"It's definitely a sprain," said the doctor to Sachi, gently probing the angry swelling that threatened to engulf her foot. "We'll tape it up, and you should keep off the ankle for at least a week or so."
"Thank you, Doctor," sniffled Sachi, clutching at Ayako's hand while the Shoyo boys stood off to one side of the clinic. Golden eyes lifted in gratitude to the trio. "Thank you, gentlemen. I'll be all right now."
Fujima shook his head. "Sachi-san, you heard the doctor. We'll make sure you get home properly."
"No, there's no need, really, Fujima-kun," protested Sachi, wincing as the doctor proceeded to bandage her foot with careful efficiency. "You've all been so kind, and Aya-chan can surely round up some of the team.."
"We're already here," insisted Fujima, smiling despite himself at the stubborn set to Sachi's chin. "Not that you could stop us anyway, in your condition. Besides, we all know there's a certain point guard waiting for Ayako-san outside the school gate..."
"Fujima-kun!" cried Ayako in smiling protest, but her blushes gave her away.
"Of course! How could I forget!" cried Sachi, as Ayako cuddled her affactionately. "Fujima-kun's right, Aya-chan. You go on ahead, it won't do to keep Miyagi-kun waiting."
"Everything will be fine," said Ayako reassuringly, her words carrying a double significance at Sachi's woeful expression. "I'll tell...the team...that you're all right. I'm sure everyone will be relieved to hear that it was just a minor accident."
Ayako lifted her gaze to the Shoyo players at the word "accident", and the sudden gleam in Hanagata's eyes was enough to tell her the truth of the matter, without words. Her mouth thinned for a moment, and then she pressed a small kiss to Sachi's forehead as the doctor stepped back to survey his work.
"Thank you so much, guys," Ayako said cheerfully, giving Sachi's hand a squeeze. "We really do appreciate this."
"Sachi-san is in perfectly safe hands," grinned Fujima, making the girls smile. "Now go on, or Miyagi's going to be sending a search party to Shoyo any minute now."
Sachi's giggles joined with Ayako's laugh as the Shohoku team manager left the clinic with a bouncy stride. Turning to Fujima, she asked, "Has anyone ever told you how bossy you can be, Fujima-kun?"
At the innocent question, Hasegawa burst into laughter. "You're probably the first one to say the words out loud to his face, Sachi-san."
Fujima's retort was forestalled by the doctor handing over crutches to Sachi, along with a prescription. "It's as well that you have these boys with you, young lady - you're going to be pretty uncomfortable in the next hour or so. Better to stop by a drugstore before you go home. And go straight home, is that understood?"
"Yes, Doctor. Thank you," murmured Sachi, as the towering Shoyo players moved to either side of her, steadying her as she adjusted herself to using the crutches. The transition was accomplished with very little discomfort, and soon the foursome were on their way.
.../tbc