Author's Note: Well hello there! It's been quite a while, hasn't it? Any of you watching the new miniseries? Enjoying it? This week's new episode provided me with the inspiration to whip this quick little thing up, just as I promised all those months ago! And don't worry, several more like this are being planned! As for particular notes on this one, just a lot of pregnancy cravings and morning sickness; one-sided SayakaxHifumi and a hinting of past ShuichixSayaka, you guys know the drill if you've read the main fic. What was it like for Sayaka and Hifumi to travel together for a few days before they met Makoto? This particular one-shot plans to answer that! See you soon!
######
Sayaka 0.5: Bumps in the Road
######
Undisclosed Location; July 2nd, 1994
Sayaka didn't feel like much of a lady.
They had been on the road for only a day and despite using motorscooters she already felt exhausted. Hifumi had decided on them being the best mode of transportation when he learned Sayaka didn't have a driver's license yet and bikes were too cumbersome. Before they set off, she asked why he couldn't drive them around, remembering the first day when he pulled up to her house in that garish flaming car, but for once he dodged the subject and said motorscooters were fast and reliable. Just like the subject of guns, she left it alone.
The two had stopped in a smaller country area and the moment Hifumi went off to look ahead, Sayaka pulled open her bag and nearly let supplies fall out in her rush as she pulled out a conical corn snack, tearing into it and taking a bite. The corny taste popped in her mouth and she widened her eyes, eating some more.
"No signs of others," Hifumi said, walking over to her. She nodded and swallowed her food. "I know we're meant to stay positive but I can't help wondering, Sayaka-sama! Maybe we truly are the only people left,"
"Don't say that," She frowned and stood up, walking over to him. "There'll be others. There has to be. Remember where we're going? To the Yokohama research facility. Immune people will be there, we'll meet someone," She reassured him, nearly taking his head in her hands before she thought better about it. Instead one was left in mid-air, raised only slightly.
"Yeah...this is one snippet of the quest. We're both bumbling adventurers, waiting to see where the path will take us!" He nodded despite not sounding enthusiastic. He then looked at Sayaka's open bag and the half-eaten snack, gasping a bit. "I'm such a fool! We didn't break once for food today! Who am I to deny a lady her nourishment?!" He ran towards their bags and set them both on the ground, also setting out a pink fluffy blanket of Sayaka's on the dirt and sitting down on it to the best of his ability. She smiled a bit and gently sat down across from him, spreading out their food.
They ransacked small stores for food, mainly canned and packaged things Sayaka knew weren't giving her much in the way of proper nourishment. Plus, she badly craved a chocolate-cookie cake to the point her mouth watered at the sheer thought. If she told Hifumi, he'd do everything in his power to procure one for her, but...
He couldn't know. He couldn't know about her pregnancy, at least not yet. Even if he didn't react negatively, it still wasn't something she wanted wearing down on his mind when they both had more important things to worry about. She could take care of herself. She had been for the past few months, even before everything went awful. She could do fine on her own again.
"Dinner is served," Hifumi said and instantly started digging into his cold ramen, slurping loudly. Sayaka finished off her corn cone and looked over her other choices, a hand on her stomach. Nothing seemed particularly appetizing to her in that moment. So she remained sitting, watching Hifumi slurp his noodles in the hot summer weather.
"You don't want anything?" He asked curiously, putting the empty cup down. "You seemed hungry earlier. Not that it's any of my business! I just meant-"
She giggled. "I know...you're looking out for me. It's sweet,"
"S-Sayaka-sama!" He blushed heavily, staring at her in disbelief.
"You care about me. I would do the same for you," She continued, scooting a bit closer.
"I know...because we're friends. I like to think...just maybe...you like me a tad more than that?" He looked at her with large, hopeful eyes.
"We're neighbors and friends, Hifumi-san," Sayaka affirmed. "In a situation like this, I'm glad to have you,"
"Glad to be with you,"
She remained where she was, finally settling on a bag of chips and eating them in silence. Hifumi took to attacking a cupcake in a way that made her giggle again when she saw all the frosting on his lip. He was a funny and sweet guy, just not the person for her. He was like her little brother in a way!
