the screen when he checked. “.... Sorry.”
Before Yuzuriha and Taiju could question why he was apologizing, Senku was already walking out of the school doors.
…
When Senku approached the car, Byakuya immediately hounded him in the parking lot, slamming the door shut with unnecessary force.
“Senku-! I brought first aid, how bad is it?” He rambled hurriedly, checking Senku up and down for any indication of an explosion, or a bruised face. When he found none, and instead saw Senku clutching part of his arm and covering something that was oozing red behind his fingers, he immediately paled and went to grab bandages.
“Let me see,” He said urgently. “What happened? Did a piece of metal cut you? Yuzuriha said it wasn't an experiment-” Senku avoided eye contact as Byakuya continued to worry, and finally, Byakuya realized he wasn't handing him his arm.
“...Senku? Can I see your arm?” He asked carefully.
Senku was silent. Byakuya stared at him with confusion. “Senku, I can't help if you don't show me.”
And so Senku did. He loosened his fingers that were clutched around the wound to stop the bleeding, revealing a slightly irritated and red bite mark that oozed red. Senku hated the color of blood- it reminded him of the lab facility in the stone world.
Byakuya stared at the mark, his expression unreadable. He was silent for a moment, before he breathed shallowly, unwrapping the bandages in his hand mechanically.
“Kiddo, did you do this?” When he spoke, he wasn't angry. It wasn't irritation at having to deal with this that was in his tone- it was something deeper, something familial in seeing his son hurt. It made Senku's heart clench painfully in guilt, and he responded quietly.
“Yeah,” he said honestly. “I don't see why it's a big deal. It's superficial.”
Byakuya's expression hardened. “Superficial or not,” The old man said the first word slowly and mockingly, as if it was a dumb term. “it still could get infected. We'll clean it when we get home, but for now we'll just stop the bleeding.” Byakuya pressed gauze to the wound, and Senku didn't flinch. He had felt worse pain before. Bandages were wrapped around his arm messily, and Byakuya fixed him with a stare.
“Senku-”
“I'm not talking about it.” Senku said firmly.
Byakuya narrowed his eyes. “Kiddo, we need to-”
“No.”
“Sen-”
“Stop.”
Byakuya didn't growl or yell, but his eyes showed frustration. For the sake of his child, he didn't show it, instead opening the car door for the young scientist. “... We'll talk about it later.”
Senku would not talk about anything later.
…
Senku wanted nothing more than to disappear at this moment.
“It's fine, old man.” Senku was persistent. He just wanted to sleep. “I was just overwhelmed.”
Byakuya wasn't taking the bait, but he could see the exhaustion in Senku's dull eyes, weighing him down. He sighed, ultimately deciding that tomorrow would be a better day to talk.
“Using your arm as a snack when you're overwhelmed isn't healthy,” Byakuya warned. “But I understand that you're exhausted, kiddo. Try to catch up on some sleep- that means no research.” Senku grumbled, and he started heading to the stairs.
Byakuya called one last thing. “And Senku- take off your binder before bed, please. Don't think I didn't notice you gasping for air every ten seconds.”
Senku wanted to scream his throat raw. Instead, he just collapsed into bed, barely having the chance to even change out of his school clothes, nonetheless his binder.
He drifted off into sleep. And if when he woke up, the covers were over him, he definitely did not snuggle into the blanket while half asleep.
...
Chapter 5
Summary:
Senku blackmails his mentor.
Notes:
Trigger warning for Transphobia and (implied) creepiness from a very horrible OC.
Chapter Text
….
Dr Katsumi was an absolute genius, and only he knew it.
Nobody saw his potential, only a madman who was the only kid to enjoy the frog dissections in 5th grade- they saw him as a desperate experimentalist, waiting endlessly for the opportunity to prove an intellect that wasn't there. It drove Katsumi painfully insane, and when the petrification plagued the earth and he was alone and left to his thoughts, he realized something groundbreaking.
He was insane. He absolutely had lost his marbles, and he was going to make the most of it.
One fortunate plus to having his brain cells fried and psyche shattered is that he had ideas- wonderful, detailed, and completely do-able ideas. And over the centuries he spent stuck in stone, that was all he could think of- the only thing that kept him conscious, was his brilliant ideas.
When the stone cracked, Katsumi could finally let his ideas be seen- even if Dr. Xeno only saw him as a doctor, just like everyone else. Behind the scenes, Kastumi plotted, waiting for the right moment, preparing for a perfect lab rat. One that would stay quiet with enough conditioning, even as its tail was cut off and fur scorched.
Enter Senku Ishigami. Biologically female, nineteen years of age, and the most brilliant mind Dr. Katsumi had seen in his entire lifetime. She was vulnerable, alone, and plagued with the trauma of death- perfect.
