Archive of Our Own ^beta

In all honesty Senku feels a tad ashamed he didn’t prepare for this more. Despite what Gen likes to say about his luck; looking back the Kingdom of Science is a relatively lucky bunch. What are the odds that his father survived petrification, survived with a capable crew no less, and created a civilization he could further science quicker than expected? In general though, they had luck with goats and wheat nearby, having someone for nearly every needed task, and keeping people from becoming too ill. Senku prided himself in the fact that no one, especially the modern people, had fallen ill- or heaven forbid died from the viruses that their immune systems are no longer built to resist. Part of him is curious if it has to do with the petrification process itself. He is not willing to risk anything though, which is why soap and proper hygiene are some of the first things he insists on installing in the Village and the ex-Tsuakasa empire zone.

Obviously soap is a need, he teaches them about regular bathing tactics, and makes old world grooming tools like a version of the hair brush the old-worlders are used to and razors. He doesn’t deem it necessary for everything to be enforced, he’s not gonna fight Kohaku on washing her hair if some of the old-world men couldn’t even do that, but he’s certainly going to make sure that it stays as clean as possible with the limited resources they have. In an ideal world that would mean plumbing being something he focuses on, unfortunately this is not the ideal world so making sure waste products are kept in ONE zone and people regularly visit clean water sources is the way he goes.

Ryusui is big on the ‘grooming boom’ as he calls it. Otherwise known as Ryusui Nanami begging Senku to make ten billion percent unnecessary items and Senku agreeing because Gen points out this is another way they can milk the economy of the Drago Ryusui invented. It’s not overly complicated stuff in all honesty, light makeup products made of bees wax, perfumes extracted from the local flora, the works. Senku is- and he would never say this aloud- grateful for this absurdity from Ryusui. Apparently he had become nose blind after around 3 years living in the stone world because wowzers, it smells so much better than it did and he is not sure how he managed beforehand. The people seem happy as well, self care has always been a big part in societies, especially booming ones, so he can agree it’s time well invested. Plus he’s rolling in cash now.

With all this focus on hygiene and the fact that Tsukasa was kind enough to awaken the rough and tough, added on top of his own theories, no one gets terribly sick. That's not to say no one gets sick. There is food poisoning and regular simple sickness that plagues everything no matter what actions are taken but they can be handled easily. In fact, their current problem is objectively just that- a regular ailment that was bound to happen to anyone- the bigger issue is that this time Senku and friends are worried because it’s someone they're close with. Listen, he’s not heartless, just a pragmatist. He is able to rationalize that anytime one of Tsukasa's brunt men gets sick it isn’t that big of a deal. He never really expected someone on the main team to get sick.

“Has Ukyo seemed… off to you?” Gen asks. He is using that tone, the one Senku is able to read because he has heard it dozens of times. The one that tells him Gen knows something is up; he just needs an extra hand to finalize the puzzle.

“Haven’t been paying a lot of attention to our sonar man, why is Ukyo revealing he’s actually some cruel guy?” Gen laughs at that waving him off. “No no, nothing along those lines, sweet Ukyo is just as patient as ever. More along the lines off… slacking off I suppose… he seems far more sluggish than he did even just yesterday.” Hmmm, Senku looks off to where Gen has been staring, and yeah, it did seem like Ukyo was slacking off. He was moving slower and carrying less than Senku knows he’s capable of. Which is odd. Senku likes the people he’s surrounded himself with at the ‘top rung’. None of them particularly care about power, yes including Ryusui, more so everyone just wants what's best for society. They’re all hard working individuals who are intelligent, they all have talents that make them irreplaceable, and they all are able to bounce off Senku rather than just follow him blindly despite what it looks like. Senku is aware it looks like they just take his word for everything, but Senku knows this comes from a place of each individual's own intellect and trust rather than a place of just blindly following a leader. Ukyo is certainly no exception to that, and everything he has heard tells him that the read he gets on Ukyo is the read most people get. He’s a gentle soul at heart but certainly a ‘badass’ as Gen lovingly puts. He has never been one to slack off even on some of the worst days Senku sees him.

