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Everyone knows them. Those sleepless nights where your mind simply won't shut up at all.
Normally, they don't last long and most people have no trouble sleeping regularly again after a short time.
Well, Gen Asagiri was sadly not one of those people.
Back in the old world, the pressure of being a famous entertainer mixed with his more often than not overloaded schedule prevented him from having normal sleeping patterns....resulting into a nasty case of insomnia.
The magician had really hoped he had got rid of these bouts of insomnia ever since he awoke in the stone world, but as the universe never seemed to listen to his wishes. He currently found himself in an all to familiar situation.
It was already 3 am on the fifth sleepless night this week and Gen was still wide awake.
From his sleeping position he could faintly here the quiet snoring of his two roommates, Chrome and Senkuu-Chan (who finally went to bed more often after Gen near forced him to sleep for months.)
Gen knew he shouldn't think that way, but he couldn't help the jealousy he felt just by hearing those sounds.
It felt like the snoring was trying to mock him for not being able to sleep, laughing at him for being too weak to sleep.
He felt way to uncomfortable in the hut, but there wasn't much he could do in this early hours either.
So, admitting defeat against his oldest enemy, Gen turned around in his blanket closing his eyes with the knowledge that he wouldn't get a second of sleep for the night.
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The mentalist was absolutely disgusted by the fact that he indeed was right about his suspicion.
Actually, all Gen wanted was a day off of anything really. He already knew what would eventually happen: The constant sleep-deprivation made it harder for him to react and interact normally and even though he tried hard pushing through his exhaustion, it wasn't of much use.
Being startled by the voice of his beloved Senkuu-Chan in the morning wasn't really that helpful in improving his mood either.
After a few failed attempts to get the magician out of bed, Senkuu 's patience began wearing thin:
„Oh come on, mentalist! You would ditch work whenever you get the chance to!
I need you in the lab today, because everyone else is busy with building the ship."
Gen tried hard to brush Senkuu off, but the older one seemed pretty much unfazed by the mentalist' s complains.
Reluctantly, the mentalist resented to his fate.
„Argh, fine...."
Gen sighed and got up, already feeling the effects of his sleepless nights in form of a nasty headache.
He squeezed his eyes shut for a moment in a pitiful attempt to avoid the room from spinning.
It already took a lot out of him to not collapse on spot with the way he was swaying.
He only when remembered that there was someone else with him in the room.
Anxiety crept its way up his throat, his head already forming a lie to avoid his condition from reveling itself. Because despite being on of the weakest people in the kingdom of science, Asagiri Gen could and would never allow himself to show weakness like this....especially weakness resulting from something as pathetic as insomnia.
The mentalist soon sighed again in relief, when he saw Chrome eagerly talking to Senkuu, taking every bit of the others attention away from the magician.
After some struggle, Gen found his balance again and started walking to the lab, trying to ignore his aching body as best as he could.
If the mentalist had turned around just once, he would have seen two pairs of concerned eyeballs staring holes into him.
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Senkuu knew that he really wasn't an expert on the emotional bases.
It was simply a fact, that he was logical based person through and through.
But that did never stop him from feeling feelings like concern or angst. He was just pretty good at hiding them.
Still, whenever someone in his surroundings showed signs of discomfort, he immediately switched to doctor mode on the inside, instantly searching for ways to help the person somehow.
And exactly that, became the case when he woke up Gen this morning. The older one seemed off, as if something had been bothering him for quite some time now.
But, that as itself, already seemed impossible.
Because....Gen off all people would tell him if he felt off, right?
It would be a perfect opportunity to skip work after all.
Still....isn't Gen always the one to remind him to take breaks and talks to him about the importance of a healthy way of living?
But when.....what other cause could there be for his unusual behaviour?
Why wouldn't he take advantage of it?
Before Senkuu 's mind had the opportunity to drift further off, Chrome started eagerly talking to him from the side.
Deciding it was no use thinking about this with too little evidence, he drifted his attention to Chrome.
However, as the two scientists noticed the mentalist walking ahead to the lab, they turned around.....and were met with an odd side.
The mentalist half stumbled to the lab.
Concern washed over both of them. Really, what is wrong with their magician?
After a quick exchange with Chrome, the two of them decided it would be better to leave this matter to Senkuu....much to Senkuu's dismay.
But the leak haired boy reluctantly accepted, simply knowing that he would probably have an easier time convincing the stubborn magician to talk than Chrome.
So, after Senkuu and Chrome parted ways, Senkuu began following after Gen to the lab, hoping to bring at least some light to this irritable confusion.
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Gen on the other hand, had finally arrived at the lab, feeling as if death has washed over him.
