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“Xeno!” a teacher called out to him whilst he was on his way from the school’s building. Xeno turned to see his head of year calling out to him. He stopped, and waited for his teacher to catch up to him.
“Hello, Miss Hopkin.” he greeted her plainly.
“Hi. Are you catching a bus?”
“No, I usually walk home with Stan.” he told her, gripping his satchel. “Stan’s gone for an interview though, so I was going to wait for him in the leisure centre across the road. Did you need something?”
“Actually, yes.” Miss Hopkin replied, “Can you come to my office quickly? It won’t take longer than five minutes.”
Xeno nodded and followed his teacher. Once in the office, she instructed him to sit down, as she followed suit. “Thanks for this.” she sighed, “There have been some…let’s say, concerns from parents, regarding the support given to pupils leaving us to go to the military. Specifically regarding the support given to them in STEM based subjects. As the highest scoring student in your year group, the school has asked me to ask you to give the speech for the military pupils at tomorrow’s graduation ceremony.” she explained, “Nothing fancy, just a few words about how you enjoyed their presence in class.”
Xeno nodded as his teacher explained the situation. Seems like a cheap cop-out… he thought to himself, “Sure. Do you have a list of all the students attending the military next year?”
After the teacher handed him the note, Xeno carefully placed it in his bag. He had a rough idea of who was going from his school, as Stanley was one of them, and Stanley liked to chat about his military orientations. “Thanks. I’ll have it done by tomorrow. Would you like me to show you what I’ve written tomorrow?”
“That would be great, thank you.” she dismissed him.
—---
Xeno was drafting up a rough draft of his speech in the cafe in the leisure centre, waiting for Stan.
“You better not be writing those weird Star Trek ‘fanfics’ again.” Stan saud from behind him.
Startled, Xeno looked up to his friend, “Oh! Hello, How’d it go?”
“Shit, I really doubt I’m gonna get the job.” Stan sighed, sitting down. “What’s that?”
“Speech for tomorrow.” Xeno answered plainly. “The school’s having issues with the parents of the military kids. They're saying there was inadequate support for students not in the STEM fields, so Miss Hopkin wants me to write a speech to imply a top-scoring student got along with his lower-scoring classmates.”
Stan shrugged, “Guess that makes sense. Seems kinda like lyin’ though.”
Xeno hummed in agreement, but kept writing his speech, “The scientific world is full of deceptions like this. It’s best that I’m used to this before I enter the field professionally.”
Stan gave his friend a funny look as he sighed, “You're the only person I know who could turn a speech into a learning experience…”
—--
The day of the ceremony arrived. The teachers did all of their speeches and goodbyes.
“Next up, we have the student who excelled most in their test scores, Mr Xeno Houston Wingfield.” Miss Hopkin announced, “He wished to say goodbye to his classmates joining the military.” She stood away from the podum, allowing Xeno to take her place.
Xeno inhaled deeply, tapping his paper with the speech on it to straighten it out. “Thank you, Ma’am.” He said, directed at his teacher. “I’ll try to keep this short, as the other people in our student body deserve recognition as well.” the lights casting down on his face were blinding him, he could barely see the first row of seats. For the best, really, he didn’t want to mess up because of nerves. “The students on stage with me, as we are aware, will be departing us in a few months to enlist with the military. The bravery of these young men and women is admirable and an inspiration to us all.” Xeno said with a monotone and formal voice.
“The people beside me will be fighting to keep our country, our home, safe. I only wish I could thank them more besides this speech.” he continued, “But I’m here today to speak about their time in these halls as students, and as my classmates. I can distinctly remember Sean McOnnery throwing around frogs whilst we were dissecting them. The teacher was furious, but he took full responsibility and cleaned the entire lab. I believe that sense of comradery and his ability to get along with people naturally will be a good quality for Sean, moving forward in his life.” Xeno feigned a tone of amusement and closeness as he said the anecdote, which made Sean smile on stage. “Joanna Jones is one of the nicest people I have had the pleasure to meet. Whenever a classmate of ours had forgotten a piece of equipment, Joanna was always the first to offer them her biro or pencil. She is a lovely young woman, and as a STEM student, I realize how having more women in fields dominated by men is very important. And I believe Joanna to be the perfect role model for young girls to follow in her footsteps.”
Xeno worked through his anecdotes for his classmates, trying to keep them as short and sweet as he could (which wasn’t difficult, as there weren't many). Having almost reached the end of his speech, Xeno loosened up his posture at the final person he was to bid farewell to, “Last but not least, is my best friend, Stanley Snyder. We’d be here all day if I were to list all my cherished memories with him. He made my school life vastly better, and was always there for me. I’m going to miss him, as well as the rest of our classmates.” he said, genuinely. Xeno turned to face them, “Good luck with your future endeavours.” he said simply.
As the students walked past Xeno to leave the stage, he gave them all a handshake. When he reached Stanley, he extended his arm for a handshake. Stan swatted Xeno’s hand away, instead wrapping his arms around Xeno’s small frame, hugging him tightly. “I’ll miss you too.” Stan whispered in his ear, as Xeno reciprocated the hug. The audience ‘aww’-ed at the display of affection, which they assumed was platonic. Xeno usually would not allow public displays of affection like this, but in the moment, he wanted the hug to last forever.
