Chapter Text
Agape (/ɑːˈɡɑːpeɪ, ˈɑːɡəˌpeɪ, ˈæɡə-/;[1] from Ancient Greek ἀγάπη (agápē)) is "the highest form of love, charity" - from Wikipedia.
Senku looked at the mobile lab in awe. They had really outdid themself. The lab was very practical and had basically everything they needed. There was just a few finishing touches to be added.
“Senku!” Chrome entered with a bag of plants.
He plopped the bag onto the table with a huff. Senku walked towards the bag and opened it. Inside were many different plants - some Senku had never seen before.
“What are these?” Senku asked.
“Some plants I think could be useful!” Chrome rummaged through the bag and showed Senku a few ones he knew. “Here’s the plant we put on Gen after he got attacked. It helped ease the pain so just in case someone got hurt we could use it. Here is another one that is similar to that an-eh-me-see-a thingy you said.”
“Anesthesia.” Senku corrected.
“Right. And there’s more I’m sure you could find a use for.”
Senku looked in the bag. There was somethings in there that could definitely put to use. Others… would probably get tossed into the ocean.
“I’ll sort out the ones we can use.”
Chrome beamed.
“Can you go get Gen for me? He’s good with flowers. He may know something about these plants.”
Chrome nodded before leaving Senku alone in the mobile lab.
Time to get sorting.
Senku had a fairly good pile of useful plants and was kind of shocked Chrome found so many of them. Another pile was just full of weeds or plants that wouldn’t help them or be necessary to bring. Lastly, there was a pile of plants that were unknown to Senku.
Senku had never seen these plants before so he didn’t know which pile to put them in. The plants must have grown and evolved from other plants after years without human interference. That was kind of exhilarating.
Maybe he could find out about the plants from Ruri. She seems to have quite the knowledge on plants.
For now , Senku wanted to mess around with the plants. He grabbed one extra weird looking plant and ground it up. The liquid that came out of it had a pink hue to it. That was nothing like Senku had ever seen before. Senku was snapped out of his thoughts by a certain mentalist.
“Senku- chan! I heard you needed me?” Gen smiled as he entered the mobile lab. “Woah I haven’t been in the mobile lab yet. It looks nice.” Gen looked around the place as he walked up to the table and stood next to Senku.
“It’s not about how it looks but rather what it does.”
“So serious as always.” Gen pouted. “What did you need me for?”
“Do you know any of these plants?”
“The great scientist needs MY help with plants?”
“You’re always carrying flowers on you so I figured you would know.”
Gen looked at the plants and hummed. “I’ve never seen any of these plants before.” Gen picked one up as he examined more closely.
“I suspect that they grew a few years after humans petrified. All the chemicals humans used to grow plants must have killed them off or they evolved from a plant we already know of. In that case , we should be able to find out which one.”
“Will we be able to make use of them , then?”
“Depends on what plant they evolved from and if they haven’t changed too much.” Senku stuck a pinkie in his ear. “But we don’t have enough time on our hands to be running experiments like that.”
Gen sighed. “If my presence isn’t needed anymore , I will be on my way.”
“Yeah you weren’t that helpful.” Senku teased.
“Hey! I did the best I could.” Gen pouted. “Infact , I’ve been working so hard these days that I think I deserve a cola!”
“No way in hell.” Senku deadpanned. “I just said we don’t have time.”
“Hmph.”
“But maybe if we get ahead of schedule I will.”
“You’re just trying to trick me to work harder , aren’t you? But fine I will fall for it this time.” Gen walked off with a small smirk.
Well , a little surprise didn’t hurt anyone… (oh but it did.)
“Senku-chan , you actually did it.” Gen smiled as Senku slid the cola bottle into his hands.
“I’m a man of my word. Plus , this will be the last cola I will be able to make in a while.” Senku stretched his tired bones. It was getting late and he hadn't slept in a few days so realistically he should've used the time he took to make the cola to sleep. But seeing Gen’s smile was way more worth it.
Gen immediately took off the lid and took a sip. He licked his lips in satisfaction. “It tastes so good. It’s even sweeter this time!”
“Really? I used the exact same recipe as I did last time.”
Gen just took another sip. “I don’t mind it! It’s so good. Thank you Senku-chan.”
Senku scoffed. “I need to sort out more of the plants Chrome brought back.”
“Don’t stay out too long or I will have to drag you back myself!” Gen warned as Senku left their shared hut.
“As if you have the strength to do that!”
Senku was back in his lab again because even though they didn’t need it , Chrome had brought back more of the plants. The more the merrier but now Senku had extra work. He was seriously thinking of tossing the whole bag in the lake.
He opened the bag to see more plants he didn't have a use for or know about - and that irked Senku. Infact , where was that mysterious plant he grinded up? Senku looked around the table but the only thing that was pulverised was the cilantro. Wait- the cilantro? But he used that to make the cola? Oh shit…
‘How did a highly skilled scientist like Senku mix up cilantro and that weird plant ?’ is all Senku could think about as he ran back to Gen. He must have been nerfed for the plot.
