"Lie Detector Experiment" (SenGen)
Summary: Whilst on a long scientific rant, Gen brags that he isn't susceptible to the feeling of being tickled. Scientifically, Senku calls bullshit. Thus, his silliest experiment yet ensues.
Word Count: 1283
---
“So you see, there's a reason why we as humans have specific reactions to certain stimuli. For example, a ticklish feeling somewhere on the body can alert us to unexpected dangers, especially in the stone world, such as potentially venomous insects.” Senku explained in his usual long-winded way. He had been explaining for a while how the human body instinctively protects itself from possible attack/harm and why.
Chrome, Kinro, and Ginro had already lost interest and/or left, leaving poor Gen all alone listening to the scientist's educational ranting. To be fair, he had never quite considered the points that Senku was discussing, especially considering that as a mentalist, he was more knowledgeable on the mind rather than the body.
“Now, to test our hypothesis out…” The white haired man teased, hovering his hands over Gen's sides, giving him a poke on either side to test the waters. Gen's breath hitched, but otherwise he remained expressionless. Now that wouldn't do.
“A lot of the most ticklish spots on the body tend to be our most vulnerable points, such as the neck, torso, underarms, feet, y'know, all the places you'd wanna protect.” Senku continued, taking no notice that his audience had lessened to just his right hand man.
“I'll be the first to admit that your theory oesn't-day apply to everyone, my dearest Senku. Some people just can't be tickled, myself included.” Gen admitted shamelessly as if it were a bragging right. Senku paused and stared at him blankly, raising an eyebrow.
“You're trying to tell me you're not ticklish anywhere? Fat chance.” He crossed his arms, half interested, half unconvinced. Gen shifted self-consciously at the sudden attention.
“It's true, I assure you.” he stood firm, causing Senku to laugh out loud at the absurdity of the claim.
“Sure, some people can attempt to “turn off” the reactions, but there's almost always at least one spot that feels ticklish. Basically, I don't believe you, not by one millimeter.” Senku shook his head fondly, shifting his gaze right back at Gen with almost dangerous seeming intensity.
“Tell you what, let's test this claim of yours, mentalist. For science.”
Gen went pale in the face, unsure of how to respond, knowing damn well he brought this ridiculous situation upon himself. Mistakes were made. The worst part was, he was no stranger to shutting up for his own benefit. Why hadn't he just done that this time?
“Well? Whaddya say?” Senku grinned, feeling as if he were about to catch the mentalist in a really funny lie.
Gen was stumped. He knew that if he were to say yes, he likely wouldn't be able to contain his reactions as soon as Senku started his experiment. On the other hand, if he were to say no, that would basically be admitting he lied for no good reason. Damn. What a bind he had gotten himself into.
“Fine. If you must.” Gen gave in, attempting to appear unbothered by the fact he was totally about to get found out. However, if he managed to summon the strength to remain expressionless, maybe, just maybe, he'd be able to fool the scientist. He proceeded to gingerly remove his overcoat, setting it beside him on the rock he was seated upon, then standing, finding the will to look Senku directly in the eyes with a faint smirk.
“Do your orst-way”
Senku, who ordinarily didn't look like a particularly scary or strong foe, was looking much more intimidating by the second as he slowly approached, as if to give Gen a few extra seconds to back out. Gen however, closed his eyes, standing still waiting for Senku to strike. Senku had to admit, he was impressed by Gen's resolve, even though he had already deduced without a doubt that Gen was one billion percent lying to him.
“Don't worry, Gen. You won't find me telling anyone. All that I ask in exchange is you allow me to analyze this interesting quirk of yours further.” The scientist leaned against a nearby tree, chucking quietly to himself at Gen's flustered reaction.
With a chuckle, Senku did it again, following it up with the rest of his fingers skittering up Gen's sides.
Damn… This isn't looking good. I'm already starting to crack… Gen thought, the corner of his lips curling into a small smile, snickering faintly.
“Heh. Now, what was that? I'm gonna have to replicate what I was doing to see if it happens again.” Senku, who definitely knew what he was doing, proceeded to repeat his actions, eliciting a much more audible giggle from Gen, who went red at the realization that his cover was blown.
Senku however, leered at him looking all too self-assured.
“Based on the data I've analyzed, I've come to my conclusion… You lied.” Senku cheerily announced as he began to wreak havoc on Gen's torso. Gen's entire body spasmed, sending him falling to the ground and landing flat on his ass. That didn't discourage Senku at all, who had dropped the farce of this being a scientific experiment, as he knelt down to continue tickling the mentalist all over.
Gen howled with laughter, feeling rather silly for ever thinking he could outsmart the most intelligent man in the Kingdom of Science.
“AHAHALRIGHT! YEHES I LIEHEHED! I'M SOHOHRRY!!” Gen squealed, attempting to curl up and avoid Senku's unusually dextrous fingers. Senku on the other hand was unfazed by this, rolling his eyes and targeting his ribs with a piano-like motion.
“And here I thought you were being honest with me. I'm pretty hurt, y'know that? Can't have liars in the Kingdom of Science, so I fear I might just have to tickle you to death.” The scientist tried his hardest to mask the entertainment in his voice, but it didn't seem to be working. He was grinning ear to ear, a sight that would fluster Gen if he had the courage to look up at his attacker.
“NOHOT NIHIHICE!” Gen cried out, knowing Senku was just taking his opportunity to mess with him at this point. Not that he minded entirely, as Senku didn't often get the chance to humble the smug, often unscrupulous mentalist. He just really wished it didn't tickle so damn much.
“Never claimed to be.” Senku shot back with a grin as he sat back and let his friend breathe. He couldn’t deny, the sight before him was nothing short of hilarious. Gen lay sprawled out on the ground, hair sticking up at funny angles, still shaking with soft uncharacteristic giggles. If the other residents of the village were to see him in this state, their jaws would hit the ground. Senku couldn't help but admit, he was grateful to be the one to see the usually guarded man with such a genuine smile.
Sadly, this didn't last long as Gen took a deep breath and calmed himself before sitting up and brushing the dirt off his clothes with the back of his hand.
“Heh… Sorry, I got you pretty good there. Then again, you did bring this entirely upon yourself. Why did you give yourself away there? You should have known I would have to test a claim like that, Mentalist.”
Gen seemingly recoiled when Senku pointed out a very valid point, unsure of how exactly he could respond.
“That's azy-cray! I-I didn't…” The mentalist stumbled over words in an attempt to explain his rather poor self-preservation skills, eventually sighing and slumping over in embarrassment, unable to clarify his logic.
“Well… I suppose these are agreeable terms. However, you seem to have ailed-fay to consider-”
Senku yelped as Gen launched himself forward with a scheming grin.
“That I'd wonder if you were ticklish also.”