The thought of losing Stan made Xeno want to cry. He usually hated hugs, but he never wanted to let go of Stan…If he were to embrace Stanley forever, he would never leave him alone. Alone in the town where all he knew was Stan…
Xeno and Stan separated eventually, and went to where the rest of their classmates were backstage. Xeno stayed particularly close to Stan for the rest of the assembly…Wishing he could intertwine his fingers with Stan’s throughout the rest of the ceremony. But he couldn't…and they both knew why.
Xeno’s biggest regret, as an adult, was not begging Stan to stay with him in Houston that night.
—---
The day before the rocket launch, Ryusui, with the help of others, had arranged for there to be a party for those leaving for space, despite Senku’s protests. Whilst the villagers and Kingdom of Science decorated for the party, Xeno was frantically looking for Francois. They were found in the kitchen, but were more than happy to aid Xeno in his problem.
Xeno smiled as he left Francois alone to get done with the baking for the party (despite his offering to help, Francois did not want to hear it). The scientist then made his way to Kaseki’s workshop to pick up his custom order. Kaseki had no idea what Xeno was asking of him, but Joel saw a glimpse of the order, but he kept quiet and only advised Kaseki if he needed the help.
Eventually, the evening rolled around. The whole Kingdom of Science gathered outside, sitting in the chairs by the make-shift stage. Minami was ensuring that the camera was working, as the evening was going to be broadcast all around the world, as well as recorded for historical significance. The idle chatter lowered once Kohaku, Senku, and Stanley got on stage, and sat down in the chairs that were designated for them. There was also a chair slightly behind and to the side of Stanley’s. Francois and Xeno joined the space trio on stage. Xeno stood by the podium with a few sheets of paper, and Francois sat beside Stanley, which confused him slightly, but he didn't bother questioning them.
The crowd fell silent when Xeno cleared his throat, and tapped the papers to tidy them before placing them on the podium.
“Good evening everyone.” Xeno opened in Japanese. Francois, as well as a few other individuals in the crowd, translating for those who could not speak Japanese. “This will be in Japanese, as that is the language most commonly spoken in our populace.” he explained.
Xeno took a deep breath. The feedback on the microphone was distracting, but he continued regardless. There were no blinding stage lights to veil his view of the crowd, and he was able to see the face of the hundreds of people gathered, as well as the camera’s he knew were being broadcast all over the world. But…he wasn’t nervous. “Tomorrow, we will accomplish an almost impossible feat. Sending three people to the moon, in the stone world, and bringing them back. Even with our knowledge of modern science, this proved to be a beyond difficult task, with an issue arising every turn. However, we did it. I’ve worked alongside everyone here for years now, building this rocket. And I can confidently say that everyone played an integral and vital role in the construction of this rocket.” he said, truthfully. “I would also like to thank everyone for their forgiveness and compassion towards the team I used to lead, who were a threat to you. Personally, I have felt very welcomed here, and I would like to thank our community for that.”
Xeno took another deep breath as he let the translators finish, “Although I’m sure Senku would rather be up here to thank you, I have a few words to tell our astronauts.” he explained, looking at Senku, smiling in a friendly manner, “However, please know that everyone’s contribution was vital in our mission to defeat Whyman, and if I could give you all speeches individually, I would. Thank you all for your hard work. The Nanami’s have arranged new leisure equipment to be introduced, as their thanks for your work. Please feel free to take a well deserved break.”
“When I first met Miss Kohaku of Ishigami Village, she was threatening my life in order to protect her friends. At the time, I was quite annoyed at it, but looking back, I can appreciate her will to protect those she loves.” Xeno could see Kohaku smile gently at his words, “Her bravery and strong sense of companionship is admirable. She even risked her life to save her friends on many occasions. I will never forget when I saw her jump into a ravine to save Miss Suika, without a moment’s hesitation. Her ability to grow and adapt to the world she’s grown up with rapidly changing and modernising is also impressive.” he turned to look at Kohaku, “You never fail to impress me, Kohaku. Which is why I would like to present you with this-” Xeno brought out a little box. He approached Kohaku, and opened the box to show it’s contents.
“Please stand,” he said. Kohaku stood up, intrigued by Xeno’s present. “I would like to give you this medal for bravery.” he said, putting the medal around her neck as she bowed. “This was an honour in the old world, so I hope you receive it as such.”
Kohaku smiled at the medal, hugging Xeno, “Thank you.” she said, before sitting down again. Xeno could see Kohaku’s sister, Ruri, crying tears of joy in the front row.
