Never Alone

The petrification weapon is mine, now, but…

Senku walks through the island, stopping at its center and letting out a soft sigh. The Medusa is in his hands. Yet he’s alone.

Again.

Tipping his head back and letting the warmth of the setting sun wash over his face, Senku scoffs. He can make revival fluid with ease, so he won’t be alone for months like before. But being by himself isn’t exactly a feeling he likes.

Huh. Before he met Taiju and Yuzuriha, Senku was fine being on his own. But then he gained friends, allies, and…

Touching the scar on his neck, he can’t help but smile slightly. The raised skin is proof he belongs to someone. And honestly, Senku never thought he would belong to anyone. Love wasn’t something he was particularly interested in.

Hell, he mocked Taiju and his love for Yuzuriha with a fake love potion hours before humanity was petrified. Senku never imagined he would find it himself, nor bear a mark from someone he came to treasure the most in this primitive Stone World.

Maybe… maybe that’s why this is so hard. He doesn’t have his friends. He doesn’t have his allies.

He doesn’t have Kael.

Sitting on the edge of the cliff and leaning back on his hands, Senku looks out at the water and listens to the waves. He knows Kael is alive. He’d feel it if he was gone.

But he’s been missing for over a week and no one knows where he is. Ibara smirked at Senku when he mentioned the Venomaw, and it made his gut clench.

Kael’s alive.

But who knows the state he’s in?

“Sen!”

Ruby eyes widening, Senku dares a look over his shoulder. He sees a blur before someone crashes into him, and the figure nuzzles their nose against the mating mark resting on his flesh.

Kael?

They pull back and Senku swears his heart stops when he realizes it is him.

It’s the man he loves so much.

Wrapping his arms around Kael’s form, Senku buries his face within the Venomaw’s ripped shirt, his hands trembling as he grips onto him. Kael chirps in confusion, but nonetheless weaves his arms around Senku, pulling him close and nuzzling his hair.

“Senny? Are you okay?” Kael whispers against Senku’s hair. Senku nods, burying himself closer to Kael, and breathes out a sigh of relief.

He’s not alone.

He has Kael.

The cellphone on his back rings, and Kael’s ears swivel towards the sound. Ruri asks if things are okay, and it further drives home the scientist isn’t on his own.

Once he confirms he’s fine to Ruri and the others, Senku knocks Kael on his back, staring into violet eyes he cherishes more than anything else. Leaning down, he seals his lips over his mate’s, giving an internal chuckle when Kael wraps his arms around him and pulls him closer.

When they pull away from each other, Senku brushes his fingers over Kael’s cheek. The Venomaw lets out a concerned growl, and Senku’s confused for a moment before he realizes tears drip down his cheeks.

“It’s okay, my love,” Kael murmurs quietly. He places Senku’s free hand over his heart. “I’m here. You aren’t alone. You will never be alone as long as I draw breath.”

Senku lets out a breath, nodding. He places his weight on Kael, knowing the man he loves can bear it with no issue, and tucks his head under the Venomaw’s chin.

“You better not leave me again, idiot,” Senku whispers, voice trembling slightly. “I can’t–” I can’t be without you again.

“Shh. I know.” Kael glides his claws through Senku’s hair. “I won’t ever leave you. I’m here.” Kael kisses Senku’s forehead softly. “I love you, my sun and stars.”

A small smile crosses Senku’s face.

“I love you too, stupid.”