Senku opened the hut door to see Gen sleeping . To the average person this wouldn’t be weird as it was night but it was abnormal to Senku because Gen always waited for Senku to come back from the lab before sleeping without fail. Senku kneeled down beside the sleeping mentalist and slightly shook him.
Suddenly, the door opened.
“Senku, are you alright?” Chrome asked
“Why wouldn’t I be?” Senku tried to mask his nervousness but he was no liar like Gen.
“It’s kind of unusual to see you run .” Well that was kind of offensive to Senku. ”Infact, I don’t think I’ve seen you move that fast at all.” Damn. “And you’re looking kind of uneasy.”
Senku sighed. “ I may have accidentally drugged Gen.”
“WHAT!?”
“Keep your voice down.”
“That’s bad ! And not the good kind of bad!” Chrome closed the door behind him and walked towards the two. “ Is he alright?”
“Not sure. I think it just made him tired.”
Chrome sighed in relief.
“You can go back to your hut. I’ll deal with him if he wakes up.”
Chrome looked at him empathetically. “Are you sure?”
Senku nodded and Chrome got up to leave but not before turning around and saying. “Don’t beat yourself up about it. It was just an accident.”
Senku scratched his neck. “I know. Even if he does get sick we will just use the power of science to help him.”
Chrome smiled but Senku could tell it wasnt real. It didn’t take a mentalist tell that.
He frowned as he looked back at Gen. He really hoped he wouldn't need to freeze another one of his friends because he had no clue on how they were supposed to save him from the unknown plant.
Senku set out their beds and dragged Gen onto it with a huff. Its not like Gen was heavy senku was just painfully weak.Senku lay next to him as he watched Gen’s even but shallow breaths.
Senku didnt sleep that night as he was constantly checking that Gen was still alive. He couldn’t get over the fact that if Gen was severely injured then it would be all his fault.
Senku was snapped out of his thoughts by Gen moving and groaning. Senku immediately sat up and watched Gen as he woke.
“Senku-chan?”
“Gen.” Senku let out a breath of air he didnt even know he was holding. He was so relieved that his mentalist was well. “How are you feeling?”
Gen sat up but immediately winced and grabbed his head. “I have the worst headache right now.”
“It’s okay. Just lay back down.” Senku helped Gen to lay down and pulled the blanket up to his chin.
“The room is spinning but other than that I’m okay. What happened?”
“Its my fault , Gen. I accidentally used the wrong ingredients in the cola and you passed out i asume.”
“Senku-chan… It’s not-.“
“Senku!” Chrome barged into the room with the other two generals behind him.
“Is he alive?” Ryusui asked
“What does it look like?” Senku stuck a pinkie in his ear.
Ukyo rushed to Gen’s side. “I'm so glad he's awake.” Ukyo sighed in relief as he scanned his friend.
Gen , noticing the tense situation , tried to boost everyone’s spirits. “I feel alright. It was just a small slip-up that caused no harm.” Gen sat up and the other boys gave him a worried look.
“Are you sure you’re okay?” Ryusui asked , suspiciously.
Gen nodded. “Right , Senku-chan?”
“Right. You guys can start working and Gen you can have the day off.”
Gen’s eyes brightened. “Eriously-say?”
“Just so you can be easily monitored.” Senku excused as he stood up.
Ukyo hesitantly followed suit and they all walked out the hut.
Ryusui was the first to speak. “Are we sure he isn't just downplaying his pain?”
“That is something Gen would do. He wouldn’t want us to worry or to hold us back.” Ukyo agreed.
“But what if the plant truly did no harm to him?”
“Enough. There is no way of telling what the mentalist is actually feeling. All we can do is watch him closely and hope he tells the truth.” Senku snapped.
“Senku, we are just worried for Gen.” Ukyo explained.
“Worrying won’t fix shit.” Senku clenched his fists. “In the meantime I’m going to try to find information about the plant.”
Senku left and could faintly hear Ryusui daying to ‘give him some time to cool off’. Ugh , he wasn't a child.
“Ruri.”
“Hello , Senku.” Ruri greeted as Senku entered her hut. “What brings you today?”
“I’m really curious about these plants.” Senku explained as he passed them to Ruri.
Ruri inspected them for a bit before letting out a small hum of acknowledgment. “I know of these. I’m surprised you don’t know about them.”
Senku scratched his neck. “Yeah these weren’t around 3700 years ago.”
“How interesting!” Ruri smiled. “Why do you need to know about these?”
“I want to bring them on the ship if they are useful.“
“They are called Agape plants but they were only described to be myths. They were only founded, hmm… 17 generations ago. Apparently , a criminal ( that was exiled ) came back saying that consuming it caused one of their accomplices to fall hopelessly in love with each other. They begged for help to fix it but they were ignored by the village. No one else has ever found them.”
