Work Text:
Kanade Yoisaki could feel the beginnings of a headache whilst she sat in her chair of her dark room. It wasn't uncommon for her to get light-headed as she spent most of her time with the curtains pulled and three bright computer screens in her face.
Kanade sighed. It was already 06:45am. She had promised Mafuyu that she would be in bed by 4am but she had gotten too caught up in making the new demo.
Kanade noticed that ever since Mafuyu had started living with her, Kanade took care of herself more. The composer smiled, she and Mafuyu would be going shopping tomorrow.
A shopping date.
Kanade could swear her face was burning up even though she felt slightly chilly. She got under the soft covers of her bed. Thinking of Mafuyu made her feel happy and she tried to ignore the butterflies in her stomach as she thought of Mafuyu's precious smile. Nowadays, Mafuyu was smiling more. That was a good sign.
It made Kanade feel fuzzy inside to know that she was the reason Mafuyu was getting better.
Maybe Kanade could even-
No. She couldn't. That was a line she definitely couldn't cross.
Kanade would save Mafuyu no matter what. Her feelings could come after that.
Kanade looked at the small wooden clock that ticked away patiently on the drywall. 07:15am.
Had she really been thinking of Mafuyu for that long? She would soon be getting up for school.
Kanade shivered. She could feel herself sweating even though she felt so cold. She usually used two thick and fluffy blankets that she had found in one of the cupboards of her room. She supposed they belonged to one of her parents. Not that that was helping right now.
Kanade felt impossibly sweaty.
Suddenly, she heard a knock at her door. "Come in." Kanade called somewhat weakly.
Mafuyu opened the door and said "I'm leaving for school now, is there anything you need?"
"Ah, hello Mafuyu." Kanade said slowly. The purple haired girl nodded in response.
"Kanade, what's wrong? You look sick and your skin is paler than usual." Mafuyu said. But not in her usual monotone voice. She sounded worried?
Mafuyu walked over to Kanade's bed as Kanade sat up. "No, I'm okay, just a little hea-"
Mafuyu had pressed their foreheads together, brushing Kanade's bangs up. Mafuyu gently grabbed Kanade's right hand and interlocked fingers. Mafuyu squeezed Kanade's hand slightly.
Kanade could feel her heart rate go up. Her face was an odd shade of red. She could almost rival a tomato.
Kanade could feel Mafuyu's gradient eyes staring into hers with worry. They were so close.
Kanade looked down at Mafuyu's lips. She wondered what it would feel like to press them against hers.
"I- um.. M-Mafuyu, what are you doing...?"
Not that I mind.
"Hm? You have a fever. Your face is red and your hands are sweaty." Mafuyu finally replied after what seemed an eternity.
This was too cliché, right? Maybe Kanade was just having a happy dream after all. Using her free hand, Kanade pinched her cheek hard. Nope. Not a dream.
"I'll look after you. I'll skip school for today." Mafuyu said, breaking Kanade's train of thought. She let go of Kanade's hand. Disappointed, Kanade stared down at her hand.
"Ah, thank you."
Mafuyu got up and headed towards the door. With a bit of hesitance, she turned around and kissed Kanade's forehead with the promise of returning with food.
When she went, Kanade could still feel the lingering sensation of Mafuyu's lips on her forehead. She fidgeted on her bed. She knew Mafuyu needed to go to school otherwise they would notify her parents. But, maybe, just this once, Mafuyu could stay with her. Kanade knew she was being selfish, but she couldn't help it.
Mafuyu returned five minutes later with a bowl of steaming soup, a cup of water, an ice pack and freshly cut apples in the shape of bunnies.
She sat on the floor next to Kanade's bed and handed her the food.
She watched the silver haired girl with a small but genuine smile. Kanade flushed. Mafuyu had such a beautiful smile. She needed to say something.
"These apple slices remind me of the time you were sick." Kanade said eventually.
Mafuyu nodded. "Yes, I like looking after you, but please don't overwork yourself again. You need rest too, you know."
Kanade's ears were burning red. She could hear her heartbeat thumping loudly.
"Thank you. Mafuyu... Can I... hold your hand? It makes me feel calm.."
"Of course... it makes me feel nice too." Mafuyu said reaching for Kanade's hand and interlocking their fingers. Why did Kanade's words make her stomach flip and her heart rate to quicken? Mafuyu tried to ignore these questions.
-
Kanade finished up her meal whilst the two of them sat in silence.
She liked these silences with Mafuyu, instead of being awkward, they brought a sense of comfort.
Kanade shivered. Mafuyu seemed to notice. "Kanade, are you cold?"
Kanade nodded. Mafuyu stood up and shlyly asked, "Then, can I get in with you? I'll.. try to keep you warm"
She blushed and tried hard to look anywhere but Kanade's eyes.
"Yes, although you'll probably get sick too." Kanade said quickly, patting the space next to her.
"It doesn't matter, I'd do anything for you, Kanade." Mafuyu muttered.
Kanade went red. If it was possible to die from happiness, she would have done right there.
Mafuyu went under the covers with Kanade and hugged her tightly but gently, putting her arms around Kanade's neck.
"Is this fine?" Mafuyu asked anxiously.
It's more than fine. Kanade thought.
She nuzzled closer to Mafuyu in response. She felt so.. safe with Mafuyu. Even her headache seemed to have gone, although she still felt cold.
Mafuyu yawned. This wasn't so bad.
Kanade glanced up at Mafuyu to see that her face was bright red.
"You're pretty." Kanade murmured sleepily.
"Oh.. thank you... um- you too.."
Kanade giggled. Seeing Mafuyu act like this was cute. She was usually so unfazed by everything.
Kanade wrapped her arms around Mafuyu, pulling her even closer if that was possible.
Mafuyu could smell Kanade under the covers. Strawberries. She gently ran her fingers through the composer's soft and silvery hair, playing with it whilst Kanade closed her eyes.
This is fine. Kanade thought. This is enough.
As sleep was getting to her, Mafuyu thought she heard a soft murming in her ear.
"... love you.. wish i... courage.. tell you..."
The only words Mafuyu had the strength to say were "Sweet dreams, Kanade."