Troubled But Strong

Side Effects

  Monday after the Competition: 

"101.4...Great." Y/N said to herself, falling back down onto her bed.
One of the symptoms of leukemia is a fever, so this is nothing new for her. So, that means no school for the H/C haired teen for a few days.

"Haru-Chan, Mako-Chan, where's Y/N-Chan?" the usually energetic blond asks.
"She said she wanted to stay home this week at her house, she mentioned something about going to the doctor's today," Makoto replied.
"Do you guys ever listen to her?!" Kou said rather loudly, "Right before the competition she said she was on chemo soon. If she gets exposed to even the slightest of someone's sickness, she'll get sick, but ten times worse." Kou explained in an annoyed tone.
Makoto's face fell slightly, knowing that his friend is home alone, suffering. Haru just turned around, and disappeared out of the view of his friends.

Knock Knock Knock

Y/N was in her bed, cloth on forehead, and motionless. Her body was too strained to even move. She heard the knock once more, but soon after the door opened.

Haru walked into the quiet house, seeing the door to Y/N's room slightly open. After taking off his shoes, he made his way to the room, seeing Y/N's now sleeping form in her bed. Haru carefully took the cloth off of her forehead, seeing if her temperature went down at all. Her face was pale, just her skin was still flaming. In the water by his feet, Haru placed the now cooler cloth on her forehead, earning a slight shift in her bed.

Y/N's E/C eyes met with Haru's blue ones. She was shocked to see Haru of all people, but was happy that someone was there.
"What are you doing here?" She questioned.
Haru just stared into her eyes, as if he was telling her the answer.
Y/N sighed, "It's nothing new Haru, just a fever." Y/N smiled reassuringly.
"You're sick, and someone needs to be taking care of you." He said bluntly, but rather seriously.
"Haru....I wasn't going to make Makoto's mother stay home from work to watch me, or keep Makoto from school either. All I am is just a giant burden on his family. Plus if Ran and Ren see me like this....They'll be so worried and wanting to take care of me, too. You should go back to school......"
Haru shook his head 'no'. "You need someone here to take care of you, and if you feel like such a burden on Makoto's family you're wrong. They love having you there, and so does Makoto. It's like they have an extension to their family. I bet right now they're worried sick thinking something's going to happen to you."
'Damn this boy, and his unusual words of wisdom' Y/N said to herself.
She sat up, looking at Haru with a serious face, "If that's the case then....Can..Can you take care of me then? Until tomorrow? I don't want to worry the twins, and Makoto, and you're the only person that knows about my current situation." Y/N said, blushing, and looking to the side.
Haru nodded, "I'll be in your bath. Just..go back to sleep."
Y/N did as Haru said, and laid back down.
Haru drew himself a bath, getting in with his swimsuit on.

Tossing and turning, Y/N woke up, breathing heavily. Her fever has gone down, but her muscles were still fatigued. Y/N sat up from her bed, and saw the bathroom light on.
'Surprise surprise' Y/N laughed to herself.
Y/N opened the door, seeing Haru submerged in the bath. It was nothing new, but it was still enough to make her face heat up slightly.
"What are you doing out of bed?" Haru asked sternly.
Y/N slightly sweatdropped at his seriousness, "I feel better Haru...My fever is gone," She smiled reassuringly to him.
Haru looked back at the wall, her smile causing a small blush appear on his features.
Y/N walked up to the side of the tub, sitting down next to it. She rested her arms on the ledge, putting a hand in the water.
"I haven't been in the water for two days and I already miss it," Y/N said, sighing.
"Come in with me," Haru said bluntly.
"W-What? I was just in here because I couldn't sleep...."
Haru got out of the tub, and hugged Y/N, shocking the H/C teen.
"It will help you."
'What the hell? Why is he being so...worried?'
Y/N nodded, "I guess I'll change into a bathing suit then..." She chuckled lightheartedly.

Y/N came back in a black bikini ( ), but had her arms wrapped around her stomach, shy of entering a bath with her friend. Haru was already back in the tub, eyes closed. Y/N took this chance to quickly get into the tub, and pulled her legs to her chest. Y/N closed her E/C eyes. Y/N felt a pressure on her arm, and opened her eyes seeing Haru pull her close to him.
"Just relax...and let the water get rid of your nerves."
Y/N steadied her breathing, and just relaxed, resting her back against Haru's chest. Haru just held her, and he soon was back to his relaxed state.
'Why am I so comfortable with her? I feel like I can hold her here forever...Like her, the water, and I are all one thing. Y/N....You are my wave.....'