“The village hasn’t really explored that far so it’s not shocking that no one found it. Chrome did go really far on his hunt.” Senku explained and Ruri nodded in agreement. “Do you know if they ever found a cure for it?”
Ruri shook her head. “They were never seen again.”
Senku knew that they probably died as it was almost impossible to live out there (coming from experience) but decided not to say that.
“So it’s useless and just causes problems.”
“if anyone can find a use for it , its you.”
Senku scoffed. “Im not that wonderful.”
“Maybe I don't thank you enough but I seriously owe my life to you , Senku. Without you I probably wouldn't still be breathing. You’re a hero to our village.”
Senku shoved a pinkie in his ear as he got up. “No problem. You guys are all paying me back by getting me to space with all your labour.” Senku smiled mischievously and Ruri smiled back but instead it was a calm smile.
Senku left Ruri’s hut feeling the same as he did when he entered , confused. Sure it helped him know that the plant wasn’t completely unknown but he still didn't have a cure.
🪩🪩🪩
Anyone could have checked up on Gen but Senku insisted he did. He was the smartest one there , the chief and also the reason they were in this predicament so it was technically his responsibility.
Gen popped his head out of his blanket to see who had entered the hut. When he saw Senku , his face flushed a bit red and his eyes dilated just the slightest but it didn’t go unnoticed by Senku .
“Senku-chan…?”
Gen’s voice was hoarse and very scratchy.
“You alright?” Senku says as he sits beside Gen.
He helps Gen sit up and offers him water which Gen refused.
“Senku…”
Senku’s eyebrows raised at the lack of honorifics. “What is it?”
“I-“ Gen shook his head. “Nevermind. It's nothing.”
“Gen, if it's something to do with the plant then I need you to tell me.”
“No way.”
“Why not?”
Gen tucked his knees to his chest. “It's too embarrassing.”
Gen was acting weird… Senku sighed. “What if I get Ukyo. You’ll talk to him right?” Senku found it annoying how Gen always talked to Ukyo. So what if Ukyo had better social skills? Senku could probably share the exact same wisdom as him!
Senku stood up but was stopped by Gen throwing all of his weight into him.
“Stop!”
“Gen!?” Senku’s back was on the floor as Gen clung onto his waist.
Senku couldn't see Gen’s face as it was buried in his chest but he could see the very obvious pink on his ears.
“I told you it was embarrassing…”
Senku ran his fingers through Gen’s hair which made the mentalist cling onto him tighter. “I still have no clue what's going on.”
Senku heard a mumble of words.
“Hm? What’d you say?” Senku asked as he tried to move Gen’s head to face him. “C’mon look at me.”
Gen shook his head and buried his face even deeper into Senku’s chest as he mumbled something again.
“Gen I cant-“
Gen lifted his head slightly “I said ‘I like you.’”
Senku froze. The mentalist liked him…? Senku was at a loss for words.
Senku could now feel his face heat up and was now glad the mentalist wasn't looking at him.
“But I don't understand how these feelings could come over night.” Gen whispered whether to himself or Senku no one knew.
“What do you mean?”
“I never liked you before , duh ,” ouch, “but ever since I drank the cola you gave me I can't help but keep thinking about how good you are to me.” Gen mumbled the last part before going back to his normal volume. “And more stuff that I would never have thought of in the past.”
ever since I drank that cola. The cola that had that mysterious love plant in it.“Do you think the cola had something to do with this?” Senku asked quietly.
Gen shrugged. “You’re the scientist. Why don't you tell me?”
Senku thought for a while. It's true. Gen most likely never had a crush on Senku and Senku didn't know much about love but he doubts feelings sprout over night.
“I just feel compelled to be closer to you.” Gen buried his face back into Senku’s chest. “This is so stupid.”
Senku chuckled. “This is exhilarating.”
Gen pinched Senku’s side which made him squirm a bit. “Exhilarating!?” Senku could just envisionise Gen’s annoyed face. “I'm suffering and you think this is exhilarating?”
“Get excited , mentalist. Maybe we could use this plant to our advantage.”
Gen just groaned before laying on Senku again. “Do you plan to make hyoga fall in love with you , Senku? Or maybe all of our enemies? Never saw you as a harem guy.”
Senku couldn't help but laugh at that.
“This plant is called an Agape Rose .” Senku explained. “It has no cure so far and it’s said to make the victim fall in love with someone else. There is no more information though.”
Gen hummed in acknowledgment .“We should keep this suspicious plant a secret between the generals. We wouldn't want someone to take advantage of it.” He suggested.
“We’ll also have to investigate it. Find out how long it lasts. You’ll need to tell me everything.”
Gen nodded.
“Can you get off me now? The villagers will start to wonder where I am.”
Gen groaned. “But I want to stay with you.” He clung onto Senku tighter.
“You’ll be out of bed rest tomorrow and then you can work all day in the lab to make up for the time you missed.” Senku smiled maniacally.
