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In all honesty, Gen wanted to confess his feelings to Senkuu way sooner. But who could blame him?
Between traveling through basically the entire world, surviving a deadly hunt and once again living life as a stone statue, the unspoken feelings between the magician and the scientist weren’t of greatest relevance.
Now, the kingdom of Science was close to reaching their goal: Meeting Why-man on the moon.
Gen still felt uneasy with the thought that his dear Senkuu-chan had to go up there with Kohaku and their enemy - turned - friend (?) Stanley Snyder.
But who was he to have a say in anything? After all, he sadly would have never qualified for the team (not that he particularly would have wanted to come along..).
Still, the night before the three astronauts started their mission, Gen thought it was finally time to have a heart - to - heart with the scientist. After all, the magician did not want to live with the regret of never having confessed if the mission…
`No, I shouldn’t think like that. They will succeed in their mission and safe us all, I trust Senkuu-chan`, Gen thought to himself.
Everyone on treasure island was currently holding a sent-off-party for the crew, but Gen had seen Senkuu walk away earlier.
So, with newfound confidence, the mentalist distanced himself from the party and slowly walked in the direction he had seen the scientist venture to.
While the sound of the people laughing and dancing slowly grew quieter, Gen couldn’t help but think about everything he had experienced all those last years in the Stone Age.
They truly came a long way from the small group of people they used to be.
`I never thought that there would be a time there I actually care about as many people as I do now. I also changed a lot I suppose…`, he mused.
Their first stay on treasure island was years ago too.
Back then, Gen actually wanted to confess for the first time, on the Perseus after Senkuu had defeated Ibara.
But somehow, it was never the right time. Or he was just too much of a coward.
Still, tonight might be the last change he gets to confess.
Even if it might be too late already and the crush Senkuu had unknowingly confessed to him all those years ago on his sick bed had vanished.
Even if Senkuu might love someone else already (Maybe Ryusui or something…Gen ´s mind can be a quite cruel place).
Even if Gen misinterpreted everything up until now and his confession might destroy their friendship forever.
Still, he will confess tonight.
———————————————————————————
Senkuu was standing on a plateau with perfect view of the spaceship.
Moonlight rained down on the ship as if it was the main character on stage, ready for the final sacrifice. Which in a way, was the truth.
It would be a lie to say, Senkuu wasn’t a little scared of tomorrow’s take off.
Don’t get him wrong, he fully trusted his science kingdom and their calculations. He also knew that Kohaku and Stanley would keep him safe and protect him if needed.
However, there is always a chance…a chance that everything might not work out in the end.
A chance that their mission might fail…
As a scientist, Senkuu had already calculated and went through every possible scenario. But still, he can’t see into the future.
Furthermore, he still didn’t confess to Gen.
The scientist was starting to think it was pointless, whenever he wanted to confess, something came up.
As the leader of the science kingdom and one of its main brains, Senkuu had little to no time for himself and his own thoughts (or dare he say feelings).
He was sure now, that this ache in his chest, is love.
It took him a long time and dare he say, many vulnerable moments together, to realize it.
But he’s sure now.
Ishigami Senkuu loves Asagiri Gen.
`But I’m still horrible at expressing my feelings.
What if Gen forgot about us after all those years, traveling across the world, restoring our old world?
What if he forgot our talks at the observatory whenever one of us couldn’t sleep?
What if he forgot our time together at the lab?`, Senkuu was so caught up in his thoughts, he didn’t hear someone approaching.
———————————————————
Gen finally found Senkuu. He was sitting on a plateau. The moon was in full bloom shining down on him and in the distance, Gen could see the spaceship.
After some careful consideration, Gen decided he didn’t want to beat around the bush anymore, at least more than he had already done.
So, once Senkuu came into view, Gen walked towards him and sat himself down next to him.
Senkuu, apparently in thought before, startled and shifted his focus immediately on the mentalist.
Gen thought he might jump up and go or at least widen the distance between them…but Senkuu did neither of those things.
After the initial shock was over, he seemed to relax and look at Gen with an unreadable expression.
So, Gen decided to take his shot.
“My my, Senkuu-chan, you for sure gonna catch a cold, sitting in the chillness of night like this.