But of course, Senku escaped. Of course she did- she was a genius, an enigma beyond Katsumi's comprehension, which made her so incredibly interesting- And damn himself to hell if Katsumi would ever let such an opportunity go. So he set up his rat trap, and waited for Senku’s slippery tail to be caught in it.
It was only a matter of time when she set her ratty paws into the wire. Because if there was one thing Dr. Katsumi learned about Senku, it was that she would waltz straight into a cage if her friends were caught in the bars.
Senku was a genius, but she unfortunately let her emotions get in the way of science. A pity, really.
She could've done great things if she'd just cooperated.
…..
Senku lost a lot of memories of the facility. He knew Xeno had desperately tried to bomb it once, only to be immediately annihilated by Katsumi’s soldiers- he vividly remembered the rumble and booms of the walls crumbling and how his leg had to be stitched up. It both slightly hurt and comforted him that Xeno had at least tried to put an end to Senku's torment, even though he'd nearly been sniped under the scientists orders before. At least he knew that Xeno was leaning towards the kingdom of Science in his last moments, unless he was bitterly cursing Senku as he died.
“Damnit…” Senku muttered to himself, finishing the rewiring of the radio transmitter for what felt like the 35th time (it had only been fifteen times, Senku counted) only for it to not receive any signals. Senku was positive all the cords and copper were in place, and the power was on and feeding it correctly- so why?
“This makes no sense,” He grumbled. “Logically, it should be working. Maybe a higher vantage point? Or-” Senku was growing exhausted, and as he sat on the roof accessible from his window, he almost considered chucking the device over the ledge. One thing he missed about the stone world was the lack of light pollution, because now staring at the blue and black sky, there were no stars to be seen. Only the hazy glow of the moon, which he was so desperately trying to reach.
…It was time to pull out a trick from his past self. It was time to contact Dr. Xeno.
Originally, he wasn't planning on trying to tell the man the full story of course- or that he was trying to receive radio waves from the moon of all places. Dr. Xeno would probably only give him the answer that he was having a psychotic break and then maybe, possibly, give him an actual response out of the heart of science. Emphasis on maybe. But he didn't know how else he would be able to get in detail help, so Instead, Senku would pull out the perfect solution; Blackmail.
In the stone world, Senku had found a surplus of information that could easily be used as blackmail- namely information involving Xeno’s partner, Stanley Snyder, and his secret pet projects. Such projects involved illegal equipment, obtained by violent measures carried out by said partner, who was a trained sniper… Senku predicted that blackmailing his mentor would probably set their current relationship back a few notches, but Senku didn't need to close with Xeno for what he was planning anyways. Even if the man’s true nature wasn’t… too horrible, considering he did try to save Senku from the facility. But, just maybe, Senku held a slight grudge against his mentor for ordering Stanley to snipe him- (To be completely honest, Senku despised Stanley for having such beef against damn teenagers and fresh adults.)
Crawling back into his room through the window with a pant, (Seriously, why was he so out of breath? He missed the small amount of strength he had in the stone world) he slid into his chair, not bothering with the radio transmitter sitting in the middle of his room. Flipping the switch of his potato of a pc on, he navigated to his email. No new emails- only the old message from Dr. Xeno that he never responded to. Thankfully his mentor hadn't followed up at the lack of response. He began typing, a grin that Gen would've proudly called terrifying stretching across his face.
TO: DR XENO
FROM: SENKU ISHIGAMI
I would apologize for the late response, but both me and you know I just need to cut to the chase. I've been building a radio transmitter for a recent project of mine, and I'm hitting a few difficulties. I'm currently trying to reach radio waves from the moon- whether you think I've finally cracked or not is your problem, but I need information. Currently all the wires are securely connected and the….
Senku continued typing at speeds he didn't even know was possible, until he eventually attached the files he had of Stanley's and Xeno’s crimes, all in extreme extensive detail (and if he mentioned public indecency of their Homosexual relationship, it was only to add fuel to the fire.)
He pressed send.
Senku was cackling to himself all night.
…
Senku was more than satisfied with Xeno's answer.
“You… blackmailed Xeno… the big scary dictator guy- into giving you a radio tower that can receive signals to the moon?” Gen said weakly, looking just about ready to pass out on the floor of Senku's room. Senku snickered.
“That wasn't my original intention, mentalist. Our radio tower would have barely worked anyways- It just happened that Xeno was so intimidated by my information that he decided to make things easier. I'm not complaining.” Senku grinned as he finished loading the plane ticket sent to him by the scientist, not noticing Gen's careful expression as he turned his attention to his pc.