Actually, death would sound nicer than this current misery....
"No", Gen shook his head furiously," I shouldn't think like that."
Stupid insomnia, making him way to emotional.
Thankfully (or rather unthankfully?) Senkuu soon came after him.
He had a weird look on his face, one Gen has rarely seen on Senkuu before.
Concern
The anxiety was back on full force but Gen wouldn't allow it to get the better of him yet.
So, he met Senkuu 's look and put on his best smile:
"You sure took your sweet time Senkuu-Chan! Now, with what can I assist you?"
The moment Gen spoke up, Senkuu felt his body tensing up.
The scientist was still debating with himself, if he should talk to Gen about his odd behavior or not.
After all, Gen would say so if something was wrong, right?
Yes, I am probably just over-reacting. If Gen would have something like a serious disease he would for sure say something right?
However, what if it's a new disease from the stone world?
Come on Senkuu, think!
"You know Gen, before we start, let me check your temperature"
Gen shot him a very bewildered look but Senkuu ignored it and ventured directly towards Gen, who didn't even had time to flinch.
The scientist laid his hand on the others forehead and frowned at the result.
Gen's temperature felt normal.
"Eh, Senkuu-Chan, what was that for? If you wanted to touch me, you could have just said so, you know~"
It was supposed to sound very playful, but the mentalist was way to exhausted. He himself was surprised to still be able to stand on his own feet.
Unfortunately for Gen, Senkuu didn't miss the slight irritation in Gen's voice.
Mild annoyance was starting to cross Senkuu's features and melted with the concern.
"Seriously Gen, what is wrong with you? You obviously don't have a fever..."
The last part was more muttered than properly said, but even with the dizziness spells clouding his senses, the entertainer still understood each word.
Gen honestly didn't know if he should feel honored to have Senkuu's concern on him or be embarrassed by the sheer situation itself.
Still, seeing Senkuu concerned about something else than science.....what a surprise.
"I appreciate the concern Senkuu-Chan, but I-I'm perfectly fine! You really. don't need to....worry about me."
Senkuu's brown furrowed.
"I'm not worried. Just can't let you collapse on me."
With that the scientist averted his eyes from Gen, a slight sheet of pink laying itself upon his face.
Wait, are you blushing Senkuu??
"Well, whatever, let's continue with the work! We need a construction for a portable laboratory, so-"
Seemingly trying to forgot his little 'Slip-up' , Senkuu started on the work.
Gen smiled, but soon found himself relaxing with Senkuu 's smootihing voice in the background.
It didn't take long for his over-exhausted brain to stop acting, his eyelids dropping and his whole body relaxing as Senkuu's voice finally did the trick.
It only took a few seconds for Gen, but the exhaustion finally kicked in and he passed out .
———————————————————————
Senkuu really needed to slap himself for not noticing it sooner.
He was right with their being no external factor for Gen's odd behavior. And there was a simple reason for that.
His behavior is the result of a psychological issue, not a physical one, like he had thought before.
With that newfound information, Gen's symptoms started to finally make sense one by one.
Dark eye bags, occasionally headaches, constant exhaustion and from the look of it also a few dizzy spells here and there....
He really can be an idiot sometimes, can't he?
But, as Senkuu looked over the unmoving form of Gen, he couldn't help but blush slightly.
(Seriously, it shouldn't be allowed to look so cute while laying there)
Ah, there are more important things to care about right now.
Senkuu went out of the lab to get some help in transporting the passed out/sleeping Gen to their hut.
Thankfully, he was soon able to find Kohaku who didn't seem to have something overly important to do.
Her eyes were immediately shaded with a layer of concern when she saw Senkuu’s expression.
"Heh, Senkuu, what is it? is everything all right?"
„Well, the mentalist kinda passed out on me at the lab. I need someone to carry him to Chrome's hut."
„You don't have to say more, Senkuu! I'm coming"
Ever since Ruri, Kohaku's sister, had pneumonia, the younger blond-head got used to quickly jump to help with situations like the current one.
So, without wasting too much time, they hurried back to the lab to retrieve their mentalist.
—————————————————————————-
Senkuu didn't like it, but he really couldn't help the jealousy he felt when he saw Koharu carrying Gen.
In all honesty, he wanted to be the one to carry the magician, he wanted to hold him, he wanted-
Argh, what am I thinking again?!
The scientist was still grateful for Kohaku's help though.
She carefully placed the still passed out/sleeping? Gen on his bed roll and quietly spoke up:
"Do you know what's wrong with him?
Do you need anything to take care of him? I will get it all!"
