Constant Variable (Senku x Reader)

6: Two Nations of the Stone World

"Senku! I..." Taiju said through tears, begging for his friend to wake up. "I'll believe in you and wait for as long as it takes. I'm hopeless without you! Come back, Senku!"

Thunder roared as lightning flashed and the rain fell harder, but there was still no response from the motionless body lying beneath you.

"Please...Wake up, Senku..." Cries of pleas fell from your lips over and over like a mantra, as though if you kept saying it, said person would really wake up.

As time passed, the rain slowly began to subside before it finally stopped pouring, dark clouds parting to reveal a clear blue sky as the sun shone down from above. Yet, you didn't even notice the difference, not when your attention was solely focused on Senku.

Taiju was the first to notice as he lifted his head, brown orbs rising towards the sky as he stood up and breathed out, saying, "It stopped raining."

From beside him, Yuzuriha's tears stopped flowing as she raised her head, her eyes travelling upwards to gaze at white clouds drifting through the sky and rose to her feet as well.

Your sobs died down to sniffles as you lifted your head from where it was lying on Senku's chest, your free hand wiping away any remaining tears. Even with the sun basking earth in its warm glow, you felt no warmth on the inside.

After all, there was no reason to celebrate when the one you loved was no more.

However, you spoke too soon. Suddenly, you felt a strong squeeze on the hand clutching onto Senku's bigger palm, causing your breath to hitch as long, slender fingers curled over your own before releasing your hand and rising to his feet.

You could feel the tears returning as the familiar sound of a gruff voice flowed into your ears, like a long-lost song you thought you had forgotten until now. "The thunderstorm that was keeping us camouflaged is gone. Don't raise your voices. If Tsukasa hears us, we'll be instantly screwed."

Both Yuzuriha and Taiju instantly glanced around their surroundings, their eyes and ears on alert as they scanned for said threat.

"You're right!" Taiju was quick to agree, followed by Yuzuriha. "He's not coming, is he?"

They blinked once, then twice in realization before glancing over their shoulders where their eyes widened in disbelief at the sight of Senku, alive and well, standing on his two feet. He let out a soft chuckle, holding the jar of revival fluid in one hand while the other touched the back of his neck where the remaining petrification had been.

"I'm impressed you noticed my neck." The scientist smirked, red eyes glowing with impressive pride. "I hardly gave you a speck of a hint. Taiju, Yuzuriha and (Name), you three get ten billion points."

"Sen.." Taiju started while Yuzuriha finished. "...ku."

"Senku..." You breathed out in his name in disbelief awe over what you were seeing with your own two eyes.

The scientist's expression softened as he reached a hand out towards where you were still seated on the ground, saying, "Come on, you're going to get your ass dirty if you continue sitting on the muddy ground."

Slowly, like the first blossoming of spring, the corners of your lips lifted into a watery smile as you accepted Senku's outstretched palm, his fingers intertwined with yours. He helped you onto your feet and with a quick tug, you were pulled into his arms.

One hand snaked around your waist while the other entangled itself within your (h/c) tresses, pushing your head gently against his chest until your ear was resting right above his beating heart.