A nervous chuckle came from the mentalist. “Well, Senku-chan! Going to America alone must be stressful, hm? It would be a shame if you ended up being attacked by a… I don't know-” Senku sighed, already knowing what Gen was getting at. “-Horrible evil scientist and his husband!”
Senku huffed playfully. “Byakuya’s probably coming, and you can do better than that, mentalist.” He finally turned, seeing the expression on Gen’s face. It unnerved him slightly, seeing the concern stretched across his friend’s features. But something deeper was held in his eyes, something that made him pause. “...Cut to the chase.” Senku said robotically.
Gen sighed. “Always so blunt, Senku-chan. Never change, never change…” Gen looked straight at him, his eyes piercing into Senku's heart, making the organ skip a beat. “I can very easily afford a plane ticket with my current career, and I live alone. I don't want you to…” Senku raised an eyebrow as Gen's eyes flickered. “I don't want to lose you again.”
Oh.
Senku felt his blood turn to ice. “Mentalist,” He said very firmly. “If you really need to come, then you can. You have a point. But dwelling over past events won't change anything- we can only focus on the future.” Gen looked up, before cracking a smile.
“You were already wise as a fourteen year old, Senku-chan.” He laughed softly. “...I'll try.”
Senku grinned.
…
“SENKU!? Why do I have an email confirming you're going to America!?” Byakuya yelled from downstairs.
….
Senku had at least a week before his trip. Winter break was approaching fast, and Senku couldn't help but look forward to it. He was beginning to do that- look forward to all the little things he had before the stone world.
The city was somehow both quieter and louder at night.
As he stared at the huge billboard of a woman in a lioness costume, he thought of Kohaku- he's been doing that a lot lately; thinking of the Kingdom Of Science. Gen walked firmly by his side, the only reminder that Senku actually had someone who did remember.
He still wouldn't tell Senku how he did. He wouldn't push it if Gen didn't push him.
“You should invite Taiju and Yuzuriha,” Gen smiled as they walked to the theatre. “They enjoy shows, right?”
Senku hummed. “Yuzuriha would enjoy the creative aspect of it. The props, the crafts, and art. Taiju would just want to see who my mysterious new friend is.” They both stared at a young woman who was clearly intoxicated yell at two older men in an alleyway, before strutting off. Gen carried on.
“Then invite them. I don't mind meeting someone for a second time- that's how it is with people most of the time anyways.” Gen chuckled.
Senku thought for a moment about those words. He didn't have time to respond when his phone started ringing- Taiju.
Senku pressed the answer button. “What, you big oaf?”
“Senkuuu!” Taiju cried on the other line. “You didn't tell me you were going to America!”
Senku chuckled. “I was gonna tell you tomorrow. We still have plenty of time to hangout before then-” Suddenly, Gen snatched his phone. Senku paled. “Wha- Gen!”
“Ah, hello!” Gen chirped into his phone. “I'm Gen, Senku's friend.”
The line was silent-
“SENKU HAS A FRIEND!?” Taiju screamed into the speaker. Gen winced. “It's nice to meet you, dude! Oh, are you two hanging out!? Are you-” Taiju asked enthusiastically.
Senku snatched his phone back in an instant, trying to ignore the odd heart palpation he experienced as Gen smirked at him. It felt like a butterfly's wings in his ribcage- odd. “...I see you met Gen.”
Taiju yelled into the speaker.
And so, Taijua and Yuzuriha were at the theater ten minutes later.
The show was actually impressive- but Senku couldn't stop focusing on the way the light hit Gen’s face perfectly. His hair had always framed his jaw, and Senku wondered if that was on purpose or not.
Senku also wondered why he was fixated on such things. Odd.
…
Senku's room was always a place to crash for Taiju, and that would never change. But when it suddenly became that way for Gen and Yuzuriha, it was painfully irritating.
Byakuya had welcomed the group with open arms, even going so far as to cook extra dinner. When they all headed up to Senku's room, the scientist was just about ready to collapse into a coma- only for Gen to happen.
“So, Senku-chan! What game should we play?” Gen grinned at him. Gen, Taiju, and Yuzuriha all sat across from each other while Senku was a corpse in bed- clearly plotting. Senku groaned.
“I can't fall asleep near you monsters, can I?” He grumbled. “It's like Minecraft.”
Taiju's eyes lit up.
Senku was stuck playing Minecraft for the rest of the night- he didn't know when he eventually just passed out, but he did know one thing- the pillow he was laying on was soft and warm.
….
“Holy crap dude. Senku's like, in your lap! He doesn't even let me poke him!”
Gen smiled to himself.