Senkuu contemplated for a second and answered:
"No, I have a theory, but I need Gen to confirm it, when he is awake. The only thing you could probably do right now would be informing the other villagers, especially Chrome, to lower their voices around this hut so that Gen can sleep in peace. "
"All right..." The frustration in her voice clearly visible, but if Senkuu's theory indeed was correct,
she could really not do much at the moment.
With a sigh, Kohaku left the hut.
Alone again, Senkuu sat himself down next to Gen.
He really is beautiful, isn't he?
Careful not to wake the mentalist, the scientist slowly carved his fingers through Gen's hair. Before he even noticed what exactly he was doing, a small smile had already appeared on his face.
Weirdly enough, despite claiming emotions as illogical, at this very moment, he felt oddly at peace. All the hundred thoughts that seemed to plaque him nowadays felt far, far away. It felt as if Gen's presence itself already improved his mental health.
Still, I need to get back to work sooner or later.
With a deep sigh, Senkuu stood up again, already missing the smoothing feeling.
—————————————————————————————
To say Gen was irritated about his whereabouts would be a huge understatement.
Not only did it take him a couple moments to even open his heavy eyes (when had they closed?) but he couldn't even remember how he got back to their hut!
Wasn't I in Senkuu's lab together with Senkuu-Chan?
As he sat himself up, a sharp pain cut through his thoughts.
Gen winced for a second, but soon tried organizing his mind once again.
He only realized the other presence in the room after a few very long minutes....and maybe the fact that said person was working on something next to their bed rolls.
The mentalist blinked a little at the sudden light from outside, illuminating the hut, meaning it was still the same day....right?
"Senkuu....Chan?"
The figure paused and confirmed Gen 's suspicion as red eyes met light blue ones.
The red eyes widened for a second (a look Gen had only ever seen on Senkuu than he was excited because of a new experiment).
However, after checking over the magician, the tension in Senkuu 's whole body seemed to vanish again and an exhaustion worth a seemingly long time took over.
Gen really started to wonder how long he had actually been sleeping.
"Seriously, you have slept for 3 and a half days! You had me worried sick, mentalist. Some of the villagers already asked if you were ever to wake up again."
Genuine surprise crossed Gen 's face.
Not only can Senkuu read my mind, but the villagers were worried about me?
Even with the still present exhaustion (how can he still be exhausted if he had slept that long?!) was he still capable of a slight smirk.
"Hehehe...Senkuu-Chan was worried about me~I am flattered...."
Gen tried playing it off as regular playing around, but Senkuu wasn't an idiot.
He immediately caught on to the uneasiness in Gen 's voice.
The scientist let out a long, exhausted sigh and made himself more comfortable on the ground next to Gen 's bedroll.
He handed the mentalist a bit of the all cure in order to keep his due to sleep deprivation weakened immune system from tearing itself apart.
The mentalist took it without hesitation, already being accustomed to the taste due to the time he had been sick.
"...why haven't you told me?"
More words weren't needed. Both parties knew what the scientist was referring to.
As shame and guilt mixed together, the mentalist found himself unable to look the scientist in the eye.
Still, against his own will and powered by an invisible force, his mouth opened and spit words out:
"No one ever cared as long as I functioned. My health was never first priority. As an entertainer, it was my job, my duty, no, my purpose, to fulfill every task given to me, no matter how I felt. I need to function properly. I simply need to! I...I..I can't be useless!!"
Gen was way to caught up in his own world to even notice the tears streaming down his face.
Each tear falling to the ground felt like stabs to poor Senkuu 's heart.
"You 're not useless, you know? Have you already forgotten our talk at the observatory the other night?"
How could I ever, Senkuu-Chan?
"No, of course not. Still, you can't help me with this. You know that.."
"Insomnia is a bitch I know...but it's false that I can't help you!"
The confusion clearly visible on Gen 's face, Senkuu clarified his statement:
"It goes against all forms of logic, but you were able to sleep with my voice three day ago. You remember?
The mentalist's eyes widened:
"You 're right...but, who can say that it will work next time...besides you don't have enough time to always talk me to sle-“
"Sleep increases your overall productivity, so I will do it of course"
I-love you and I want you to be as healthy as possible, please let me do this for you, Gen!
As if the mentalist had grasped his real thoughts, a knowing smile made its way through the tears.
"In that case....thank you,Senkuu-Chan"
"Any time"
Both smiles were genuine and as Senkuu talked his mind off of the weirdest things that happened during those last three and a half days, Gen found himself comfortably drifting of into the best sleep he had in years.
If Gen had really felt a pair of lips touching his cheek, he will probably never know.