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Nanami Ryusui was always quite a spoiled heir to the great organisation that Nanami Conglomerate is. And it’s only natural to develop a mentality like his, given the circumstances. Maintaining it though? That actually required work and resilience.
His elders weren’t at all pleased with his desires, his greed. As if that was wrong, which the boy just laughed at. They scolded, punished him, tried to teach him their “right ways”...
Ruysui wanted to hear none of it.
Greed is justice, that much became his life principle.
His father wanted Ryusui to learn to give up on the things he wanted? Hah! Not happening. Taught him how to lead people the “proper way”? That was outright stupid!
Ryusui has always had his own ways and damn were they effective.
He got whatever he saw and deemed interesting or useful, no matter what others had to say about it. Locked the eyes on the prize, declared the desire from within the heart out loud and pushed forward, ambitious as ever.
Because why would he even consider giving up, when basically anything’s possible as long as you want wholeheartedly?
So, suffice to say, Ryusui knew everything there was to know about greed. He wanted everything there was to be his. And not only that, but for the others dear to him to share too!
His great collection of anything and everything grew exponentially with each day. He used the owned things whenever he pleased, of course, but overtime the initial thrill dies out and the spark of interest fades. There are some things he still prefers over the others, but many are just collecting dust on the shelves.
The greatest feelings, the thrill, the enthusiasm and biggest pleasure always come from the chase itself. The want of something new, following your desire to finally reach the thing of your attraction and every step of the way you took too.
There’s something so alluring in this race, isn’t there?
Well, the same pretty much applied to humans. It’s only natural to want them too, besides them being valuable assets too, if you come to think about it.
Once you already got them completely on your side though, the initial adrenaline fades out and you’re only left with routine.
Or, that’s what he thought before.
Ryusui missed something, or, rather, a particular someone upon awakening in the Stone World.
It definitely wasn’t all the modern technology he was missing. In fact, he noticed its absence right away. Felt it directly in his head and was relieved. And don't mind him, as any other modern man he loved all the gadgets that came from the 21st century that he owned a damn lot of, but one can suffer so many headaches from overstimulation before breaking.
Ryusui specialised in old-fashioned ships for a reason, after all. He could sense magnetic fields, and he can't really turn that sense off, just like many other people with similar superpowers can't. It's literally the same as seeing or, actually, closer to sensing with skin for Ryusui. Which is helpful for navigating, yet beyond exhausting with how often he's been bombarded with electromagnetic signals back before petrification.
So, of course, having no such distractions on a ship gave him a quiet mind while being away from land, sailing. It wasn't ideal still, of course. He can't just turn satellites down or something, even with as much money as Nanami Conglomerate had, he couldn't. But it was something at least. He never felt as peaceful anywhere else as he did when out in the ocean, away from electronics and, at least partially, from radio signals. Which probably sparked his love of sailing more than anything else ever could’ve.
Now they do have a fully working phone tower here and all that, but it’s basically nothing. He can even try to catch the incoming signal if he tries really hard. Which is definitely a useful new skill he never thought of having before, given it all was too incomprehensible in the past. And still, the loudest field is definitely Earth’s own, which he can sense as clear as day now.
So, suffice to say, no other electromagnetics being in the way of anything else made Ryusui enjoy the Stone World more than most modern people did. So much so, that in-between the new emotions, schemes and events he hasn't really noticed what exactly he was longing for before he got struck right in his face with it.
Francois.
It's not like he didn't notice their absence before. It was painfully obvious! He had to do everything for himself, every little task he usually delegated, every inconvenience he had to suffer… Yeah, the Stone World is not so pleasant, especially without a butler by your side who you’re so used to. So he, of course, had noticed how hard it generally is without them instantly.
What he did notice now is that he genuinely missed Francois themself too.
Of course, in the moment of realisation (when they first tried the abomination which Senku called bread) on the outside he made it look like he simply wanted better food, but this little act (well, not really, since he also wanted that too) conveniently became exactly the reason valid enough to ask to depetrify them.
The butler practically (and literally so) raised him.
There is this one thing money can't quite buy.
It's family. His one wasn't that bad, of course. They provided him with every need, making sure the little boy he once was had everything he wanted and more. That alone (especially on a level of rich Nanami family is on) is way more than many others had. So really, Ryusui knows how lucky he is to be born into a family like this.
And yet there are always downsides of having rich parents. The main one is how they weren't ever there . Not in the ways that mattered, at least.
Ryusui has never felt that parental warmth everyone talked about. Never felt supported either. Quite the contrary - they only ever criticized him, his ways and his feelings.
They gave him everything but what real parents should.
Unlike Francois.
Of course, they would never replace a mother he never really had. But realistically speaking? They kinda did everything a parent should. Anything and everything he asked of them, the greatest butler in the world that they are. And that was the only thing that mattered to him.