(Later, when everyone was asleep, he whispered a soft goodnight to Senku. He pretended to not see the binder strap peeking from underneath his shirt- he hoped Senku would break that bad habit soon. It really wasn't safe.)
...
Chapter 6
Summary:
Senku remembers.
Notes:
Heavy Tw for implied human experimentation, creepiness from Katsumi, transphobia, gore/violence, mild self harm (although it falls more under the gore aspect) and threats.
...this chapter is really dark.
Chapter Text
….
Senku prayed for true solitude.
It was honestly hilarious- he was terrified of being alone, after being mentally tortured and lonely in a world frozen for 3,700 years in stone, for what felt like would be an eternity. He felt inhuman; counting for all that time, and then surviving as a high school student in the stone age? Completely Impossible- well, highly improbable, more accurately. Even when Taiju woke and Senku formed the kingdom of science, something still felt inhuman about him- something fundamentally wrong.
Then the war happened. The deaths were unavoidable, but Senku still failed, still lied. He felt disgusted with himself, whatever he was. Whatever damn loser of a leader he was, whatever alien, inhuman, creature he was. He knew that was taking it a bit far, but the fact remained that something was absolutely wrong with him. He prayed for true solitude from his thoughts, from the endless equations and numbers that barreled around in his brain, there for all eternity. All those people that saw him as human, all the proof that he was real and in the flesh, were gone.
He wasn’t human. He couldn't be- he never has been. Logically, he knew his body was human, bones, eyes, skin- all of it. But something had to be wrong with him, something made him fundamentally different from all of them. He wasn't better than human, he was just… something else entirely.
Dr. Xeno’s body lay, unmoving in the sterile room. Senku managed a small flicker of guilt.
“So,” Senku began, staring with dull eyes that didn't see, despite them boring into Dr. Katsumi’s pupils. As if he could scare the doctor away with his thousand yard stare. “You gonna burn Xeno’s body or what?”
Dr Katsumi laughed, shrill and unnatural. “Burn him? Oh no.” He grinned toothily, leaning down to Senku’s level. “We’re going to make good use of him and that brain of his- yours is much more exquisite of course, but it wouldn’t be much use to us if you’re all chopped up.” He patted Senku’s head, and Senku thankfully didn't flinch as he felt the calloused fingers in his hair.
“You sound like an intelligent zombie.” Senku said robotically as Katsumi removed his hand from Senku's skull. Dr Katsumi smirked.
“Look at you, Ishigami. You look more like a programmed zombie than a lab rat,” He sighed dramatically. “...Suppose that’s my fault for breaking that little brain of yours.” He said with mock pity, and Senku responded with empty silence. Dr Katsumi smiled politely. “You and Xeno… Were you two close?” The doctor purred. Senku responded with more silence, still empty and tense- Katsumi frowned.
“Ah. If you weren't then, surely you wouldn't mind watching his brain exam process?” Katsumi said chipper.
While Senku couldn't feel much with the mood stabilizers they put him on, his heart sank with a twinge of discomfort. He blinked slowly, aware of the consequences of being honest. “...No.” He muttered. Dr. Katsumi smiled with all his teeth.
“You really are a captivating enigma, Ishigami.” He laced his fingers through Senku's hair again, coaxing gently. Gross. “Truly astounding.”
(...Senku would never forget the feeling of Xeno's exploded brain matter on his gloves.)
….
Two more days.
Senku listened absentmindedly as his old man rambled on about seeing Lillian- he pretended to not know who that was, nodding his head.
“Sounds like you're down bad, old man.” He said honestly over dinner when Byakuya finished. The man spluttered, nearly knocking over his water- Senku resisted the urge to snicker.
“W-well,” Byakuya smiled nervously. “She’s way out of my league.. I think that's how you kids put it.” He said, taking a bite of his food. “But-”
Senku interrupted. “Oh no, she's definitely out of your league. But you’d be surprised.” He finished his food, putting the plate in the sink. “I'd give it a chance.”
“...Are you just saying that to make your old man feel better?” Byakuya said with a disgustingly soft tone. Senku scowled.
“No, I'm saying that there's scientifically a huge probability that things will work out. Nothing else.” He headed upstairs, missing the relieved look on his father's face. The door to Senku's room shut.
“He seems to be doing better.” Byakuya said quietly to himself. Hopefully his supposed internship with Dr. Xeno would help him a bit more- if Senku wasn't lying to him.
Things felt… normal again. Calm.
Neither of them could be prepared for the storm.
…
It was all cold.
Senku's body felt like it was submerged in polar water, but that wasn't what made him feel like he was being frozen like cow meat. It was his heart- his mind.
It was all colorless. The stale white and greys of the laboratory housing unit was always easy on his eyes, but hard on his psyche. It was all so… sterile. Senku was desperate for any color he could find, any emotion he could feel. They took that away from him; they took everything.