“He does seem to be avoiding his full potential.” He’s an ex-marine, he’s stronger than a vast amount of people in the Kingdom despite what people think when they see him. Seeing him near struggling with moving a box of Senkus things is offputting. “Yes, the question is more so ‘why?’ than anything else, dear Ukyo has never been the kinda guy to not put his all in.”

They both stare for a bit before a booming voice behind them interrupts with a loud “Hello!” Turning around neither are shocked to see Ryusui, he somehow is always able to find his way to the center of any and all events, truly a man of the people. “Whats going on?” During this they know Ukyo probably heard him ask, and knowing him is probably listening to make sure everything is okay. “Not much king greed, what’s going on in your home front?” Ryusui lets out a typical “HA HA!” Before rambling on about how everything on his end is doing fantastic as they have their incredible captain leading such an incredible crew, in fact they were ahead of schedule by enough that Ryusui decided to give them a bit of free time, hence his presence.

Both Senku and Gen notice his gaze lingering over them for a bit before continuing his intensive amount of eye contact- seriously he makes Senku every so slightly uncomfortable with the staring- and it’s not hard to puzzle out that Ryusui recognizes the same thing both of them do, although Senku almost thinks he sees Gen puzzling out another potential story line, but it’s Gen so Senku lets him do his thing. He finishes off his story and points with a chin tilt towards their Archer who is only on box three of six after the epic Ryusui just shared. Yeah, they know Ukyo can and has carried up to four boxes before, only stopped from doing that regularly by his size, it is a hazard to walk around unable to see even if you can hear the heart beats of people in your general location; so why is it taking him so long to finish up this task? They all watch him a bit closer, he’s sluggish and looks more like he ran a mile than transported a few boxes from a cart to a storage unit only a couple of steps away.

“This is pointless, I’m just gonna ask.” Before he can fully turn around Gen grips him and yanks, “I don’t know if that’s gonna go the way you hope dearest.” Gen lets out a light chuckle. He looks off into the distance, he has that look in his eyes that tells Senku that he is cooking something up, but also looks uncertain. “I would rather avoid potentially scaring Ukyo off from telling us the truth.” Senku scoffs, “please, Ukyo is far more mature than that. That might be an issue if we were dealing with others, but him? He’s nearly honest to a fault.” Gen smiles his typical closed eye smile, “sure but he’s also- Ryusui?” The Nanami heir is off before Gen can finish their sentence, confidently striding up to Ukyo.

“Ukyo! I must speak with you!” Senku and Gen near flinch at his volume, any nearby fauna run off, it’s loud. So loud they do see Ukyo flinch. “Ah, did I sneak up on you finally!” Letting out a small chuckle Ukyo shakes his head, using his hands to motion for him to continue. “Just curious on how much of your task list you’ve gotten done! My crew got done early so we wanted to have some fun!” Ukyo smiles but shakes his head slowly, "Unfortunately I am not working as efficiently as everyone else seems to be. I’m actually a bit behind schedule.” He frowns looking around at the boxes.

“Well then let me assist!” Before Ukyo can argue, because everyone knows he would, Ryusui scoops up the box Ukyo is carrying and another one on the cart. His eyes widen as Ryusui takes over his work. “Uh Ryusui, your help is always welcome but I don’t want to get in the way of you and your plans.” “Nonesense! No plans are good plans until everyone is guaranteed a fun time.” Ukyo blinks slowly, “You say that with such conviction”