He doesn’t really know their gender, nationality or even the exact name. The others were surprised to learn that. Sure, they may have a point, but Ryusui never needed those social markers for when it came to his butler. He’s not even sure if the two were ever properly introduced, since he has known Francois since as early as he can remember. Like… You don’t really introduce yourself to your own child, do you? Or maybe real parents actually do, Ryusui has no way of knowing. So… Their situation is the same. And, frankly, not that Ryusui cared for formalities either. Their communications have always been that way and he doesn’t plan on changing that.
Back on the topic though… Seeing them again was a relief.
Professional as ever, they casually strolled out of the forest, leaving poor Gen wallowing behind, mumbling something about 2 days of straight walking. Francois’ powers of energy reserve or whatever they called it came in clutch then, since they were definitely in full power still.
They got all the important information from the mentalist then, so he didn’t feel the need to clarify that. Their skills never have yet been proven wrong, so really, he just leaned into that feeling of a new-found security, as strong as it may be from getting back just one person, and stood there with a smug smile.
“That’s my butler,” he thought, watching how quickly Francois decided on the best food, being stollen, for their future sailing.
While the others were discussing the plans, Gen had seemingly collected himself and stood next to him. The dark bags under the man’s eyes, slouched posture and uneven steps were a dead giveaway of just how tired and sore he is after their trip, which almost made Ryusui contemplate whether he should give him some kind of reward for that, before he heard the man say something under his breath.
“So, just as I thought, it’s indeed you who it led to. Who else could it be realistically?” He said as if both speaking to confused Ryusui and not really at the same time. “Yellow, like the hair of both of you. Kinda suits too, these bonds are almost never romantic, unlike the opposite ones like mine-” Gen went on, until his breath caught on the last words.
Huh. Unintentionally went into the territory he’s sensitive in? Very weird of someone with such skills as his. Has Francois had some sort of talk with him that influenced this? Their words tend to strike just all the right cords.
“But oh well~” He mused. “Guess I better go get some rest.” The man quickly recovered, not really faking a yawn that came next.
And, just like that, he left, leaving Ryusui to stand here alone like an idiot, trying to somehow piece together what the mysterious mentalist meant by his words.
Well, he should probably listen to some rumors later to try and clear whatever that was up. Maybe even ask Francois to do that? They were always good with getting the information he asked of them. And to see if his theory stood up he’d need to ask them anyway.
Well, sounds like a plan.
It was nice having Francois back. Having them here, by his side like they always were. A tiny piece finally sliding into place and completing the big puzzle that the new grand Stone World is.
Literally though - having Francois around changed everything way more than Ryusui expected. He felt now as if that was natural for him to live in a world like that. And honestly? He much prefers this to whatever the old world was anyway. Francois being around gave him back pretty much all he missed (emotionally and familiarity-wise, at least), and all the other stuff are recreational anyway.
Even the way they scolded him (and Senku) for not mixing the dough right was nostalgic in a way, reminding him of their long hours of tutoring together.
Although, seeing how much his butler has done for him over the years and keeps doing now with newfound strength… Makes him wonder if he’s doing it right.
Desiring, that is.
Wanting something is a chase. How did the song go? “I see it. I like it. I want it. I get it.” That pretty much summarises it down. But.. There’s an after for every race, isn’t there?
Francois was never this chase for Ryusui. There just wasn’t a need for that - they were already his the moment he was born. So of course he took them for granted. And now, experiencing this chase for them for the first time, having to have been thinking of how to depetrify them and so on… It kinda opened his eyes a bit.
He could just go on and treat them like he used to. Like they’re something casual and constant, always there and always useful. Just like he always did.
Or he can appreciate them as a desire he fulfilled. That’d change their dynamic for sure, and he doesn’t think that’s quite right. Besides, the thought makes him regret not doing it earlier.
Ryusui never really voiced his gratitude, did he? Didn’t really appreciate his butler enough. He did comment on their skills and assessed them accordingly (very highly and praising too), but it’s not the same, is it?
Even right now, in his logic, Ryusui called them a chase. His butler, almost a possession, if anything. That’s a profession. An affiliation. Objectification from his side too, now that he thought about it. It’s not a personality that Francois is, even if they don’t show it out of the mask of professionalism.
And-
He quickly breathed out a sharp gust of air and at the same time snapped his fingers, being blue from a petrification scar. That’s a soothing notion, one he uses a lot of too.
It also helps him concentrate on what he wants, on what’s important in the moment. Blocks out the wrong thoughts.
And right now he wants to make up for the wasted opportunities. Why was he suddenly caring about not appreciating them back before all of that anyways? Yeah, it was stupid of him, but he understands the mistake now.
So what was all that wallowing in his thoughts for if, instead, he can focus on action?
