Four out of Six

~Chapter 9~

There was something very easy about kissing Suga. It felt natural. That Monday the two were lying in his bed after school. Daichi had to admit that their relationship wasn't traditional. If anything, it was the opposite of traditional.

There were three things Daichi could definitely say weren't traditional about their relationship.

Firstly, they were two boys.

Secondly, one was dying of cancer.

The third was just about to happen.

Suga pulled away suddenly, his hand over his mouth. He was shaking his head. Daichi sat up, concerned.

"Suga?"

The setter waved towards the trashcan in the corner. Daichi, without missing a beat, grabbed the can and held it up to Suga's chin. Within three heaves Suga's entire lunch came up. And then some. Daichi did his best to rub his boyfriend's back and whisper comforting words.

"I thought I was done with this shit," Suga groaned. "After the chemo. Ugh."

Before Daichi could reply Suga had leaned back over the can and began throwing up some more.

"Is everything alright?"

"Sugawara-san!" Daichi said, relieved. Suga's mother came in swiftly, easily pushing the larger boy aside and taking his place by her son.

"There there, Kou-chan. Let it out. That's right. Let it all out."

Go , she mouthed to Daichi.

He nodded, stood up, and left. Suga texted him later.

 ~

"One touch!"

"Cover, cover!"

"Daichi-san!"

Daichi groaned after yet another ball went sailing sideways. This practice was going miserably for a number of reasons. Firstly, Suga had taken the day off from school. Though he insisted over the phone that he was feeling fine, Daichi had his doubts. Secondly, it was Tuesday. The conversation he'd had with Suga the week before was still echoing in his head.

Sex.

They were going to have sex. Someday. Not too soon, but someday.

What the hell?

Smack!

Yet another failed receive. After apologizing, Daichi saw Coach Ukai waved him to the sidelines.

"Are you okay, Sawamura?" he asked as Daichi ran over.

Daichi sighed, running his hair through his hands. "Yeah. Yeah, I'm fine."

Ukai nodded thoughtfully.

"And Sugawara?"

"He's... He's coping."

More nodding. After some awkward silence, Ukai sighed.

"Look, I know I'm not supposed to butt in, but I want to meet with you after practice."

"Okay."

Daichi went back out onto the court. No one made any comments.

Practice ended as usual. Coach Ukai made some closing remarks before leaving, and Takeda-sensei stayed behind and supervised the cleanup process. Once everything was put away Daichi locked up and headed down to Sakanoshita Shop.

Ukai was already there, changed into his usual loose jeans and hoodie and a cigarette in his mouth. A pot of tea was on the table. Ukai pointed towards the seat opposite from him as Daichi entered.