“Oh, speaking of which I’m thinking of asking Francois to make some food for us, anything you want specifically? Like bread?” “Hmm, whatever you want.” The three men around pause for a second, taken aback. Ukyo is a giving person by nature, but he is no pushover. He doesn’t give more than he is comfortable with and he asks for what he wants when he can. He is nowhere near as demanding as nearly anyone else in the kingdom but he is also not shy about certain things. He has asked Francois multiple times to add bread on the side of meals, if not for everyone than just for him. It’s something Ryusui finds endearing, it is such a simple thing but the way Ukyo lights up reminds him of the feeling he gets when his desires are fulfilled. “Do tell, dear Ukyo, where has this sudden nonchalance come from. Where has the cutie that gets wide eyed at the mere mention of Francois baking gone, I miss him.” Senku scoffs at Gens' theatrics, but before he can speak up with his typical attitude Ryusui jumps in, “It’s like you’ve been plagued Ha Ha!” He goes and rests a hand on Ukyos’ cheek as part of his display.

When his hand comes in contact with the man, his face drops. “Oh- uh… Francois!” Ukyo’s eyes go wide as Ryusui calls for his butler. Gen and Senku tilt their heads in unison as Ryusui drags the blonde butler over. “I think he’s feverish! You were always good with knowing!” He points an accusing finger at the archer. Francois nods and gives a curt bow before taking off their gloves invading Ukyo's space with their hands, one resting on his forehead and the other on their own, they remove their hands and slide back on their typical hand coverings. “He does indeed seem to have a high temperature, without the proper tools I am merely guessing but I would say it likely is sitting at a tad over 37.7 degrees.” Ukyo places a hand on his face and sternum, “I was feeling a tad chilled, but I assumed it was just the typical kind that came with the season changing.” “Dear Ukyo! You must sit down! Stop working this instant and let Francois take care of you!” Francois gives a bow and nod, they head off to go prepare what they deem needed. Ukyo nods and follows closely being the butler, he seems just as shocked by the reveal as anyone else.

“I wonder why he feels surprised! Wouldn’t he know when something's off?” Gen laughs, “you would certainly think dear Ryusui, I think it has to do with the fact that Ukyo served in the military, he tells me he nearly never got sick before.” Ryusui knew that Ukyo served in the military, the branch, specialty area, and a few sparse details he heard Ukyo mumble in fitting times, such as stories from boot camp. “He’s still smart enough he should've taken some time off, he probably has heard me mumbling about sickness tsk” Senku is muttering as he wonders off. “Ah dear Senku, ever the pragmatist, not sympathetic to even the ill and their motives, whatever they may be. Take care of dear Ukyo for us, okay?” He smiles and wanders off close behind Senku.

(“Why on earth would leave Ryusui with Ukyo, Francois and Ukyo would be fine” “Let’s call it an experiment of my own, testing a theory blah blah”)
They settle Ukyo in a cabin nearby, Francois has experience taking care of the sick, and Ryusui is certain it’s probably a breath of fresh air to work with someone much less stubborn than the Nanami conglomerate for once, so it takes no time at all to feed him and settle him in for at least a nap.

Francois determines they should probably leave, seeing as Ukyo’s sensitive hearing would probably make it more of a risk of keeping him from sleeping soundly. Ryusui understands, of course he does, but he also thinks with his heart and his heart doesn’t want to leave Ukyo alone. “What if he needs something to drink-” “I am leaving some water nearby” “What if he wants tea-” “I left everything set up, all he would need to do is warm it on the stove” “He’s sick though” “Still a fully capable young man” “What if he gets lonely” “Then he can come and get someone, but master Ryusui I am near certain Ukyo is much more introverted then your giving credit for, and might enjoy the alone and quiet time we would be giving him” “What if he gets worse?” “Us being here and keeping him awake will do nothing but increase the chance of that situation happening, I will return every hour or so and check on him” “Fine. . . can I come” “Yes master Ryusui, so long as your promise to stay quiet, not we should be joining the others.”

They did not return for another three hours. At first Ryusui was determined to check up as soon as he possibly could, read; as soon as they joined up with the others. Fortunately Francois was able to convince him to stay with the others and relax to give Ukyo proper time to relax in the quiet. Unfortunately, they lost track of time by a bit and left Ukyo alone for a tad longer than they planned originally meaning that once Ryusui realized he had kept up with his end of the deal he ran over to the hut Ukyo was staying in. Francois was keeping close on his heels with much more calm than their master.