“Moving onto Senku, where do I even start?” Xeno chuckled, “I’ve known Senku since he was ten, guiding him in the direction of his science. His childhood innocence was also a fresh change of pace, and his willingness to learn was admirable. Senku doesn’t go down without a fight. Trust me, I’ve tried.” he joked, “Senku is able to put his team and the betterment of humanity before his own needs, and I cannot imagine the pressure he has been under. Senku is quick to forgive, willingly putting our past behind us to let me help with building the rocket. Although I harboured sour feelings for the rocket initially, working alongside Senku was rewarding, and those sour feelings dissipated quickly. I can say, with full confidence, that I am proud of his progress. He has grown into a fine young gentleman that I have had the honour to mentor.” Xeno concluded. He turned to look at Senku, “Your father would be incredibly proud if he were still with us.” he said, a tinge of sadness in his voice, “Going to space was both of your lifelong dreams. I am glad to help you with that dream.”
Xeno had more written down, but Senku looked as though he was on the verge of tears already. “I’m proud to present the medal of ingenuity to you, Senku Ishigami.” he said, walking over to loop the medal around Senku’s neck. “I am glad to be your friend.” Xeno said, shaking Senku’s hand before going back to the podium.
Senku took the doctor's hand, grinning as he gave it a good shake, “Thanks, Doc’. We'll be sure to defeat Whyman.”
“Finally, Commander Stanley Snyder.” Xeno said, “It is no secret how close the two of us are. He…means the world to me. The more emotional side of me is screaming to not let him go to space. We’ve been apart for so long, I just want him by my side. But I also know that he is the most capable pilot and marksman we have. So, as Stanley has done his whole life, he will protect his loved ones. There is nothing he cannot do. His highly skilled abilities, and military training, is an advantage we must utilise. I have no doubt that Senku and Kohaku will be in good hands when up in space, as Stan will be. His determination and ability is unparalleled, and I hope the best for this mission.” Xeno said, his voice cracking.
He turned to face Stanley, his reactions delayed due to the fact that he had to wait for Francois to translate. Stanley looked back at Xeno, “I love you, Xee.” Stan said, in english, standing up and going to hug him.
Xeno wrapped his arms around Stan too, ignoring the audience watching, “I love you too.” he replied in English, his face nuzzled in Stanley’s chest.
Stanley tilted Xeno’s face up to look at him, “I’ll be back soon. Promise.”
Xeno smiled, “You better.”
Someone in the audience coughed to clear their throat, which reminded Xeno about the speech. Xeno, flustered, reached for the medal to give Stan. “This medal is for marksmanship.” he quickly said in Japanese, his face as red as a beet. Stanley accepted the medal, but had no clue what Xeno was talking about.
“A…arigato…?” Stan said, trying his best to remember the little Japanese he’d picked up.
—---
Ryusui was disappointed to hear that Stanley and Xeno were not attending the party, seeing as they disappeared right after the speech Xeno gave.
“Give ‘em a break, Ryusui. It’s their last night together, they probably just wanna be in each other’s presence. It's the first time they aren’t busy with work.” Senku said, picking at the party foods to put on his plate.
“Still…” Ryusui pouted.
“If I knew what was gonna happen to my dad when he went to space…I would have spent all my free time with him, letting him know how good of a dad he is…” Senku mumbled, “Well…was. Just let ‘em have this night together…they deserve it.”
Ryusui accepted that excuse, instead mingling with the guests of the party. Senku slipped away with two plates of food when he had the chance.
He knocked on Xeno’s hut door, “You two busy?” he called out in English.
Stan answered the door, his usual outfit having been replaced with a t-shirt and his boxers. Senku and Stan had done many drills together, so they did not mind seeing each other in little clothing. “S’up?” he asked. Xeno made his way towards the door too, in his work shirt and trousers, but he looked far less formal and put together like this.
“I brought you both some food from the party. Francois made American finger foods for you two, so I thought it was a shame for…well, the Americans they made it for not to have a taste.” he chuckled, “Also some temaki sushi, cause it tastes really fucking good.”
Xeno took both plates of food, and placed them to the side in the hut, “Thank you, that is very thoughtful of you.” he smiled, “Would you like to come in? We have some coffee.”
Senku shook his head, “I just wanted to thank you, Xeno.” he smiled, “Your speech made me feel nice. Knowing that one of my dad’s colleagues says he’d be proud…”
Xeno smiled in response, “It’s true, You were his pride and joy…he never shut up about you. He really did love you, Senku.”
Senku nodded as Xeno spoke, fighting back tears, “Thanks for being my mentor, too. And a friend…” tears started swelling in the corner of his eyes, “I’m glad you’re here with us.”
Xeno smiled, “Thanks for being my student.” he said, giving Senku a gentle embrace. “Good luck in space.”
Senku nodded, pushing away from Xeno, “That’s enough of that touchy feely crap. I’m gonna go back to the party.” he said as he rushed away.
The doctor felt arms wrap around his waist, “You’ve changed…” Stan remarked, “Not bad..’ts more like you've grown as a person when I was petrified.”
Xeno turned to face Stan, planting a kiss on his lips, “Well, I am older than you now.”
Stanley planted a kiss on Xeno’s cheek, “Guess so.”
Despite how badly Xeno wanted to beg Stanley not to leave, he knew Stan wasn’t leaving him alone. He knew Stan would be coming home. He’d make sure of it.