“You’re so uel-cray.” Gen whined as he begrudgingly got off Senku and slid under the blankets.
Senku got up and dusted himself off. He looked at the mentalist who now had the blanket up to his nose as he tried to fall back to sleep.
“Remember to drink some water and eat the food. I’ll bring more later.”
“Mhm.” Gen nodded.
Senku left feeling a bit more reassured about the mentalist's condition.
The boat’s progress was excellent and they would be finished in a few days. The effort they had put in was really showing off and everyone was proud and excited.
“Ryusui.” Senku had called the captain onto the ship. They walked together as they viewed the ship.
It was just a casual stroll while inspecting the ship.
“I doubt you asked me to come onto the ship away from others just for a stroll , Senku”
Senku stopped walking. “Have you made your list yet?” Senku asked.
“Yes. It’s almost done.” Ryusui stated. “You’re curious on who I want to bring?”
Senku nodded and Ryusui took out a list from his pocket. It was fairly neat aside from a few names scribbled out.
Senku skimmed through the list. Everything seemed reasonable except there was one name not there.
“Gen.”
“Hm?”
“Where’s Gen’s name?”
Ryusui’s face turned into a mix of guilt and shame. “I know you probably want Gen on the ship but we have to think realistically. If we all die on the ship there is no one left to control the village. I even hesitated putting Chrome on the list since he’s the second smartest guy we have.”
“What if we bump into a problem only he can fix?” Senku countered.
“I’ve already considered that but ensuring the village will be okay when we are gone is more important.”
Senku scoffed. “The villagers have survived many years without Gen so they can survive a few months without him. Besides , they have Ruri and other modern folk who can help them.”
Ryusui looked like he was going to object but decided there was no point arguing against Senku. “I’ll think about it more later..”
Senku frowned and they both walked out the ship with a bit of tense air .
As they left the ship , they saw Gen talking to some girls. That made Senku annoyed. He was annoyed at the fact the mentalist had ignored what he said about resting, not about the mentalist talking to these girls . Of course not…
Senku stopped and hid behind a stack of boxes that was going to be transported into the ship’s storage room.
“Why are you hiding?” Ryusui asked.
“I’m not hiding.” Senku hissed. “I’m checking the boxes.” Senku began to fiddle with the boxes and began humming in acknowledgment whilst saying a few ‘seem’s like everything’s alright.’.
Ryusui looked unimpressed at Senku’s failed attempt at a lie before his eyes shined bright. “HAHA! You’re jealous.” Ryusui smirked
“HUSH and I’m just making sure that Gen isn’t telling them about the Agape rose!” Senku lied
“Agap rose?”
“Shush. I will tell you later.” Senku whispered.
“But what if some of the people never come back!” Girl 1 sobbed.
“That won't happen. Senku-chan’s a smart scientist and wouldn't let anything happen to us.” Senku couldn't help but smile at the praise
Senku heard the girls sniffle and blow their noses.
“Ryusui is probably going to ask for you to go on the boat. I mean you deserve to go on the boat since you are so smart and will probably help alot.” Girl 2 said.
Senku shot Ryusui a ‘i told you so’ look to which Ryusui just rolled his eyes.
“What if you love the island so much you never wanna come back?” Girl 1 cried.
“Awh come on. If i ever-nay came back then how would I ever see your beautiful faces?” Oh that made Senku mad.
Ryusui snorted as he saw Senku’s pissed off face.
“Awh , Gen you are so romantic!” The girls said in unison.
“Mentalist.” Senku frowned as he crossed his arms while coming out of his hiding spot.
“Oh , Senku-chan.” Gen had a smile on his face but Senku could tell he was startled and upset about being caught.
Senku sighed and began to pull Gen away with him. “Sorry but Gen is needed.” Senku eyed the supposed ‘beautiful girls’ . They were beautiful but he didn’t like that Gen was calling them beautiful.
When they were at a far enough distance from everyone , Senku began scolding him.
“What about the word ‘rest’ do you not understand?”
“It’s not my fault.” Senku gave him a look of disbelief. “Eriously-say! They came looking for me because they were sad.”
“For a guy who always complains about work you don’t seem to know how to stop.”
Gen pouted.
“C’mon let’s go to the hut.” Senku began walking away but realised Gen wasn’t following at all. “What?”
“Are you done working yet?” Gen asked.
“No. It’s only past midday. I still have a lot to do.”
“Can you come back to the hut for just a bit?” Gen asked.
“No can do. I have stuff to do.”
“Please?” Gosh since when was Gen so whiny. It was kind of cute but it was so sad to turn him down.
“Y’know how close we are to finishing the boat.”
Gen bit his lip. He looked… disappointed? “Alright.”
Gen began walking to the hut. “I’ll stay put this time , I swear.”
Senku held onto Gen’s hand , stopping him.
“Hm?”
“I’ll… I’ll try to finish early today. Okay?”