Once they arrived at the cabin they saw Ukyo sleeping peacefully. It stayed peaceful and Francois determined that it was likely Ukyo was just dealing with a small spike in temperature and would be fine come the morning. He would likely continue this peaceful slumber till the sun rose and then be back to normal. True to their word things did stay peaceful.

Until a few hours later.

Ryusui had decided against better judgment to stay nearby. He could not risk a crew mate needing help when they were sick and having no one nearby. In his mind this was the best call, even if a few others tried to tell him that it would be fine. He’s so glad he’s as stubborn as a mule. Right now, as he sits behind Ukyo gently trying to calm him down as he coughs up a lung. Right now as Ukyo rasps out gentle reassurance to Ryusui despite being the one in pain.

“You don’t have to stay with me Ryusui, in fact you should probably go get some sleep.” He coughs into his elbow and smiles at Ryusui. “I’ll be okay.” Ryusui lets out a quiet ‘tsk’, he pats Ukyo’s upper back. “I am staying here till you’re sleeping soundly again. Now do you want me to bring you something? I think Francois said there was leftover tea.” Ukyo turns his head to stare Ryusui in the eyes but otherwise he stays quiet. He lets out an affirmant hum. Ryusui jumps up and leaves the hut leaving Ukyo alone for a tad. He closes his eyes and does a quick body scan to try and figure out what’s wrong. He can tell he’s congested beyond all belief, his head hurts, he is sore, most likely he caught a bad cold.

Back in his military days sickness was basically not an option. Being in a confined space under the sea with a few other people meant if one person got sick everyone else did. He took pride in how well he built up his immune system and took regular care of himself. He had a proper sleep routine, exercised, did his check-ups, even found vitamins that worked well for him.

He supposes he was bound to get sick eventually in this stone world, but he never expected it would get like this. He knew some of the other people had gotten ill, in fact he was able to help take care of them a few times when he was in the Tsukasa empire. All of that said he is embarrassed to have gotten sick before any of the other ‘wise generals’ except probably Chrome. Although, he does tend to deal with a lot of people compared to Senku, and a lot younger, ergo more likely to hold nasty germs his immune system is unused to, than the other two. Chrome is an expectation because he grew up in these conditions. He does recall seeing one of his younger students sniffling, he hopes that they’re holding up better than he currently is. God his head hurts.

Ryusui enters now holding a tray of tea and stollen slices. He kneels down next to Ukyo and sets down the plate. “Okay here is some tea, water, and food. I'm gonna go get a bucket of cool water but you make sure to stay hydrated and try to eat.” Ukyo nods while letting out a short raspy chuckle. Ryusui smiles as he leaves again. Ukyo takes a deep breath when he brings the cup of tea to his face. It gives him temporary relief, flooding his senses in a way that makes the pressure he’s feeling bearable. After he finishes what Ryusui brought for him he lies down.

When Ryusui returns Uyko is sleeping, although fitfully. He lays down a cool damp cloth on his forehead and gently rubs his temples to help alleviate tension but he doubts a simple massage could make Ukyo feel better. That’s what truly hurts Ryusui, the fact that this isn’t something he can fix. Even if they lived in a time where modern medicine was still easily accessible this isn’t something that a human can fix instantaneously and they don’t have medicine meaning Ukyo is just going to have to tough this out and hope it doesn’t develop into something more serious.

Come morning, Senku and Gen come to check up on them. Unfortunately not met with great news as Ukyo’s condition has unfortunately worsened over night. His harsh cough has irritated his vocal cords enough that when he speaks he sounds more like a winded whine than actual words. His fever luckily hasn’t gone up, but it hasn’t gone down either. Senku decides it’s time to do a check up, given the village's history of pneumonia he wants to make sure Ukyo’s condition is monitored before it gets too serious. Despite what Ryusui thinks are protests, it is really hard to tell when all that is coming out is raspy whispers; he sits Ukyo up and lets Senku slide his makeshift stethoscope around his chest and back. Ukyo feels so bone deep exhausted due to the fact he got next to no good sleep the prior night. Sitting up when Senku is rubbing that cold metal against him feels so laborious he can’t help but slump against Ryusui. He is a warm and solid presence to catch him right now, and sue him for wanting just a tad bit of comfort at the moment.

