Constant Variable (Senku x Reader)

7: Where Two Million Years Have Gone

"I don't think that's a..." You tried to stop Senku but was too late for he was already carrying the jar. "...good idea."

You finished off lamely and began to worry for your friend when you noticed how his legs were starting to tremble slightly while his cheeks were puffed up from exerting himself. Your arms shot out on instinct when he faltered but managed to steady himself at the last minute.

"Are you sure you'll be fine, Senku?" You nervously asked and stepped forward slightly to offer your assistance. "Why don't I help carry as well? At least with two people sharing the weight, it won't be as heavy."

However, Senku was quick to turn down your help and instead, waved off your worry with a reassured smirk. "I'm fine, (Name). Instead of worrying about me, why don't you keep an eye on Kohaku just in case."

"I'm fine!" The blonde girl denied, then stared at the scientist with a concerned frown. "I think your friend here has a point. You look like you're struggling. Are you sure you'll be able to carry the jar all by yourself?"

"Yes, I am fine." Senku rolled his eyes and turned on his heels (with much difficulty), heading down the slope without bothering to wait for his companions.

Kohaku watched the retreating scientist for a few seconds before turning to you with a raised brow. "Is he always this stubborn?"

Biting your lips, you hesitantly replied as you stared at said person with a pair of worried eyes. "Senku...he may be stubborn, but it's usually for a good cause."

"I can see that." The blonde mumbled. "Well, let's go then before the idiot ends up collapsing under all those heavyweights."

A small smile appeared on your lips as you let out a giggle. "That I can't argue with you."

And true to her words, when both of you caught up to Senku, he was lying face down on the ground with the jar on top of him and water spilling everywhere.

Kohaku peered down at the scientist with crossed arms, a look of disappointment written on her face. "You're the one overexerting yourself."

Meanwhile, you shook your head and let out a small sigh, half tore between feeling amused and resigned. "I did warn you."

"Is everyone other than me in this stone world a gorilla?" Senku complained, his limbs twitching slightly under the crushing weight of the jar. "Kohaku, Tsukasa, Taiju..."

"Gorilla?!" Kohaku cried out. "At least call me a lioness! That was better!"

"That's not the point here," Senku grunted. "Also, stop standing around and help get this thing off of me!"

"I say you deserved it." Kohaku snorted, earning a low growl from the scientist whose patience was wearing thin.

Chuckling at their bickering, you finally decided to put your friend out of his misery. "Alright, let me give you a helping hand."

Senku released a relieved groan when you lifted the jar off him and set it aside before reading a hand out towards the teen. "Are you alright, Senku? Does anywhere hurt or something?"

He accepted your hand and was pulled onto his feet, letting out a deep sigh as he cracked his back and rolled his shoulders backwards. "Yea, I'm fine. Also, Am I really the only one without strength in this world?"

"Well," You scratched your cheek, the corners of your lips curling into a sheepish smile. "It wasn't that heavy."

The scientist frowned and grumbled how he was surrounded by gorillas which earned a deep scowl from Kohaku and an amused giggle from you. With an annoyed huff, Kohaku marched over to her jar, picked it up and headed back towards the hot spring for a refill; all the while complaining about how Senku was of no help at all.