He just has to start now!
And started doing it Ryusui did.
Noting all the work Francois did and helping where he felt it was too much even for them. It never really bothered him all that much and it made their load way easier for an overworking butler, so he didn’t even think all that much before joining them on some task.
Noticing the way they were lacking something not crucial yet still rather important for comfort or simplification while doing some action. He usually went and asked Senku for necessary instruments right away, sometimes even straight up buying it off of him if the other was in the grumpy mood (well, the man has a civilisation to build, so it was kinda fair. Still, money just made him prioritise these little side quests above others). It wasn’t an issue for him at all anyway, with now having the rights for oil dig site and made the life of his important subordinate easier.
They started talking personally more often too. Just small talks in the free time between whatever tasks the two were on, sometimes just straight up gossiping (it is also strategic to know what’s going on in the kingdom, so don’t mind him).
On very rare occasions, like after a good joke from Ryusui, or a very long day, Francois dropped their professionalism when just alone with him, if even just a little to chuckle for a moment or sigh out of exhaustion. That’s new.
He felt way closer and a bit more equal to them. The two felt more natural and open with one another now, which is always a great place for any sort of relationship to head, especially with family members alike (which they practically were at this point, but not really too).
For a world that is refusing to stay tame and quiet for at least a second, feeling that comfort two-way was anchoring and overall great.
It's been awhile.
They've built a ship, successfully sailed it (and Ryusui couldn’t be happier, really. His crew turned out to be more competent than he thought so that was nice, but the process itself… It felt really nice being on board a ship in motion once again) and won their fight against the evil dictator of Treasure Island.
Ryusui himself played a very huge part (if not the biggest, outside Senku’s of course) in all those affairs, being their one and only expert in ships (apart from Ukyou, but the man’s more of a part of a crew guy, whereas Ryusui knows the practical stuff of every role from being a captain), the leader while on water, and literally sacrificing himself as his last move that helped Senku beat Ibara.
The last part wasn’t that much of a big deal for him, since it all turned out okay in the end, but still. A bit of relaxing before sailing off tomorrow surely wouldn’t hurt.
And the celebration that Gen has gathered around what their scientists were planning definitely helped brighten up the mood even more. He can’t wait for the fireworks Francois told him about!
Ryusui himself wanted just a bit of peace before that though, so he laid on a lounge chair a bit to the side from all the others on the beach, imagining that being his yet another trip to their summer house, even if it’s long gone in actuality. Head resting on arms folded in the back, one leg thrown over the other. It was rather comfortable as for an improvised seating.
He felt someone coming closer. Not really through sound or presence - only magnetically. He can kinda sense if anyone is near him just because their brain and other organs have the tiniest signals, which he can feel now that it’s not overpowered by other electromagnetic impulses from all the electronics. Ryusui opened just one eye to check and found he was exactly right to determine a figure being their resident mentalist. He has two sides, a flashy and a steady one. If anyone here can mask their presence when needed, it’s surely Gen.
Oh, and also Ginrou, apparently. Just now he noticed a sitting blonde, and did so only because Gen was looking his way. It’s fascinating how his ability can fool even Ryusui’s! He hadn’t even felt him being near all this time! Or- No, he did, but just decided to glance over it in a way.
That wasn’t the point though, cause Ginrou seemed to be on the verge of tears and Gen, somehow noticing him, was definitely thinking of what to do about it.
It wasn’t really Ryusui’s business, so he decided to ignore their following conversation, relaxing once again. Well, that was before Gen said something unexpected.
“You’re one of the lucky few ones who have not one, but two soulmate strings. ” He said.
And- Huh.
So the rumors turned out to be true?
Francois told him that Gen confessed to having a power that allowed him to see soulmates, so he was aware of that. But they also said he wasn’t at all comfortable about it, having some personal issues.
There were rumors about him helping others here and there with advices now, but their legitimacy was questionable. Him being that open about it now though…
“That’s what I meant when saying I can see love. There’s this concept of two souls being connected to one another on some spiritual level, by fate itself. ” The mentalist seemed to be in a flow, enjoying himself while explaining the concept to Ginrou who’s faced with it for the first time. “Those two connected souls are what we call soulmates. Whereas I possess the ability to see the strings that connect them.”
“Here.” Gen said, nodding to Ginrou’s hand. He seemed to have done something with it, cause Ginrou’s eyes widened in surprise upon looking there. “The cyan one is obvious. Your bond with your brother has always been one of the brightest I’ve seen.” Was he showing him the strings? Why can’t Ryusui see them then? “The other one is tricky though. Purple, but not quite like my own. It’s more like dark indigo or something? More to the bluer, platonic side of the bond. It’s so fascinating too! I just saw it appearing with my own eyes! And not really with Matsukaze’s revival, no. Just the moment he noticed you! You must really be his leader’s reincarnation or something? I dunno, fate works in mysterious ways! If it even exists, that is.”