Once they finished, they packed everything up and set out, Sayaka gasping a bit as she started up her motorbike and feeling a sudden wave of nausea overtake her. She never liked particularly starchy foods before and her pregnancy made her dislike them even more. She covered her mouth in desperation, glancing around for a place to stop. Hifumi was a bit ahead of her, maybe he wouldn't even hear her, maybe he wouldn't even notice her-
"Sayaka-sama?!" Hifumi gasped as he suddenly looked back and saw her slow down, looking ill and worried. "Sayaka-sama!" He stopped his own bike and tried to get off in a rush, which just resulted in part of his foot getting caught and him stumbling around before finally falling on his back. "Sayaka-sama!"
She heard Hifumi call after her but didn't respond, practically leaping from her own vehicle and dashing off, a hand over her mouth. She couldn't find any bushes or trees for miles and eventually paused in the middle of the grassy field, coughing a few times before she leaned over and let it fly, puking up a hot mess of spicy potato chips and spicy corn snacks that made her cough several times after. She took a deep breath and nearly stumbled, trembling.
"Sayaka-sama!" Hifumi finally caught up to her and slowly held his hands out, wanting to grab her arms but being unsure if he'd be allowed to. Sayaka let herself fall back into him, gasping again.
"I'm fine..." She insisted. "Motion sickness," It technically wasn't a lie.
"Right, right. Happens to the best of us," Hifumi nodded, keeping an eye on her. She sighed. "In fact even I feel a tad sick. We'll make camp sooner than usual," He watched her as she slowly stumbled over to her motorscooter, settling into the seat and trying to sit up straight. The nausea had already passed, but she knew it'd come back again at a later date. Her excuse couldn't always be motion sickness. She bit her lip and started her motorscooter up again, following after Hifumi in silence.
They did indeed make camp earlier than usual; they normally waited until dark but today they chose when the sun was halfway through setting. They picked another deserted country area, staying away from cities for the time being. Hifumi laid out Sayaka's pallet and still watched her as he made a fire. Sayaka laid down and put a hand on her stomach. A baby was in there, a baby that was making her sick and crave silly things. A baby that belonged partially to her and partially to a dead man. Or was he? She hadn't heard from him and automatically assumed the worst given the situation, but what if he hadn't died? What if he was somewhere out there up in the north, trying to make his own way around like she was? What if they met again? She wouldn't have the first clue of what to say to him or what would even be appropriate to say. They parted on extremely awkward terms. Then again, if he was alive, why didn't he say anything? He could've sent a letter if needed. Shuichi clearly liked her enough, he suggested marriage. Maybe he decided it was a lost cause and got with someone else. Maybe they'd do it and have a broken condom again. Maybe he assumed she was dead.
"Shuichi-kun..." She whispered to herself, staring up at the sky. So many more stars were visible to her, far more than ever. She knew it was because there were no more lights to cloud the sky and brighten everything, but the reasoning was too ghastly for her to properly formulate in her mind so she just chose to enjoy the fairytale-esque view. With her hair spread all around her, clad in a patterned housedress, she almost had the makings of a fairy, or one of those matronly goddesses who were portrayed either pregnant or breastfeeding their children.
"Huh?" Hifumi asked, blinking. Sayaka rolled over to face him, seeing his face lit up by the fire. The combined heat and humidity made sweat roll down her back.
"My old boyfriend,"
"Right. Saw you two sometimes, you'd wear a nice pair of earrings or lipstick just for him,"
"Is someone jealous?" Sayaka had meant to sound teasing, but right as the words came out she realized that's exactly what it was. Hifumi held up his hands.
"Don't mistake me for a jealous fool or anything, Sayaka-sama! If you two were happy together, then I'm happy! That's all I need from you!" He stammered.
Were they happy together? Sayaka could barely remember why they even met. They just started dating and things went from there. He was very conservative and old-fashioned in his ideals, didn't like people seeing his eyes, and blushed at inopportune times. A bit like Hifumi in a way. She frowned at the connection.
"No," She finally said, rolling over to fall asleep.
It was a troubled sleep, as she expected, but she needed to get at least a few hours. Almost as soon as she closed her eyes, she was running, soaking her feet in rice paddies, panting as she tried to get away from the creepy shadow-lady and her coat hanger. She knew she was behind her, so if she just-
"Awww, why are you running away? Don't you dream of being an idol? I'll give you the perfect body if you just accept my proposal!" She appeared directly in front of Sayaka, making her cry out and fall, soaking her clothing in water. She was still in shadow, everything except for the silver hanger she held in her hands. "It's really just a small thing! All the cool kids are doing it!"