Gen’s face turned a light pink before he regained his composure. “You eally-ray don’t have to!”
“I want to.”
Gen’s words got lost in his throat as he just stared at the scientist.
“Go back to the hut.” Senku let go of the mentalist's hand.
Gen nodded slightly before leaving.
Hand-holding seriously!? Why had Senku done that? And why did he tell Gen he was going to finish up earlier even though he has so much work to do? Senku mentally face palmed as he viciously crossed out words on his blueprints.
“Dude , are you okay?” Chrome asked with a hint of concern in his voice after watching Senku use so much aggression towards a piece of paper.
“Yeah.” Senku lied as he wiped his face , accidentally smearing charcoal all over it.
Chrome looked doubtful but brushed it off. Senku then noticed his expression shift to one of worry. “Gen is okay , right?”
“Ofcourse he is.”
“I know you may feel guilty or responsible for what happened but it truly isn't your fault.”
It wasn’t Senku’s fault and he knew that. Anyone could have made that mistake especially whilst running off 4 hours of sleep and stress. But Senku just couldn’t shake off the feeling that he could have prevented it.
“It’s my fault” chrome’s shoulders tensed as he admitted something he had been thinking for the last few hours.
“What?” Senku was shocked.
“I shouldn’t have brought that plant in-“
“No , Chrome. It's nobody's fault. It was just a silly mistake and Gen is…” all fine? Because he isn’t. “Gen is alive and that's all the matters.”
Chrome sighed as his shoulder’s relaxed. “I just feel like maybe I'm not a good scientist, y'know. “
“Where are you going with this?”
“I want to stay back with the village.”
Senku’s jaw dropped slightly. “What? Why would you want to stay with the village? I thought you wanted to explore-“
“I know I said that but the village is my home and I don't want to leave them. Besides , who will take care of them if we die? I’m the second best scientist and could help them.”
“Chrome , if I die you won't be able to revive humanity . No offence , but you aren't that smart yet. You still have a lot to learn and I think coming with us will help. Of course this is your decision.” It was also Ryusui’s decision as the rightful captain of the pursuers to not bring Gen but Senku still insisted. Why?
“I-… I will think about it.” Chrome frowned.
“I’m going back to the hut to check on Gen and I’ll probably end work now.” Senku packed away his blueprints.
“Already? It's kind of early for you.”
“I haven't gotten much sleep these days and it's already affecting my performance so now i have to rest for a bit.”
Chrome nodded.
Just as Senku was about to leave the lab he mentioned. “Just so you know , Chrome , I would really like it if you came with us on the ship.” Then he left the lab before he could deal with the response of his sappy comment.
Senku grabbed two bowls of chicken stew on his way to him and Gen’s shared hut. He quietly walked in to not startle the sick man and was surprised to see him asleep and looking rather peaceful.
He sat down next to Gen and looked at his mentalist sleeping. A piece of his white hair tickled his nose with each breath he exhaled , making him slightly scrunch his face. That made Senku laugh a bit as he slowly brushed the hair out of his face and cupped Gen's cheek with his palm.
The mentality looked cute whilst he sleeped. All the lies and schemes were no longer there and only left peacefulness and the truth of Gen.
Gen stirred awake and opened his eyes to see Senkuu staring at him. Gen’s face turned a bit pink but Senku couldn’t tell if it was from embarrassment or the suspicious substance Gen took that made him crush on Senku.
“Finally you’re awake.” Senku took his hand off Gen’s cheek.
“How long were you watching me?”
“Long enough to find out that you snore in your sleep.” Senku teased.
Gen groaned in annoyance as he shuffled to sit upright.
“What’d françois make tonight?” Gen asked
“Chicken stew.” Senku replied as he handed Gen a bowl.
Gen accepted it and they began to eat in peaceful silence.
The food was delicious as always. Even in the stone world francois could make amazing dishes and that just made everyone wonder how good they were when they had access to more ingredients. When the world was back and running Senku would have to have them make him a dish.
Senku looked over to see Gen blushing . Was he sick? Senku put a hand up on Gen’s forehead making him flinch but eventually relax. His temperature was alright so what was the problem?
“What are you doing?”
“Youre face is red. Are you still feeling unwell?” Senku asked.
Gen’s face only seemed to get more red after getting caught but it quickly went back to his pale skin tone after regaining his composure.
“I’m alright.” Gen swatted Senku’s hand off his face.
“Tch , liar.” Senku was getting better at deciphering Gen’s lies and his truths.
Gen pursed his lips before sighing. “You caught me.”
“Let me guess. It’s something to do with the drug?”
Gen nodded. “It’s making me want to do stuff I wouldn't normally want to do.”
“Like what?” Senku placed his bowl down as he got more interested in the conversation.
Gen look torn between exposing the embarrassing truth and not saying anything but then again it was Senku so it would be alright. Right?
“Like kissing you.” Gen mumbled so quietly that Senku almost didn't catch it.
