Work Text:
Loud....
It was too loud....
Senku hates how loud it is... He hates how his hair sticks to his skin, he hates how the sun shines in his eyes, how the warmth makes his skin ick, he hates how his clothes wraps around his body, he hates how his lab feels like it's shrinking, he hates how his breathing is ragged, how his hands keeps shaking... He hates how everything was in the moment, he hates it so much he couldn't breathe. He wants it to stop. Make it stop..
Senku's eyesight blurred, as tears fell from his face. He was spiralling, he knows that yet-
SLAM!
The sound of the door echoed in his lab. A blurry figure step inside, rushing towards Senku. The familiar voice of Ryusui rang in Senku's ear, yet he couldn't focus, he doesn't understand what his saying. He couldn't-...
"Breathe.." The blond whispered in a hush tone.. "Just breathe.."
Senku gasps for air as he realized that he had been holding his breath.
"Good job, baby. That's good... Breathe with me.. in.... Out ...."
Ryusui patted Senku's hair as he continues helping the scientist breath properly again.
They stayed like that for an hour... Sitting on the lab floor. Until Senku's cries turned into soft sobs. Until the room felt breathable again.
"Are you okay, now?" Ryusui whispered in Senku's ear.
Senku stayed quiet, only nodding as a reply.
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An hour earlier....
Ukyo and Ryusui were talking about a problem on the Perseus engine. Some idiot accidentally poured sea water in the combustion chamber of the engine, it caused some corrosion in some parts of it.
"We have to take it out, replace it as soon as possible." Ukyo muttered, inspecting the damage.
"Yes, transporting anything using the Perseus would be dangerous.. I'll inform Kaseki and Senku about this later. For now we need to get both the petroleum and sea water out." Ryusui replied in a serious tone. He doesn't want to put another problem in Senku's plate.
The blond sighed, about to grab a screwdriver to start removing the engine when he noticed Ukyo tensed up.
"What's wrong?" Ryusui brows furrowed.
Ukyo looked at him with a worried expression. "I'll take care of the engine, Senku needs you. Quick." Ukyo said in a serious tone. It made Ryusui's bone chill.
"What? Why? What happened-"
"Just go!" Ukyo ordered him, Ryusui had never heard Ukyo raise his voice, so without even thinking about it, the captain ran— he ran as fast as his legs would let him. A numerous amount of question filled his head.
What happened to Senku?
What did Ukyo hear?
Is Senku okay?
Gods, why can't I run faster?!
Why?
What?
How?
As he neared the Scientist's personal laboratory he grew more anxious. He slammed the door opened.
........
The sight made Ryusui's heart break into a billion shattered pieces.
Senku was shaking like a child in the floor of the lab, his eyes looks like they'll melt with how much he's crying.
Ryusui ran over to Senku, holding him in his arms.. "Hey, hey, what happened? Talk to me, my love..." His words doesn't seem to reach Senku's ears, he won't respond to anything. It didn't take long for Ryusui to notice how Senku wasn't gasping or sobbing, he was just crying and that worried Ryusui..
"Senku, darling.. If you can hear me.. Breathe... Please.. breathe, just breath..." Ryusui made sure to soften his tone— to not let the panic and worry he feels be shown in his words. He felt relieved when he hears Senku gasp for air, his eyes regaining focus.
Ryusui comforted Senku as the lettuce head slowly calms down....
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Back in the present....
Senku hugged Ryusui tightly. "I'm sorry... I'm so sorry for worrying you.. I was just- I-"
Ryusui patted Senku's head.. pulling Senku close.. "It's okay... You don't need to explain to me... I'm just relieved that you're safe."
Senku stayed still, trying to stabilize his breathing, and his thinking.
Ryusui's warm embrace feels nice... It feels comfortable... Being with the captain felt calming... Everything fades away whenever he is with Ryusui...
"I was overwhelmed... And overstimulated..." Senku whispered.
Ryusui nodded.. "You've been told hard on yourself... Maybe you can take a break from all this rocket building... Just for one day.."
Senku sat up straight, looking at Ryusui like he just said the most diabolical thing ever. "Are you serious? We need to finish the rocket as soon as possible. What if Why-man attacked again? Wh-"
Ryusui right hand cupped Senku's cheek. "Easy there, my heart. I understand that you're worried. I know where you're coming from... I understand that you want everyone safe. That you don't want the casualties. I know that's why you're working so hard.. But it' will all be useless if everyone is worried sick about you cause of your ignorance for your health." Ryusui sighed.
Senku didn't respond... Logically speaking, if someone's distracted by something, their overall performance in work would worsen... But if he takes a break now... Everything would-
"You don't have to decide now, my love.. I won't force you." Ryusui kisses Senku's temple.
In the end Senku gave in.. He decided to take a break. Ryusui insisted on informing everyone in advanced— so Senku wouldn't be bothered by anyone during the break.
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Senku woke up at 7 in the morning, staring at the ceiling of his and Ryusui's hut. He wanted to do something.. But it was his "day off " as Ryusui put it, so he had no choice but to just "relax".
The red-eyed boy turned towards his side, staring at the handsome man sleeping next to him. He remembered the day Ryusui publically confessed to him, declaring to everyone that the scientist was a desire of his, and won't stop until the latter gets him and his heart. At first Senku didn't really paid attention to it, he thought Ryusui was just kidding around, after all Luna and Senku had just broke up a month prior. Oh but, how life loves playing it's games. He can't believe he's together with something like Ryusui, for almost 2 years too..
Senku brushed a strand of hair away from Ryusui's face. Ryusui's eyes fluttered open, his face immediately lit up.
"Good morning, my star" Ryusui uttered in a sleepy tone.
Senku smiled I'm return, "Morning, Goldilocks."
Ryusui pulled Senku towards his embrace. "How was rest, my dearest?" The captain kissed Senku's face all over.
"Hmm.... It was fine." Senku chuckled, "How about you?"
Ryusui smiled, and explained how Senku was in his dream.
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Senku and Ryusui are sitting near the beach, the weather was just right... Ryusui was staring at Senku, watching Senku's relaxed face...
"You're so stunning." Ryusui blurted out.
Senku flushed at that and glared at Ryusui. "Stop saying those! We're in public!"
Ryusui chuckled, tucking a strand of hair behind Senku's ear. "it's true... You're so wonderful, and smart, incredibly beautiful too. "
"WHAT" Senku felt his face grew redder and redder.
The Nepobaby just smirked, laying his head down in Senku's lap. "You must be so bored. Tell me about your latest discoveries." Ryusui said, gazing at Senku with pure love in his eyes.
Senku's eyes lighten up at that and he started talking about the Payload System of the Rocket..
And Ryusui listened to Senku.. "Tell me more.." he said— smiling as he looks at the green haired man, the sounds of Waves crashing together and Senku continue now explaining the propulsion system...