Together - A Senku Ishigami Love Story (Dr.Stone)

Chapter 23

Senku and Chrome had risen the next morning long before Tachi had, the brunette shaking his red eyed sensei awake before the pair quietly made their way out of the hut, doing all they could to ensure they didn't disturb their injured companion. It was still early when they entered the laboratory to check the progression of the sulfa drug, Senku giving an approving nod to the white powder and declaring that their efforts had led to success; it was ready. Chrome's lips pulled tight into a grin, his excitement too much to contain as he threw his arm around Senku's shoulder, squeezing it tightly, his dark eyes set fixedly on the white powder, dreaming of the amazing things Senku had promised him it was capable of.

"We're really going to save her, thank you Senku."

Senku smirked and nodded before shrugging his way out of Chrome's grasp and dusting off his shoulder. Not everything may have been going exactly as he wanted it to right now, but his confidence in the drug was absolute...assuming his diagnosis was correct. Science was easy, emotions were hard. His focus fell back onto Tachi briefly as the thoughts fluttered through his mind, his assured smirk faltering, something which didn't go unnoticed by Chrome. The brunette's own lips turned downwards, his eyes drifting to the dry earth cracked earth by his feet, his hands clasping together tightly. They hadn't had a chance to discuss Tachi's condition yet. He had wanted to ask her himself but had been stopped by both Senku and Gen the previous day, both advising him that the blonde needed to rest, and that he occupied himself elsewhere until she was feeling better.

"Hey Senku...Tachi...she's going to be OK, right?"

Senku had already had his gaze set on Chrome as his exterior saddened, and upon the voicing of his concern found a heavy sigh escaping himself. He had given thought to what Gen told him, and while he wanted to prove to her that he was a friend worthy of her trust and encourage her to confide in him, he knew that the more people supporting her, the better, and Chrome was an ideal candidate. He adored Tachi, and while of late the two hadn't spent much time together, he knew that Tachi cared for Chrome in the same way.

"Her physical injuries will take some time to heal. In the meantime, she would likely be thankful for the aid of people close to her."

The brunettes expression shifted quickly, a bright grin taking hold of his features as he clenched his fists readily.

"You mean like helping her out? Yeah of course! What should I do?"

Senku chuckled at his enthusiasm, a sobre smile overtaking his frown.

"Talk with her."

Chrome's enthusiasm gave way to confusion.

"But...you said I should help."

Senku hummed, folding his arms across his chest and nodding.

"There's more than one way to help someone."

The ex-wizard took a few short moments to contemplate Senku's words before he nodded, his smile softening and his dark eyes brimming with determination.

"Yeah you're right, I'll make sure to see her once she's awake!"

"Hey! Why isn't Tachi eating with us today? Is she still sore?"

Suika cocked her head curiously at Chrome who she assumed would have the answer, the brunette nodding his head once before he shovelled another spoonful of food into his mouth. Senku took over answering the question, taking note that the others seated around them were also watching Chrome for any semblance of a verbal answer.