The splash of velvet red across pale tile was the only color Senku had been able to see in for what felt like months. He had started counting, but his intellect was dulled with medication. He could hardly focus his eyes on anything, nonetheless his mind on equations and endless numbers.
Senku let his frozen hand soak in the sticky fluid on the exam table, red painting his skin. It was still warm.
“Suika,” He breathed to himself. “It's up to you now. I'm sorry.”
His blood spilled freely from his stomach. He laughed wetly.
“Fuck,” He giggled. “Fucking- hah-” He dug his hand into the wound, feeling his fingers clench something slimy as he felt a dull ache of pain. “Fucking god,” He swore icily. “You won. You fucking won, Katsumi.”
… Silence. Senku felt something burn in his inhuman psych, something horrible. Something bending and stretching, until finally-
It broke.
“YOU WON, KATSUMI!” He screamed, shrill and feral, devoid of any sanity or resemblance of hope. It was pure devastation. “You fucking won! They're all dead! You killed children, you won again teenagers! AREN'T YOU SO FUCKING PROUD!?” He stabbed his fingers into the wound in his stomach, and ripped, feeling something thick spill out. He yelled in agony, before- “YOU’RE FUCKING PROUD, AREN'T YOU!? I AM GOING TO FIND YOU-” He screeched further in agony as he reached further into his upper stomach, searching for whatever was making his heart feel so cold and so hot- “AND I WILL-” He heard a screech as the metal door opened- He recoiled in pure agony as he finally ripped his stomach out, barely keeping conscious. “-KILL YOU. I WILL FUCKING KILL YOU! ILL RIP YOUR DAMN THROAT OUT-”
A radio intercom echoed through the room. “Issue the sedatives to her now- She's out of control. Exactly what we needed...”
A prick in his neck.
He knew no more anger- no more devastation. Just darkness.
….
The room was dark.
Senku didn't know why he was screaming at first- he swore he could still feel the wound in his stomach, and his fingers were still digging into the flesh, until he realized that there was nothing sterile or grey about the room he was in. Only a familiar solar system replica, various scientific articles strewn across the walls, and carpet beneath his hands. Not white, bloody tile.
He screamed again. Because what the hell? That was his old room- before the stone age- and that was his dad, a very dead man, throwing the door open.
He screamed once again.
“Senku!?” Byakuya panicked, looking around for any intruder- only to see none. Only his son on the floor, blankets tangled around his legs and screaming bloody murder. He cursed, his face paling rapidly as he immediately went to Senku's side.
The second Senku saw Byakuya's face clearly, it clicked.
…
Oh. Oh crap. He was- oh yeah.
Senku sobbed.
“Senku! What happened!?” Byakuya questioned, rapidly checking him over for any kind of injury. He has a distinct feeling that the problem wasn't physical however, which worried him even more. Senku didn't even think about what he did next- his body just moved on his own.
He needed his dad.
He threw himself at Byakuya, clutching the man's sleep shirt like it was a lifeline. He sobbed, shedding tears that he hadn't been able to cry for what felt like a millennia. His arms shook, and he screamed again, raw and painfully. He couldn't think straight, his head no longer filled with any equations or numbers. Only the primal urge for safety.
“Dad-!” He yelled, his voice coarse. “I’m sorry, I'm-” He gasped loudly for air, his binder too tight around his ribcage and squeezing his lungs painfully. “I'm sorry! Please-” He sobbed, clutching his dad's shirt tighter-
Byakuya felt his stomach sink, his heart racing. Something was wrong. Very, very wrong- and it scared Byakuya to death. “Senku-” He began, only for Senku to scream again and clutch him tighter. “Kiddo- I need you to breathe-” His son only gasped for air again, clutching his heart as if it physically hurt with a desperate cry. “...Crap.” Byakuya muttered.
Byakuya was at a loss, but he kept calm. He had to- for his son. “Senku…” He said softly, carefully and fearfully, putting his hand on Senku's back, not wanting to scare him. “Can you understand me?” He asked, slightly louder and firmly.
Senku sobbed, before managing a shaky “yes”, so quiet that Byakuya was surprised he heard it. His expression hardened.
“Okay kiddo, I need you to breathe with me.” Byakuya said firmly, but not harshly. “It might sound stupid right now, but it's just to calm down your nervous system. You know that, right?”
More tears leaked from Senku's eyes, soaking Byakuya's shirt. He gasped, before nodding. “Ye-yeah.” In Senku's hazy brain, he thought about the science behind it vaguely. He shuddered. Byakuya softly rubbed his back. “Okay,” His dad said, before coaxing Senku to sit up straighter. “I need you to inhale for just a few seconds, and then hold it. Got it? Four seconds in,” Byakuya took an exaggerated breath. “Hold, and four seconds out.”