Sayaka woke up with a start and instantly crawled out of her pallet, puking on the dirt beside it. She coughed and choked and sputtered on mainly stomach acid, sitting back down and hugging herself afterwards.
"Having nightmares?" Hifumi asked from his own pallet. She buried her face in her knees and didn't reply. She still heard him crawl over on the dirt and shyly hold out a hand. "I-If you're really sick, tell me. I don't want you to die, Sayaka-sama!"
"I'm not," She mumbled. She knew she reeked of vomit and sweat. "I'm fine,"
The hand left but Hifumi remained. "You're sure? No fever?" He checked the puke on the ground, likely for blood. "No sore throat or headache or anything?"
"People can vomit if they're stressed-out," Maybe Shuichi would've been a better companion, if only for the fact she wouldn't have to pretend around him. He'd know exactly what was wrong with her.
God, she wanted chocolate-cookie cake.
She didn't go to sleep for the remainder of the night, just sitting there in silence, and Hifumi sat next to her, and together they listened to the birds and the fire die out.
Breakfast was dried cereal and instant coffee, then it was back on the road again. Hifumi still kept an eye on Sayaka, who stumbled more and stared down at the road when she drove, a pallor to her. He felt genuinely saddened by her sudden fits but had no clue what to do for them. However, he knew just being by her side was enough. The morning was shaping up to already be quite hot and if he wasn't around a lady, he would've taken his shirt off and rode around bare-chested, but that wasn't very appropriate to do in front of ladies, especially one like Sayaka. Still...maybe they'd come across someone's old kiddy pool they could cool off in. They'd make lemonade and sit in the shade, their feet cooling in a plastic pool, and Sayaka would smile and wear a pretty dress. Just like the old summers.
By the late morning, they passed a store boasting about chocolate and Sayaka paused in her driving, looking in the window.
"Hm? You want something?" Hifumi loved chocolate to death, so if she wanted some, count him in!
Sayaka didn't respond, just turned her motorscooter off and ran inside, helmet still on.
"Sayaka-sama!" He yelped in surprise and turned his own off, trying to run after her and nearly stumbling and falling on the pavement again.
She had already run ahead into the store, searching through the shelves. She needed that chocolate-cookie cake, craved it more than life itself at the moment. She checked the bakery and bread aisles, tossing things aside even. She put a hand on her stomach, looking through the dessert section and gasping when she finally found it; a perfect cookie pie with chocolate chips, never opened.
"Sayaka-sama!" Hiufumi caught up to her, panting. "If you wanted a treat, you should've just asked! You picked a fine specimen too!" He adjusted his glasses, trying to recollect himself.
"I think...there's another," She vaguely gestured over to the shelf, walking off with her find. Hifumi was left in the store, likely still browsing, but that was okay with her. She pulled out a plastic fork she packed on a whim and opened the case, digging right in. Her eyes opened in amazement and she ate more, demolishing the entire center of the cake. That was the gooiest, chocolately-ist part, after all! Once she was finished, a hole was in the center while the rest remained untouched.
Hifumi came out a minute later with a tray of doughnuts, which did look good to Sayaka, but she didn't care at that moment. She looked at the carnage her strong cravings caused and pouted.
Whoever this baby turned out to be, she surely hoped they were worth the cravings.
Despite the huge hole, she packed the remainder of the cake away in case she got strong cravings again, cleaned her mouth off, then got back on her motorscooter. The heat was getting to her despite her lightweight dress and she found herself sweating more than she had the previous night. She knew Hifumi was likely having a tough time of it and if it wasn't a waste of supplies would've suggested they pour their water bottles out over each other.
Still, it seemed someone was looking out for them, as later that afternoon they came across a small, clear lake that flowed out into an even smaller creek that flowed into some unknown place. Sayaka smiled to herself and took her helmet off, parking the motorscooter.
"We could take a bath!" She smiled, for once not thinking about Hifumi's presence as she ran a hand through her hair, removing her barrettes and placing them neatly on the ground. She then started to unbutton her shirt when she heard a loud shriek and froze. "Hifumi-san?" She glanced behind her in fright, only to realize nobody was there aside from him.
