Breathe Bubbles

Chapter Two


Shouyou toed the shoreline, foam kissing his skin. The air was cool and salty, licking sweat down his back. Sunlight was hiding behind the clouds.

His mother told him Natsu found him washed up and bleeding on the sand. His father told him he was suffering from a concussion. The doctor told him he was lucky to be alive.

They all asked what happened. But Shouyou couldn't remember. He knew they were staying at his aunt's seaside cottage for the summer. He knew he wanted to go cliff diving with his sister. But he couldn't recall ever jumping.

The doctor informed the family that memory loss was possible with a concussion. He warned Shouyou that he might feel fatigued and dizzy, and headaches were fairly common with head trauma. The symptoms could last months.

Shouyou sighed, staring off to where the water touched the sky. His head felt heavy. But other than that, he felt no discomfort. He supposed he should be grateful to the waves.

It's been three days since the incident. Shouyou was unconscious for the first. He was bedridden for the rest. But somehow he managed to escape for fresh air. He always felt antsy when confined to a room.

Seagulls cried out above his head. The shore shushed as it rushed over the beach. Shouyou's breath was loud in his own ears.

He didn't know why he decided to look towards the water crashing into the cliff. Maybe it was instinct. Maybe it was curiosity. Maybe it was fear. Maybe it was fate.

A glimpse of gleaming blue disappeared into a splash of water.

"SHOUYOU!" He jolted at the suddenness of his sister's shout. His head swerved towards Natsu, and he instantly felt dizzy. He whined, clutching at his head. Small hands steadied his swaying, and he fought down the urge to vomit.

"I'm sorry- I'm sorry, you idiot! I didn't mean to scare you. You should be in bed!" Natsu blustered- panicked. She rubbed at his back, scared to irritate his head more. Realizing that her voice wouldn't help, she quickly shut her mouth.

They stood, ankles wet, while Shouyou oriented himself. He took deep breaths, closing his eyes to the light. Moments passed by slowly.

"... Okay…" He whispered, minutes later. "I'm okay."

"Okay," Natsu said softly in return. She nudged him lightly, and together they headed back for the cottage.

It was when he was in bed again that he spoke.

"I'm sorry, Natsu." But she just shook her head and headed back out. He realized she probably didn't understand that he was apologizing for more than sneaking out.


Notes: Something we can all agree on: Shouyou was an idiot for jumping off a cliff with no parental supervision.

A comment mentioned how they thought this story was going to be cutesy. Don't worry! There'll be cute scenes in the future. Although some aspects of this story are going to be borderline mature.

A side-note: Since the manga or anime isn't specific about Natsu's age, I'm making her ten years old. Hope that doesn't bother anyone!