Huh, so Gen himself has a string too. Yeah, he told him that before, but never elaborated so… He seemed to have some problems with it too back then, so had he resolved it by now, that he so openly reveals it?
While Ginrou processed all that new information, looking in the direction of aforementioned men, Ryusui sat at the end of the lounge, also deep in thought.
“Well, that’s my cue to go, then. Hope it helps, Ginrou-chan~” Gen said happily, standing up, the other also copied that and ran in the other direction, none of what that man was in Ryusui’s interest.
When he looked at what got Gen so excited though, there he saw it.
Senku. Of course. Who else but him can be that soulmate of Gen’s?
The two men exchanged equally smug grins, it was kinda amusing to see.
“You were peeking, huh? Ruined the surprise for yourself.” Senku puffed, taking the mentalist's hand into his own.
“Well, someone has to actually organise this kind of social stuff if you want your science to work on brightening up the mood, dummy.” Gen countered, embracing the small physical contact.
It felt illegal to watch.
Ryusui has noticed the two being especially close as of lately, don’t mind him and his observation skills, but he didn’t think it was to quite that extent.
For Senku to be initiating physical affection of all things. For them seeming so intimate with each other, as if it wasn’t meant for others’ eyes. And, frankly, it kinda wasn't. Ryusui was looking when he wasn’t really supposed to.
Gen noticed that. Because of course a mentalist did.
They shared a knowing look when Senku babbled in smart terms about the psychology Gen referred to in his comment. Gen himself seemed to contemplate something for a moment before nodding somewhere behind Ryusui with a smile.
Oh. He knows the owner of these particular magnetic impulses the best. Francois was approaching him.
Ryusui stood up from his seat, turning back to where his butler finished with giving out the food at their stand and blessed him with their presence. He also noticed something… Unexpected.
Huh, so that’s why Gen pointed there.
A singular yellow string cascading down the hand of confused Francois, who was eyeing the thing with little to no changes in expression, yet Ryusui knows how to pick up the small details by now.
It looked just like he imagined. Ever since learning about Gen’s power and remembering his confusing (at the time) words… Already then Ryusui knew he was tied to his butler way stronger than just by the memories and close relation due to all the time spent together. There’s something else behind their connection - a fated bond.
That’s what soulmates are, right?
And Francois really is very important for Ryusui. He thought all of this over while looking at his end of their string, tied around the ring finger. This yellow really is similar to both their hair, golden like sun or coins. Ryusui wanted all of that.
Francois isn’t really a friend. Not quite family either, even if that’s a way closer interpretation. They’re more of a constant force of security and loyalty. Always by his side, always the most competent and never thinking of their own benefits or wellbeing, but of Ryusui’s.
They really are something anyone will kill or die for, so valuable and precious. And to think Ryusui has got them all for himself literally for free…
“Master Ryusui?” Francois tilted their head very slightly, practically jumping up at the opportunity to help him with whatever is bothering him. He was kinda staring a tad too much by now, was he not?
“Thank you, Francois.” He spoke softly and smiled fondly, not really able to contain the words coming from some deep part of his heart. “Thanks for everything you’ve been doing for me all my life and continue doing even now.”
To really get his point across, he respectively bowed his head. Something he has never done before, usually only being on the receiving end of such interaction.
For a few moments nothing happened. Ryusui started getting worried, so he lifted his head back up and looked at the face of his- astonished butler.
It was probably the most emotional he has seen Francois ever being, really. Their famous control of expression gone, pose still, lips slightly parted and the beautiful blue eyes wide open.
They quickly composed themself and bowed back with full body movements right away. “I express my sincere and overwhelming gratitude for such an honour.” They said, the head turned perfectly 90 degrees, parallel to the sand they were standing on.
“No need.” Ryusui only smirked at that, snapping his fingers, desiring to savour the memory in his mind. The astounded look they handed him was more than enough profit for simply looking down for a moment. “I assume, since you and Senku are both here, everything’s ready?” He asked instead.
Chrome’s loud excited voice broadcasting from the speakers was his answer to that, as well as the first bang of a firework firing into the sky.
Ryusui is well sophisticated, seeing most grandiose firework shows back in the day, but even by his standards the science team did a very great job with those.
And, standing there right by the side of his butler, who was also letting themself enjoy the moment for once, he thought it’s worth it to voice out the inner thoughts every so often. Maybe he should actually start doing it more?
After all, humans are social creatures and are not mind readers. Besides, they’re way more valuable than any inanimate objects. And Ryusui not only wants people for himself, but he also wants all their happiness and everything else that comes in the package!
He wants everything that who is his has to offer.