A Little Twist

Forty-Two

Relieved that Daiki is in good hands, Risa dives into the water. She feels a tingle in her leg. Probably because I can swim again. I'm slowly getting used to exercise and getting rid of the last pounds. She turns and swims the second length when her leg tenses up and refuses to work. Her muscles seem to get harder to the point of pain. Cramp? Really, and I'm in the pool. I have to get to the edge. The unthinkable happens when her other leg cramps up too. This is not good. Swimming doesn't go well with two not-working legs, and she takes some water in. No, I have to call out, dammit. 'Anyone awake!' Not Laito, he's watching Daiki for me. I should let him bite me tomorrow or something. He'll appreciate that more than anything else.

Ayato shows himself. 'I'm awake but why...'

'Cramp, please, it hurts.' She swallows water again.

He doesn't think twice and dives in. This is sure a sort of way to wake up. Don't worry, I've got you. He wraps one arm around her and takes her to the side. 'Hold on.'

I couldn't stand if I wanted to. She wraps her arms around his back. A second later, she feels the ground but drops down. 'Why now? I'm swimming for a couple of days.' She tries to get some feeling back in her legs.

'No, with cramp, you need to stretch.' He pulls her legs straight and pushes her feet towards her. 'Trust me on this.' He moves her toes closer. 'Swimming is a sport. I like basketball myself, but with every sport, you stretch first. It's a part of warming up and cooling down. All to wake up your muscles and get them ready. Walking stairs is not enough, so make sure you do a few exercises before you go in.'

She nods. 'I will, thank you.' She feels her legs a bit. 'So with stretching the muscle relaxes, is that it?'

'Yes, but cramp can mean a few things. Some examples are stress, too salty food, and not enough exercise. Additionally, it could be medicinal, like an insufficient amount of magnesium, calcium, or kalium. It wouldn't hurt to check everything.' He checks her feet. 'You must be feeling something. Cramp never lasts that long. Move your feet.'

She moves her toes and it works. 'Just a tingle but it's gone now. I can't thank you enough for this.'

He grins. 'I can think of a way.'

'Sure, but can I take a shower first? And get dressed, Daiki might ask for me soon.' She knows he wants to bite her.

Nodding, he pulls her back on her feet. 'I'll be waiting in your bedroom.'

Chuckling, she dries up and puts the bathrobe on. 'I figured you would say that.' She feels his hand on her shoulder and is back in her bedroom. 'Can you check with Laito for me?'

'Laito, how's Daiki?'

***

Laito looks at the baby, who's asleep and surrounded by pillows. 'Currently asleep by playing the piano. I don't think he'll wake up soon. Is she alright?' He heard her call for help. 'The cramp is gone?'

'The cramp is gone. She's about to take a shower and then I can bite her.' Ayato makes sure everyone can hear him. That saves me the trouble of looking for everyone.

'Unless he gets hungry, he won't need her. I don't mind changing his diaper.' Laito eyes the baby. 'Eighteen days old, today. Sometimes the time flies.' 

'I know. Tomorrow back to school.' Ayato sounds. 'I'll see you later.'

Reiji wanted to talk to Risa, but he stays away. Only one per night. It's not wise to go to school when a few of us are thirsty. Moriko is supposed to go with us.

***

All showered and dressed, Risa checks with Daiki. No, safe and sound asleep. She knows Ayato is waiting on her bed while spotting the small teddy bear in the corner of the crib. Smiling, she turns to him.