Senku followed, feeling a sharp pain in his compressed ribcage. He tried to ignore it. He held his breath, and let it out slowly. He gasped in pain as his chest twinged.
Byakuya gave him a look, already spotting the binder strap beneath his shirt. He didn't chastise him about it- not at this moment. “Okay, keep doing that. It's okay, kiddo.”
Senku continued like that, feeling his nervous system calm. It slowly dawned on him what just happened, and he let go of Byakuya's shirt, sitting up straighter.
Fuck.
At least he hadn't blown too much of his cover.
“...How are you feeling?” Byakuya asked softly.
Senku fixed him with a glare, putting his walls up immediately. “Like I just had ice cream with a cute puppy family.” He said shakily, attempting sarcasm only for his tone to come out wrong.
Byakuya's eyes narrowed, but not with anger- still concerned. And it was worse this time.
“Senku. What happened?” Byakuya said firmly, his eyes boring into Senku's still shaking frame.
Senku didn't respond. He didn't plan on saying anything, no matter how guilty it made him feel. He didn't think emotions were stupid or useless, they could be powerful tools and people obviously still felt them; but it was completely illogical to blow his cover now.
A flash of hurt crossed Byakuya's face. “Kiddo, please…”
Senku didn't know what to say now.
His voice betrayed him. “I had… I had a nightmare.” He flushed slightly, before letting out a shaky laugh. “It was dumb that I reacted like that.”
Byakuya's eyes softened, relieved to not find traces of a straight up lie in Senku's voice. “It wasn't dumb to react like that. Whatever that nightmare was about, it must've been based on some pretty bad trauma,” Senku was about to retort, when Byakuya sighed. “Don't think I haven't noticed. Something happened.”
Senku went silent for a moment. “Just leave.” He warned.
Byakuya stood up, and Senku ignored the way his stomach flipped in fear as he went to the door. Don't leave-
Byakuya frowned in the doorway. “...Take off your binder before you go to bed tonight. I mean it this time- it needs to be washed anyways.” He went to leave when Senku spoke again.
“Dad-” He said desperately. Byakuya turned, worried. “...Thankyou.”
Byakuya smiled at him. “Anytime, Senku. If you need anything, don't be afraid to knock.”
…
Senku slept without anything constricting his chest that night, both physically and mentally.
…
..
.
Chapter 7
Summary:
One more day.
Tw; mild misgendering, idrk
Chapter Text
...
..
One more day.
One more day until Senku could take a step towards saving humanity.
…Just one more-
“Senku.”
Senku wasn't going to make it, would he?
Looking up to meet Byakuya's gaze, he refused to show any nervous body language. His eyes must've given him away though, because the man sighed and drummed his fingers across the table, before fixing him with a look that pierced through Senku's soul. “I'm not going to make you talk about it-”
“Then stop talking about it.” Senku warned.
Byakuya frowned. “Once again, I'm not making you talk about it, I'm just asking-”
“Then stop asking about it.” Senku said bluntly. Whatever happened was just a misfire of his nervous system, and a psychological response from instinct. Nothing else.
Byakuya sighed deeply, the fingers tapping against the wood of the table coming to a halt- It unnerved Senku for some odd reason. “Senku…” He began, a flicker of guilt crossing his face. “Are you sure you're well enough to go? I know your friend is coming too, which probably helps, but-”
Senku immediately interrupted. “I'm not missing this, old man. Whether or not you think I'm well enough to go isn't stopping me.” Senku wasn't worried about himself right now- he was worried about humanity. The world was on the brink of petrifaction and he couldn't focus on whether or not he'll have a breakdown about it. “Even if you don't like him,” Byakuya balked. “Dr. Xeno is giving me an opportunity- I'd be idiotic to not take it.” He lied straight through his teeth.
Byakuya winced. “It's not that I have anything against Xeno,” He said, and Senku couldn't pinpoint any honesty or dishonesty. “it’s just,” Byakuya seemed reluctant. “...That man is-”
“Dangerous.” Senku finished. Byakuya frowned.
“That wasn't exactly the word I was going to use, but you're not wrong.” Byakuya stood up from the table, his chair scraping against the floor. “I just don't want him to give you the wrong idea. I don't doubt that you're smart, and I definitely feel better now that I know you're aware he's suspicious, but I just don't want you to be misled.”