"S-Sayaka-sama! I-I..." He stammered, blushing heavily and covering his eyes.
"You are hot too, right? We'll just be cooling off together. Like those old-fashioned mixed baths," Hifumi was a good friend, she saw nothing odd about it at all. Besides, he needed to cool off more than she did.
After some hesitation, he nodded and began undressing himself, and Sayaka continued, pulling her clothing off and folding them up in a neat pile on the shore. She ran another hand through her hair and waded into the water, sighing in instant relief as the coolness refreshed her exhausted body and made her feel infinitely better. She swam around a bit, wanting to get herself both clean and cool, when Hifumi announced his presence and jumped in, creating a large wave that doused her entirely. She froze for a second before bursting into laughter.
"What's so funny?" He asked.
She shrugged and continued giggling. She always tended to laugh at the most random things, and laughter was something that was sorely missing from the both of them for the past few days.
"Well...this feels nice," Hifumi finally commented after a time. "Nice and cool,"
She nodded in agreement and swam a bit more, feeling refreshed. Her hair was thoroughly soaked and hung around her in waves as blue and light as the water she was currently in.
"Sayaka-sama!" Hifumi announced, making her look over in curiosity. Before she could answer him or even fully process what had happened, he had pressed his lips into hers.
"Mmmmmmph?!" She asked in disbelief, wiggling around in the hopes he'd move. Only after a few seconds, he did, looking at her. "What was that for?"
"I'm..I'm so sorry! I just thought, m-maybe...I-I thought..." He stammered before trailing off.
"I don't love you," She said firmly, swimming away from him. She put her clothing back on and sat back down on her scooter. "I don't love you, not like that,"
"I know," Hifumi dressed and sat down as well, staring at the ground. "I guess I just thought...y-you're a lady, and sometimes...ladies change their minds through some persuasion and demonstration,"
"This isn't a fanfiction or manga of yours...you'll always be my friend though," She tried smiling but the mood still felt awkward. Whatever relationship they had prior to that kiss..was gone now. They were friends and certainly travel partners, but that was it. That was all they'd ever be.
She made the fire that night, staring into it blankly. Hifumi slept fitfully a few paces away from her; she figured it was the same nightmares she was having. She had the pie in her lap and tried to eat more but found she had more appetite. More than anything she realized she was lonely. Even if she had Shuichi, even if her and Hifumi were a couple, she'd still feel that longing for companionship. She wanted a bigger travel group. She was a social butterfly, nothing wrong with that...except in a situation like this.
Sayaka ate the remainder of the pie and woke up later in the night to puke in the grass.
Hifumi had a good feeling in his gut that day would be the day they'd finally come across more travelers. Sayaka would've doubted him except she had that same feeling too. She couldn't explain it, couldn't explain how or why, she just knew they'd come across at least another person.
Whether they'd be friendly or not remained another matter entirely, but Sayaka chose to believe by default they'd be like them.
Trusting that feeling in her gut, after a breakfast of more dried cereal and instant coffee, she tried to dress the best she could; work boots had to remain on her figure because they were practical enough for driving, but she also settled on a sunny blouse and white pleated skirt combo, pulling her hair up into a ponytail. She completed the look with her favourite pearl studs and even a pair of lacy gloves she also packed on a whim.
"Y-You...you look beautiful," Hifumi breathed upon seeing her, making her blush beside her.
"Thank you..I just thought, since we're meeting others today, might as well make a good impression on them, right?" She smiled softly and the two set off together. She realized she honestly had no clue where they were going, but surely they had to be close to Yokohama by this point, right?
They rode for the better part of the morning, coming across another grassy area by the afternoon. In the distance, Sayaka could make out the shape of a person packing up something into a bag before pausing, raising a hand in greeting to them.
Oh! They were friendly after all! Sayaka would finally get to meet someone new! Her and Hifumi weren't the only ones left alive after all!
As she drove closer, she saw it was a boy around her age, with brown hair and a plain shirt and jeans, awkwardly waving at them.
"Hello...?" He asked shyly, making her smile back and stop her motorbike. She took off her helmet and shook her hair out, revealing her earrings and ponytail. He certainly didn't look like a threat, not from this close up. To show they were on the same side, she smiled a bit more and decided to greet him, already hurrying over to him.
"Hello yourself! We haven't seen people in quite a few days, so you're a sight for sore eyes!"
