I don't feel well today, Shin, let's hang out tomorrow?
Shinpachi furrowed his eyebrows. This was the first time Etsu canceled on him since they started dating, it'd been about six months since they'd started going out, and they were still getting to know each other, but they were very much in love.
"Huh, what's up, Shinpachi?" Sano peered over his shoulder, wiping his brow. They had finished their reps in the gym and were just getting out of the showers. "Ah, that's too bad."
"It's weird, she never canceled on me before…I wonder how she got sick."
Sanosuke shook his head. "She's not sick. She asked to see you tomorrow, meaning, it's something else." He had experience with Haruka, so he knew what Etsu's issue was. He sighed when Shinpachi gave him a confused look. He pulled off the towel off his waist and started getting dressed. "She's having women problems."
"OH!" Shinpachi hit his forehead and pulled off the towel from his waist, throwing it on the bench as he reached for his bag inside his locker. "That makes sense…I wonder if I can do anything to help her…"
"Ask Chizuru-chan. They've been friends since high school, she's bound to know the things she needs."
Nodding, he sent back a quick reply to Etsu, Sure, Honey. Feel better, and sent a text to Chizuru before he got dressed.
–
Etsu shuffled to the door, blanket draped over her shoulders, flowing to the ground, clutching her abdomen, eyes watering in pain. She'd already taken a pain killer, but it didn't seem to be working. She'd asked Chizuru-chan to pick up a few things for her since she was in no condition to leave the house. When she opened the door, she gasped in light horror and pulled her blanket over her head. "Shin! What are you doing here?!"
"Oi, oi, that's how you receive me? We haven't seen each other in a week, Etsu!" He entered the door and set the two grocery bags down and went to peel the blanket from her face.
"Shin! I don't have any make-up on!" She groaned, clutching the blankets tighter. "Why didn't you warn me?!"
"Etsu, I'm not a shallow man!" He huffed in annoyance and pulled her into his chest, successfully revealing her face. He brushed the hair out of her face and cupped her cheeks, noticing her eyes were watering and her face was rather pale. "O-oi…Was I too rough? I'm sorry…"
She quickly shook her head and sighed, lowering the blanket more. "N-no…I'm just-" She shut her eyes and groaned in pain. "…Cramping up badly…and it hurts a lot…"
Shinpachi sat her down on the couch and brought over the grocery bags. "Then rest, I'm here to take care of you, Etsu." He kissed her temple.
She flushed and looked over at him. "Th-thank you, Shin…I'm so embarrassed you're seeing me like this…" She was wearing baggy pajama pants and an old over-sized t-shirt. She felt rather self-conscious that he could see her like this.
"Maa maa, don't worry about it. You look fine, very comfy, Honey." He chuckled and opened one of the grocery bags. "I brought you what you asked from Chizuru, and some extras." He held up the other bag, containing the pads she'd asked Chizuru for.
"Thank you, Shin, that's very sweet of you." She flushed again and kissed his cheek.
A little red dusted his cheeks. "Well…it's the least I could do…since I can't take the pain away, Etsu." He reached inside the bag and pulled out the items one by one. "I brought you your favorite chocolate truffles, some heating pads, chamomile tea, and a teddy bear."
"Thank you~." She blinked and took the items from him. "A teddy bear? Shin, you didn't hand me one?"
He turned his back to her for a second and faced her again, spreading his arms. He'd put on a headband with bear ears. A blush spread across his face. "I'm your teddy bear, Etsu, here to cuddle you!"
Etsu burst into giggles and dove right into his arms. "Oh my God, Shin! That was too adorable!" She squealed and hugged him tightly. "You're the best teddy bear I've ever had, Honey Bear!"
Grinning, he kissed her forehead. "Let me make you some tea and get the heating pads ready for you. I'll come right back."
She nodded and wrapped the blanket tighter around herself, her heart overfilling with warmth and happiness to have someone care about her so much. She'd been a little upset that he'd come over without warning, but he didn't seem to mind her bare face and only wanted to make her feel better.
–
Tea in hands, heating pads on her abdomen, and with Shin's arms wrapped around her, she felt a bit better. The pain came and went in waves, but Shin was right there to hold her close and whisper soft and loving things in her ear.
It was getting late, and she hated to see him go. "Shin…could you be my teddy bear for the night?"
"Hm? You want me to stay?"
Nodding shyly, she grasped his hand. "I feel better when you're here, Shin. J-just sleeping next to you is fine, Shin…"
He smiled and brushed their noses together. "Of course, Etsu."
Luckily, she'd had an extra, brand new toothbrush he could use. They brushed their teeth together and her heart jumped at their reflections in the mirror. If they lived together, was this what it would kind of feel like?
Shinpachi took off his green track jacket and his bandanna, before getting under the covers next to her. Etsu looked at him, admired him in his white tank and with his messy hair down. He looked so…comfy. He pulled her to his chest, her back against his chest, his face buried in her hair. She smelled of vanilla. He breathed in her scent softly. "Feel any better?"
"Much better now, Shin." She murmured sleepily, closing her eyes, feeling his breathing. "Thank you, Shin, I love you."
He chuckled and wrapped an arm around her waist. "You know you can count on me, I love ya too, Etsu. Goodnight."
"Goodnight, Shin."