Senku cleared his throat. “Do you want to?”
“Yes.” Gen seemed so happy but seemed to go back to his normal self and shake his head rapidly . “No!”
Senku laughed at the sight of Gen contradicting himself.
“Do you seriously think this is funny!?”
“Kind of.” Senku teased.
Gen huffed and crossed his arms as he pouted like a little child.
“C’mon I'm only kidding.”
Gen seemed to not care as he just looked the other way with a dramatic swing of his head.
Senku shuffled closer to Gen and held his chin . He then moved Gen’s face so they were looking at each other. Their faces were so close together.
“How about we kiss?” Senku asked.
“Are you hearing yourself!?”
“I want to see how you react to it. Maybe the drug wears off with a kiss.”
“This is not a fairytale and I’m not snow white.”
“Let’s just try.” Senku insisted.
Gen seemed to think about it before agreeing. “Fine. Let's just get this over with.”
*AWKWARD SILENCE*
“How do you kiss?” Senku asked, a bit embarrassed.
“You’re proposing we kiss and you don’t even know how to?”
“Science is way more important to me than how to make two lips touch.”
“Well I don't know how to kiss either.”
“The guy who wanted a harem doesn’t know how to kiss?”
“I’ve told you before that I have never dated anyone.”
“Do you at least have an idea on how to?”
“Yeah I think we have to move though.”
They repositioned themselves so that Gen was awkwardly on Senku’s lap. Not sitting on it but just hovering over it.
“Comfortable?” Senku asked , placing a hand on Gen’s waist.
Gen nodded.
Senku tucked a long white strand behind Gen’s ear as he cupped his cheek again. They looked into each other’s eyes . It was too intimate to be called casual but too fake to be called romance.
Senku leaned in first . He figured he was doing something right when his lips met Gen’s for the first time .
Gen’s lips were surprisingly soft for the stone world and Senku wanted to touch them forever. He could feel Gen rest his hands on his shoulders as he became more relaxed.
To Senku’s dismay they pulled away from each other. He silently wished that they could’ve kissed longer.
“So how was-“ Senku began but was instantly cut off by Gen’s mouth on his again.
Gen fully sat on Senku’s lap and kissed him more passionately than before. Not like Senku minded as he kissed him just as passionately despite not knowing what he was doing. It seemed like Senku’s wish was brought to life.
Somewhere along the line Senku’s tongue ended up in Gen’s mouth which earned a little squeal from the older man. The kiss was getting heated. Too heated for something experimental. When Senku was doing experiments using heat and they got too hot that usually ended up in disaster so he would turn off the burner. So why wasn't he doing the same? Why wasn't he ending this?
They both separated to catch their breaths. Panting for air like dogs in heat.
Gen’s lips were glossy and swollen from kissing and he looked ever so desperate for more. However , before Senku could give into his lustful thought about kissing Gen the door opened.
“Oh. Am I interrupting something?” Ukyo awkwardly said at the door.
Senku had never seen so much emotion come out of Gen as his face turned into a horrified expression.
“It's nothing.” Senku dismissed as he gently pushed Gen off his lap. He wiped the saliva that was on his lips ( he didn't know whether it was his , Gen’s or both ). “Did you need anything?”
“I wanted to check up on Gen but he clearly seems alright.” Ukyo mumbled. He was clearly as embarrassed as the two were. “Goodnight and don't make too much noise if you’re going to stay up.” Ukyo shut the door as he scurried away
Senku scoffed at the last comment. He looked over to see Gen looking… sad?
“Hey you okay?”
“I’m just really tired.” Gen yawned.
Senku didn’t need to look outside to know it was nighttime - he always knew the time.
“I’ll get the bedrolls out.”
Senku put out their beds and pushed them close together. Gen blew out the candle that lit up the room and They both laid down beside each other.
“Try to get some sleep tonight.” Senku mentioned.
“I always do.”
Senku gently brushed a strand of white hair he could see in the dark out of Gen’s face. He gently brushed under Gen’s eyes. “You think I don’t notice your sleepless nights? Or the deep eyebags you try to hide behind a smile?”
Gen took Senku’s hand off his face and instead interlocked them with his. “I think I’ll sleep alright tonight. As long as you stay this close to me.”
And with that they fell asleep.
🪩🪩🪩
The next day , Senku set out on the hot air balloon with Ryusui and Kohaku. Since they were going to leave in a few days they wanted to make sure that the village had enough food to last them a while before they needed to start hunting. They also wanted to find more good areas for hunting so a repeat of the Great Depression wouldn’t happen.
“There should be some goats and chickens over there.” Senku pointed far .
“That far?” Kohaku asked.
“They try to stay away from humans so they are quite far from camp.” Senku explained.
“Good thing I packed for a few nights stay.” Ryusui gleamed as he prepared the hot air balloon ballon for landing.
It was quite early when they landed since they left right before sunrise.