Senku didn’t pick up on anything that would cause alarm at the moment, and was just going to leave Ukyo alone until he was able to come back to work. Unfortunately Senku’s luck is shit and the worst three people to see Ukyo in this state come tumbling in trying to find them.

Chrome comes in first looking for Senku, and in all honesty wouldn’t be terrible to have in the know. He has all those medicinal herbs that they can give Francois to try and help Ukyo’s immune system get the jump at kicking the virus out. Chrome however, is anything but quiet. Even when both Ryusui and Senku shush him and Ukyo flinches at his tone, he yells out his typical catchphrase. “THIS IS BAD!” rings inside the cabin and catches the attention of two nearby passerbyers.

First, little Suika. Another person who would be totally helpful in this situation, however Gen had told him for Ukyo’s sake not to get her wrapped up in all of this. He thinks it because of the role Ukyo has stepped up to take in Suikas’ life, a steady near parental figure. Ukyo is almost always someone they can rely on to be calm and understanding, plus based on what Senku has observed has a natural ability to work with the kids in the village, likely due to his previously mentioned seemingly never ending patience. They’re all aware Kohaku and Suika share a bond no one can replace, but even so no one can dispute the importance Ukyo’s stable presence is for her. More so, Senku thinks Ukyo will feel shameful for not being able to stand tall for Suika. Based on the girl's reaction though, she is not leaving his side until she can prove herself useful here.

Then comes the worst person to see the state of Ukyo. Kohaku is a wonderful person who cares for those she considers her friends like kin. She also has negative experience surrounding ailment and all of them would’ve liked to keep this on the downlow as not to worry her while she is busy training the battle team and watching over Hyoga. Well, she heard Chrome’s yell, and of course she had to investigate what her friend was yelling about this time.

“What happened this time, did Senku end up making another-” She stops herself when she sees Ukyo flushed and leaning heavily against Ryusui. At first she seems embarrassed, that is until she sees Ukyo try, and fail, to stifle a cough. They all kinda stare at each other. Breaking the momentary peace she runs up to Ukyo and grabs his face. “What happened? Are you okay? Did you catch Ruri's sickness?” At both her quickly raising volume and the rough touch of her hands Ukyo flinches back, trying to shield himself from her onslaught by pulling Ryusui to calm her down.

“Kohaku, I understand your concern for your crewmate and friend, but please refrain yourself and calm down. You aren’t getting any information out of him by causing discomfort. Chrome if you yell out one more time I will have to ask you to leave and not be nearby. Suika, I understand you want to help but it may be best for you to help by going to hang out with your friends. Maybe you guys can practice writing on your own so when Ukyo feels well enough to have classes again you all can impress him?” With the calmness of a true captain, he guides the room to be more comfortable for Ukyo. The littlest member of their team understands and hesitantly leaves after wishing Ukyo a good recovery and declaring when he sees her handwriting his socks will be blown away. Chrome nods and covers his mouth, similarly to how he did when he was first up against Ukyo. Kohaku glares at Ryusui but backs up, if only because she feels bad for the discomfort she caused Ukyo.

“Is he suffering from what Ruri had?” She asks with hesitation, wringing her hands staring deep into Senkus' soul. “Well there is no guarantee he is not but it’s not likely, plus we’re gonna pump him full of medication now so it has no chance to progress to the point Ruri got to.” He picks at his ear, but even with this nonchalant energy he has, everyone can tell he is trying to comfort Kohaku. Even if he is a bit blunt he is no fool; Senku knows this discovery is rough on her after what she went through, and Ukyo is someone they consider a close friend. She lets out a small breath that she had been holding and stares up with a glint of determination, “what can I do to help?” Senku smiles, “there is the lioness we all know, plus it is far more efficient than sitting here and stressing. Well then first and foremost go get some hot spring water, no appreciates sitting in their own sick sweat.” With a quick nod she dashes off to a direction she is familiar with.

