Thirteen Months

Popsicles

A/N: Sorry this is so late.  College sucks.

As soon as they stepped foot inside the gym of Fukurodani Academy, Daichi could tell Mizuko's anxiety increased. She latched onto his jacket sleeve and stepped closer to him. "Hey," he chuckled softly. "It's going to be alright." Mizuko nodded as if to reassure herself, but Daichi could tell she was still nervous. "I promise as soon as the game's over, I'll be back at your side, okay?" She smiled at him. He grinned back. "I'll see you after the game," Daichi said, giving the top of her head an affectionate pat.

Mizuko turned and joined Mr. and Mrs. Sawamura in the stands. Something was wrong. Mizuko could feel it. It wasn't her anxiety. She didn't feel overwhelmed. No, it was something else. Something physical. Was she sick? She felt her forehead. She did feel a little warm. It's probably just a cold, she thought to herself. Mizuko ignored the dull headache that had started to grow, and tried to focus on the game.

***

"Hey, Daichi," Sugawara said to his captain as they pulled on their club jackets. They had won against Fukorodani, but the setter seemed too distracted to notice their victory. He kept making furtive glances towards the stands where all the spectators had gathered.

"Hmm?" Daichi hummed in response, not really paying attention; he wanted to hurry to Mizuko just like he had promised.

"I think something's wrong with Mizu," Sugawara said, his brows furrowed in concern. "She seems...off." Daichi turned and followed his friend's gaze towards the girl.

"Now that you mention it," he muttered. "She does seem to be acting weird."

"Is she overwhelmed?" Sugawara asked, immediately at the ready to help with another episode.

"I don't think so," Daichi said. He tilted his head and looked at her. "She's not doing the usual things she does when she's overwhelmed. Flinching, covering her ears, not making eye contact. Maybe she's just not feeling well?"

"Yeah," Sugawara agreed noncommittally. "Maybe that's it." Both boys weren't convinced, but they put on smiles as they walked over to Mizuko.

The small girl jumped up from her seat and ran over to Daichi, flinging herself into his arms. He stumbled at the impact, but managed to catch her easily. "Hey there, you!" He grinned at her, but his smile quickly faded when he noticed how waxy her face looked. "Are you okay?" Mizuko nodded, but gripped his arm tightly, her legs wobbling slightly. She seemed to sway on her feet, and her eyes were half-lidded and cloudy. Daichi quickly reached over and felt her forehead. "Mom! Dad!"

"Great game, son," Mr. Sawamura said.

"You played so well!" Mrs. Sawamura added as both parents walked over to join Daichi, Mizuko, and Sugawara.

"Something's wrong with Mizu," Daichi said quickly. "I think she's sick." Mrs. Sawamura reached over and felt the girls forehead.

"Oh my," she breathed. "She really is. Can you help carry her to the car, Daichi?" Daichi nodded.

Turning to Sugawara, he said, "See you at school, sorry we have to rush out of here."

"It's all good," Sugawara said with a congenial smile. "I understand. Let me know when she gets better!" He turned and started to walk away.

Daichi scooped Mizuko up in his arms, and her body weakly lolled against his chest. She smiled softly and held out a hand towards Sugawara. "Suga, wait!" Daichi called. Sugawara turned and stepped towards his captain.

"What's up?" he asked.

"I think Mizuko wants to tell you something," Daichi explained, pointing with his chin to Mizuko's outstretched hand. Sugawara went over and took the small hand in his own.

"What is it, Mizu?" he asked softly, his heart pounding rapidly in his chest. Mizuko was letting him touch her. He was holding her hand. Sugawara wanted to punch the air and do a dance around the gym, but he managed to restrain himself.

"Visit me?" she murmured, looking up at him through her lashes shyly.

"Of course," Sugawara said, smiling widely. "I'll bring you some popsicles. That's what I always eat when I'm sick. What flavor do you like?"

"I don't know," Mizuko shrugged weakly. "It's been a while."

"My favorite's the blue ones," he said. "I'll bring you some and we can eat them together, okay?"

"Okay," she agreed, smiling softly.

"Alright, we gotta get you home, sis. Time to say goodbye to Angel Boy." Daichi said, giving Mizuko a teasing smile. She shot him a tired glare before turning her head towards Sugawara.

"Goodbye...Angel Boy," she murmured.

"Bye, Mizu," Sugawara managed to reply, ignoring the way his heart seemed to accelerate even faster. "Get well soon!"