Kohaku climbed up the trees to get a high view of the land around them. She scouted for any sign of animals whilst Senku set up bunny traps where he could.Ryusui set up their sleeping bags and blankets as he unpacked the hot air balloon.
“I think I saw something!” Kohaku smiled as she jumped out of the tree and landed near Senku. “It wasn't a pig like you guys brought back before.”
“What’d it look like?”
“It was big and had horns.” Kohaku used her hands to imitate how the animal looked. “It also had big ears and a tail.”
“Yeah that’s definitely a cow.” Senku stuck a finger in his ear.
“HAHA! I desire that meat. We must bring it back to camp.”
“There is no way we can bring back a whole cow.” Senku deadpanned. “We can bring back only a few bits and pieces along with some chicken and bunny. Then we can give the map to the villagers so they can work out where to go to get proper meat. However if it’s necessary then we will bring them here ourselves.”
“So I shouldn't kill it?” Kohaku asked.
“Nah , you can kill it since we still need to eat .”
Kohaku smiled as she jumped off into the distance. Senku and Ryusui quickly followed.
They took a few pictures of the chickens , cows and bunnies in case the villagers had never seen them before and Kohaku killed a cow for the first time.
It quickly became night and they sat around a makeshift fire while eating the cow they caught and cooked.
“I wish we had francois.” Ryusui mumbled as he ate their flavourless meat.
“Yeah this would taste way better. I should've brang some salt.”
“I don't know about you guys but I’m enjoying this alot!” Kohaku eagerly ate her meal. “Way better than fish!”
“Gen would enjoy this.” Senku thought out loud. “He always used to complain about having to eat fish everyday.”
Ryusui gave Senku a look.
“What?”
“Ah nothing. It's just that you always manage to bring up or talk about Gen.”
Senku was confused about what he was implying.
“Anyways , I feel bad for you two. Surprised you didn't do anything about the food sooner.”
“We had a war to deal with. Meal preferences were not top priority.” Senku scratched his neck.
“When you get the world back and running I can't wait to try all the food.” Kohaku exclaimed
They had put everything away and were now in their sleeping bags. Kohaku insisted on keeping watch out for animals for the night so Senku and Ryusui were going to have anice sleep.
Senku could now think about something that had been bugging him the whole day. His kiss with Gen. Sure he was the one who suggested it but he never expected it to get that far.
But why did it feel so good? He desperately wanted to do it again but that wasn't something you should think of your friend.
Right?
Him and Gen were friends. Just friends.
“Senku-chan , you’ve never been in a relationship before?” Gen asked genuinely.
A few months ago, before they went to rescue Chrome , Gen and Senku were in the observatory like any other night. Chatting away like always before they fell asleep.
“I don't see the appeal.” Senku cracked his neck. “What about you? Many relationships?”
“Im not the player you probably think I am. In fact , I have never had a relationship.” Gen admitted and Senku couldn't hide his shocked expression. “Never had time and everyone tried to ride off my fame.”
“Oh sorry.”
“It's not a big deal. They would've just been a distraction.” Gen then smiled mischievously. “But I guess my fame has no value now so maybe i could make real relationships now.”
For some reason that pissed Senku off . “We have a war to win . At least keep your dick in your pants till after Tsukasa is defeated.”
Gen just laughed. “Dont worry no one here interests me.”
No one?
“What about you?” Gen asked.
“I have no time for relationships.”
“Oh come on Senku-chan!” Gen nudged Senku’s side. “What about Kohaku?”
“No offence but I don't plan on marrying a lioness.”
“Oo~ so you're a date to marry kind of guy and not a ‘just a fun time’ type. So serious.”
Senku scoffed.
“Yuzuriha! No, she's definitely in love with Taiju. What about Ruri?”
“Not interested plus Chrome likes her.”
Gen huffed. “This is going to be impossible. Do you even like girls?”
Senku shrugged. “Don’t know, don't care.”
“Hmm. Tsukasa? Enemies to lovers?”
Senku laughed. “You’re crazy.”
Gen then batted his eyelash is cutesy way as he moved so his and Senku’s face were just an inch from eachother.“What about me?”
Senku felt his heart drop for a second before pushing Gen out of Senku’s face. “Personal space and also no way in hell.” Senku looked the other way to hide his blush from Gen as Gen just laughed at Senku’s reaction.
Had Gen known from the beginning or was it just a tease? What if Senku had just said yes then?
Senku was the first to wake up as always though he wished he stayed asleep longer since he just felt lethargic.
They were very busy the whole day as they walked around finding more areas where animals seemed to hang out.
Kohaku was enjoying finding all these new animals they wouldnt have dreamed of before. Ryusui was also having a nice time as he explored the surrounding area.
The day was going smoothly till they came back to where they set camp.
“Someone is calling the phone.” Kohaku called out.