“I believe the rest of you should head off, Senku will help medicate him and I’ll take care of him, no need for all these people here to cause him distress with excess noise.” Ryusui is fairly certain Ukyo tries to argue with him, but to be honest Ryusui wouldn’t have listened to him even if he hadn’t lost his voice. He needs rest and that is not something that is going to come easy even without people like Chrome around making a ruckus however accidental it may be. With slight reluctance Chrome nods and heads off. Senku just throws his small bag filled with what feels like powder. “There is a measuring tool in there, every two hours just give him one spoonful of that stuff, have him down it with the medicinal tea Francois is sure to deliver, the rest is up to you captain.” The door shuts behind their lead scientist slowly leaving Ryusui and Ukyo alone for the time being. The captain looks down at Ukyo who stares at him. Goodness his eyes are so pretty right now.

Ryusui has always liked Ukyo’s eyes, and he’s confident everyone around them probably share similar thoughts. They remind him of magic crystals, mostly in the sense of the calming effect they have on him and the shine they carry. The shine they have reminds him of the ocean; he wants to explore them the same way his crew and he will be exploring the sea sooner or later.

Wait, should he really be sitting here admiring that gorgeous glisten in Ukyo’s eyes when that shine is only there because of the fever he is suffering from.

Well to be honest even though he feels terrible about the state Ukyo is currently in, he can’t help but find it slightly endearing. The man he is currently caring for is normally so independent. He helps everyone around him while asking for so little in return. He doesn’t even do it in a way that causes concern for those around him, he is selfless and strong, not stupid and overly giving. Ryusui knows Ukyo is capable of caring for both himself and those around him. So seeing him put his trust in Ryusui so easily and rely on him for comfort right now. He has grown fond of Ukyo over the last few months of knowing him, and maybe, no matter how much he wished Ukyo was never put in this situation, this is the push Ryusui personally needed for him to realize how important this relationship is for him.

A while later, after Ukyo has taken the medicine and eaten the meal Francois prepared, Kohaku returns with enough hot spring water for Ukyo to take a relaxing bath. When he comes out with his hair soaked he sits in front of Ryusui and mumbles in that quiet raspy tone Ryusui has gotten used to today requesting for help drying his hair.

“Your hair is quite soft all things considered” Ryusui says off handedly while he slowly squeezes excess water out of the others hair. He gets a hum as thanks but he can tell the other is close to falling asleep. Good, he needs it. “Your incredible Ukyo, I know I’m not alone when I say that I really admire who you are as a person. It was remarkable to see how much endearment everyone holds for you, willing to offer their hand to make you feel better.” He rambles on his small praises for the crew willing to step up and help their resident sonar operator. “You’ve made quite the name for yourself. . . I desire you Ukyo, in all your kindheartedness and whatever else you have for me. I want to see you at your highest and keep helping you through your lowest.”

He didn’t expect anything to come out of his small talk honestly. If he’s being truthful he thought Ukyo had fallen asleep minutes ago and he was just talking to himself through his own feelings. “Then take me on a date.” It’s a blunt response, laced in the sick tone he had grown used to over the day. “Is that so, well if that is what you desire then you better work on feeling better! After that I will take you on a date so extraordinary that you will be swept off your feet! Ha Ha!” Ukyo smiles and nods.

Despite the soreness he feels in his muscles, the tenderness of his throat, the scratching in his lungs, Ukyo is filled with a sense of simplicity. Even at his lowest in the stone world he is glad he met Ryusui who he can trust to take care of him. Hopefully it will mean more than just a captain taking care of his crew soon.