We can’t have that now, can we? Especially before such an important mission. ”
Senkuu ´s eyes widened in recognition, but he didn’t say anything at first.
Instead, his lips formed a small smile and he closed his eyes, seemingly thinking about what to say.
After some contemplation, Senkuu spoke up: “So, you do still remember our talk at the observatory years ago.”
“Of course, Senkuu-chan, it was and still is quite rare to see you show much emotion.I have to treasure every time I get to see it for myself”,
Gen knew that was a bit over the top.
Senkuu has improved a lot from when the mentalist first met him. Still, it wasn’t a lie.
Gen treasured every moment he had together with him.
Senkuu snorted at that, but in the moonlight, Gen could see a slight blush across the scientist ´s face.
“So, did you follow me all the way here to reminisce about our time at Ishigami village? I must say, mentalist, you are as sentimental as ever.”
“Being a bit sentimental isn’t a crime Senkuu. You were deep in thought just know as well, weren’t you? Being nervous before practically embarking to space isn’t uncommon, I’m sure the others -“
“I was thinking about you actually”, Senkuu interrupted Gen bluntly.
…..”Pardon?”, Gen was shocked. This was probably the first time someone truly made him truly speechless.
However, Senkuu apparently only gained confidence due to Gen ´s shocked state since he immediately added:
“I’ve been thinking about our time at the village together and how much things changed..from Taiju, Yuzuriha and me making gun powder to building a spaceship with people from all around the world.”
Gen didn’t know what to say to that, so he just kept on listening.
Senkuu stood up and stepped closer than ever to Gen, who simultaneously stood up. They were both looking at each other know.
A flicker of doubt could be seen on Senkuu ´s face, but he soon gained confidence again after Gen raised his gaze to meet Senkuu ´s eyes.
“But one thing didn’t change, even after all the years. I love you, Asagiri Gen.
I may be late to say it, but your the only person I’ve ever felt all those illogical feelings with.
Feelings, I will never be able to explain with science.
Feelings, I tried so hard to ignore. I know, I’m not the most emotional aware. I never was and probably never will be. But, I’m willing to learn. Together.
Of course, only I’ve your willing to give me this chance.”
Gen felt tears spill from his eyes. When was the last time he cried? He can’t even remember.
But before Senkuu could misunderstand his tears (he was already sporting a concerned expression to Senkuu ´s standards), Gen took the scientist ´s hands in his and answered:
“You ´re mean, Senkuu-chan. I came here to finally confess to you but you just had to snatch it away from me, hadn’t you?”, Gen was smiling through his tears of relief.
Senkuu also seemed close to tears, but he held them in, choosing to close the last remaining distance between them instead.
Gen, so overwhelmed with how things turned out, didn't realize what was happening until Senkuu ´s lips were on his own.
Senkuu kissed him.
The two stood under the moonlight for several moments, basking in each others presence and finally,after years and years of denial and trying to find the right words, accepted their feelings for each other.
——————————————————————————-
The first who broke the silence on the way back to the others, was Gen: “Senkuu-chan, does that mean I get to call you my boyfriend now?”
Gen was back to his sly smirk. Senkuu deadpanned, but ultimately answered:
“Sure, but don’t expect me to be all lovey-dovey from now on. I’m not opposed to doing couple things, but let ´s not rush it. I’m not yet on Xeno and Stanley ´s level.”
Says the one who just initiated our first kiss.
Still, Gen snickered on that: “Sure, sure, Senkuu-chan. I’m not expecting you to either.”
The two walked together in comfortable silence.
However, Gen couldn’t help but notice Senkuu still having something on his mind.
“Ne, Senkuu-chan, is there something still bothering you?”
“Well, I expected you to be more shocked about the confession. You seemed more shocked about me boldly saying it than the words themselves.”
`Ah, so he noticed that`,Gen thought to himself, `Well, alright then..`
“Senkuu-chan, do you remember when I was sick and asked you to stay by my side while I was falling asleep?”
Senkuu looked confused: “Yeah, what about it?”
“..Well, I actually heard everything you said back then.”
Slowly, recognition lightened the clouds of confusion on Senkuu ´s face. His face filled with shock and he regarded the mentalist with an unbelievable expression.
“Are you serious right now?!”