Senku thought back to the gunshots of war. To the blood shed from his friends, all by the hands of the power hungry. He repressed a shiver at the faux feeling of bullets hitting his chest and stomach and the pain that had come with it- all because of-
Then he thought back to the last ditch effort Xeno made for Senku in his final moments. In this timeline, Xeno was nothing but a man working at NASA with a dream. A selfish one, but a dream. He hadn't killed children yet. But Stanley-
…Senku knew nothing of Stanley, other than that he too, might've had a dream- but he didn't change in the end. He killed children with that dream, and didn't attempt to see anything past his and Xeno's future- and that was what made him so different. So horrible.
“I won't be misled.” Senku said firmly. His ‘ill lead him instead’ went unsaid, but Byakuya still fixed him with a curious stare before walking away from the table and grabbing his car keys.
“...it's time for school.” Byakuya smiled at him, putting on a face for the sake of his son again; Senku was grateful. “Just call me if anything, okay?”
Senku nodded and muttered a yes, despite knowing that he wouldn't. He tried to ignore the guilt gnawing at his insides, and instead stared out the window for the entire car ride.
…
Senku found that school was really boring when he had much more important things to do, such as saving the world. As he listened to his science teacher drone on about biology, a field he was already very progressed in, he couldn't help but want to lie his head down and sleep for a bit.
Resting his skull against the hard table, he was tempted to close his eyes. He could sense his deskmate leaning over.
“Senku…!” Taiju whispered to him urgently. Senku nearly groaned.
“What?” He whispered back, turning his head to face Taiju with his cheek smushed against the desk. Taiju gestured to the assignment that Senku was also supposed to be doing, despite the fact he could do it in a heartbeat.
“I'm so confused!” Taiju confessed, and Senku sighed tiredly. Sunlight streamed in through the window suddenly as it came out of the clouds, hurting his eyes. “You gotta help me, Senku!”
Senku lethargically sat up, his eyelids feeling like they were made of leather and about to slip closed any second. Forcing himself to focus, he peered over at Taiju's assignment.
“The teacher said we'd only be able to sit together in class if I didn't help you cheat with your work.” Senku stated. “...But the answer is B. Figure out the rest from there.”
Taiju looked like he had just won a pot of gold. “Thank you!”
Senku sighed, the bell ringing at last. “You're welcome, you big oaf. Just actually pay attention next time.” Taiju frowned, his eyes drifting down to Senku's unfinished work. Senku caught his gaze.
“You didn't pay attention.” Taiju said.
“I was tired. I can do this easily, you know that.” Senku grinned tiredly, cocky with his abilities. Taiju only frowned more though, which sent a wave of unease through the scientist. “...What?”
“Nothing.” Taiju said gloomily, his tone indicating that it was indeed something. “I know you're not the type of dude to talk about it, but…”
Senku's eyes softened. Taiju sounded genuinely upset- he's been sounding genuinely upset around Senku lately, and it made his stomach churn with guilt. “It's okay.” Senku said honestly. “You're right. I'm not going to talk about it,” Taiju deflated. “But I really do appreciate you caring, you big oaf.”
Senku wasn't afraid of emotions- he was afraid of pity. He was afraid of what happened to him. But he understood that he was talking to the big oaf and those words meant a lot to his friend, and he never wanted to hurt Taiju any worse than he's been hurting himself.
So as he watched light come back to Taiju's eyes as he steeled his gaze with determination, Senku realized that Taiju probably wouldn't stop until Senku was back to normal again. But Senku wouldn't go back to normal- not until he stopped the petrifaction and returned to his own timeline. Even after that, he probably wouldn't be the same person he was.
Taiju was always fiercely loyal. Senku let a small smile ghost over his lips.
Taiju blinked at him, before his face split into a grin. “You're smiling!”
Senku let the smile drop immediately. “Yeah yeah, don't comment on it.”
Senku felt slightly lighter the rest of the day.
…
Gen knew that his actions were painfully important to how the finale of this whole time travel fiasco would play out. His lines had to be memorized, his blocking choreographed, and every little thing he did- it all decided what the endgame would be of the act.
Senku was the top priority. He was the main character, the lead, cast by fate. And Gen was his helpful mentalist, who he had won over.
Gen would stop at nothing to ensure Senku's safety. Even if-
“You are on our side, aren't you?” Dr. Katsumi purred.
Gen didn't have to completely feign nervousness at talking to such an important figure. It was only natural the two would have met- his manager knew Katsumi's best man. Even right now, in the stone world, everyone was connected somehow.
“Of course!” Gen blubbered quickly. Sell the act. “It's only natural that I'd choose whoever is most convenient for me.” Gen smirked. He was doing perfectly. “I know that must seem hard to believe, but I am a truly shallow man.”