“Okay. Ryusui can you check the bunny traps whil i answer?” Senku asked
Ryusui agreed and Senku went into the hot air balloon where they left the phone. The other generals had suggested they bring it with them just in case something happened and also since it was good to be able to keep in touch with the chief. However , they didn't think they would actually need it.
“Senku?”
“Hello. Ukyo?”
“Yeah. Is the expedition going well?” Ukyo asked.
“Yeah we were just about to make dinner.”
“Have you collected alot of meat?”
“Yeah.”
“That’s nice. Are you-?”
Senku sighed. “Cut to the chase , Ukyo. I know you wouldn't call just to ask how we are doing.”
Senku could hear a bit of shuffling over the line and he heard Ukyo sigh.
“Gen is feeling unwell.”
“He’s sick?”
Senku knew Gen had a weak immune system. Thats why he always dressed in many layers even in the summer. But was he feeling that sick that Ukyo had to call. Surely , Chrome could just give him some of the spare medicine.
“I think you know that I wouldn't be calling if it wasn't bad.”
“What happened?”
“He has been hiding most of his symptoms from us but there has been some things that i noticed or he has admitted.” Ukyo started. “Like on the first day i noticed him acting strange. He seemed very tired and was really off-balanced. I told him to take a break but you know how he is.”
“He didn't eat anything that whole day and excused it with the fact he had no appetite at the moment. I didn't know it at the time but recently he told me he threw up.”
“Sounds like a fever.”
“Yeah. He’s asleep right now but not after he fainted. It’s like he’s getting worse by the second.”
“I’ll be back first thing tommorow.” Senku stated.
“Are you sure?”
“Yeah. If my mentalist isnt feeling well then i need to check up on him.”
“Alright. I’ll try to take care of- hm?” Ukyo was heard talking to someone else who Senku guessed was Gen. He couldnt hear their conversation though. “I have to go Senku. Goodnight.”
“Goodnight.”
Senku turned off the phone with a frown. Gen couldnt be sick. They were planning to leave in two days. Gosh they didnt have the time for Gen to recover and it would just be another reason for Ryusui to not bring gen on the boat.
Senku walked out the hot air balloon to see Ryusui and Kohaku already eating some kf the bunny they caught. Damn savegous couldnt even wait for him.
“Who called?” Kohaku asked.
“It was Ukyo.”
“What did he need?”
“It was nothing. He just wanted to ask when we were coming back.”
Senku could read Ryusui’s face and it was screaming ‘i know there is more to that.’.
“Can we leave early morning tommorow?”
“Why?”
“I think our job here is done.”
Ryusui looked suspicious but shrugged. “Sure thing. I guess im going to have to sleep earlier today then.” Ryusui stretched.
“I’ll stay awake for lookout today.” Senku offered.
🪩🪩🪩
When the trio came back they were immediately greeted by the villagers.
Senku said hi to them as fast as he could as he tried to make it to his and Gen’s shared hut.
When he entered he saw that Gen was dazily staring at the ceiling. He had sweat on his forehead and his face was sickly pale except for the red blush in his nose.
He must have not noticed Senku enter the hut as he didnt say anything till Senku sat by him.
“Great , I’m now hallucinating.” Gen groaned.
Senku pinched Gen’s cheeks which made the latter grumble.
“I’m real you fool.”
“Senku-chan?” Gen grabbed Senku’s hand which was still on his cheek.
“Yeah.”
Senku swore he could see Gen light up and look better already.
“Thank god you’re back.” Gen sighed in relief as he leaned into Senku’s touch.
“How’d you get yourself sick , mentalist. You know we only have a few days till we leave.”
“Its not my fault, I swear.” Gen whined. “When I woke up without you I just felt so sick. But im feeling better already.”
Could it be a coincidence? Gen becomes drastically sick when Senku leaves. Gen was feeling sick when he first took the potion but the more him and Gen spent intimate moments the better he got. Even holding his hand was returning the colour back to his skin. Could it be connected?
“What are you thinking about?” Gen asked.
“What are you thinking about?” Senku countered
Gen thought for a second. “Sleeping with you.”
“Scootch over.”
Gen shuffled over till there was enough room for Senku to slid under the covers with him.
“Don’t you have stuff to do? What if someone comes in?” Gen’s sick voice was already sounding sweet again
“Ryusui will handle it and I know Ukyo won't let anyone disturb us.” Senku pulled Gen closer.
Ukyo definitely won’t let anyone barge into the room after what he saw last night.
“About last night.” Gen gulped. “I went too far with the kissing. I got ahead of myself and took more than i shouldve.”
“Don’t apologise. I wouldve pulled away if i didnt want it.”
“Did you enjoy it?”
Yes.
“It was a scientific experiment. There is nothing to enjoy.”
“I thought you liked doing scientific experiments.”
“Kissing is just two lips touching each other. There is nothing to enjoy.”
“Well for me , it was the best first kiss I could've asked for.” Gen admitted before drifting to sleep.
“I feel the same.” Senku whispered before falling asleep too.