Dr Katsumi smiled. “It's not hard to believe at all,” He said slowly. “But it does strike me as odd. This isn't convenient for you whatsoever- going back in time with these little devices… there's only three in the entire world, and they break upon use, unable to be used again. You could very well be stuck in the past.” The man giggled- it made Gen want to shove an explosive down his throat and blow his vocal chords out. Instead he just laughed good naturedly.
“Well, I consider it incredibly convenient, actually. If you're already aware of Senku-chan’s plan, even if it's unable to be executed due to her current situation,” Gen felt the pronoun taste wrong on his tongue- anything to sell the act. “It gives me the chance to enjoy the world as it was before all this disaster happened. And I don't particularly feel like dying.” Gen let a small tremor sneak into his voice.
Dr Katsumi grinned toothily, his mind set. His fangs were sharp- Gen felt a swell of victory.
“Just so you know, Gen,” Dr Katsumi grinned wider. “If you do end up betraying us… you're worse than dead.”
Gen wished he could understand the weight behind those words. But as he woke up in his old room, pre-petrifaction, he knew it would be worth it. Especially when he saw Senku's unscathed, youthful face.
(He had no idea “worse than dead” could be at the price of what he was trying to save.)
…..
“Senku-chan!?” Gen yelped two seconds later after Senku walked straight through his apartment door unannounced. Gen was unfortunately wearing eightball themed pajama pants and the cringeist kitten shirt known to man- he was doomed. “Eriously-say, knock!”
Senku grinned at him, wide and terrifying. Gen would've been proud of it weren't for the fact he was still a little irritated at Senku's impromptu arrival. Senku walked towards him. “A heads up is a waste of time, mentalist. Tomorrow marks our first step to stopping the petrifaction, so you better be ready. Get excited!” Senku smirked in his face, and Gen ignored the faint flush he felt bloom across his face.
“...Do I look ready to you, Senku-chan?” Gen whined, gesturing to himself in all his kitten-shirt glory. Senku shrugged.
“You're still functional.” Senku moved past him to sprawl across the couch, and only now did Gen realize that Senku looked slightly different. Almost-
…Better. Happier.
Gen smiled at him, opening the blinds by the window so light could filter in better. The sun hit Senku's face at a majestic angle, illuminating his features. Gen once again ignored the way his stomach swooped slightly.
“So, did you just come here to hangout with your favorite mentalist, or do you actually need something?” Gen grumbled, taking a place on the couch as well. Senku chuckled.
“Tomorrow,” Senku turned his head to face him, red eyes piercing into Gen's grey ones. “We contact Why-man. We have no idea if Why-man will negotiate, or what will happen with the Medusa. But human or not, Why-man has a better chance at changing his mind if a mentalist like you convinces him.”
Gen’s gaze hardened, and so did his resolve. “I can't say if Why-man’s negotiations would line up with humans, and unfortunately my line of expertise has to do with our brains- human psych.” Gen stared Senku down. “That's why I can't promise anything other than that I'll try my hardest, Senku-chan.”
Senku grinned. “That's all we need.”
As Gen and Senku plotted for the next couple hours, Gen knew he was going to try his hardest. He had to.
He wouldn't let Senku go through that again- he couldn't go through losing Senku again.
Gen was a very shallow man, beyond selfish.
And he selfishly can’t let Senku go.
…
Byakuya wondered what had Senku shining so brightly the next day- it couldn't have been the trip, because the light in Senku's eyes was different than that when he got excited about science or an opportunity.
Senku's friend waved him and Senku over, before muttering worriedly about some “manager.” Byakuya was confused at first why Gen happened to be coming along at the same time coincidentally, until it was explained to him (still confusingly) that Dr Xeno knew Gen's manager for his career, and Gen happened to be part of a psychology program in America that Dr.Xeno was helping to fund, so it all lin up perfectly. It all still seemed set up to Byakuya, but he didn't judge. Maybe his son just wanted to bring a friend, and somehow wormed his way into making their schedules line up.
Gen's phone pinged, and he checked it before turning to Senku nervously. “Ah… you said goodbye to Taiju and Yuzuriha, right?”
Senku huffed, a small smile forming on his face. “Of course I did.”
Gen nodded. “Okay, okay. Welp, it's time! By the time we get through security our fight will leave soon.”
Byakuya smiled at his son's friend. “Senku said you're a master of tricks. Think you can magick our way through the lines?”
Gen chuckled, his eyes glinting with amusement. “I don't know, think you can use that NASA card of yours that Senku praises so much to buy your way through the guards?”
Byakuya balked, and then cackled. “Oh, you got me there! We could probably just squeeze Senku into a suitcase-”
Senku groaned. “We're going to miss our damn flight.”
Gen and Byakuya laughed.
…
..
.
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